A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter 2- Read It In A Book Once

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I haven't been feeling great lately. The exhaustion is beginning to get to me. And sleep, let's just say I'm never sure if it's what I want or not. More so what falling into sleep will lead to. Things are a toss-up every night, even more so with how Zach's been staying over more often. Instead of wondering if my sleep will bring a nightmare or not, I have to wonder if my waking nights will too now.

The only nights now that I do enjoy are those with Peter, but I never know when those will be anymore. They've been becoming fewer and fewer recently. So, instead of wondering and hoping, I've been staying up late instead. I've found that those are the nights when my worries don't come true.

If I'm not asleep, then bad things can't happen.

At the piano, my fingers trail the keys I remember them being placed before. I don't know a whole lot about the piano, but I do know enough to play. We were taught how to read music and the keys in choir, so I've been using what I know to try and help me play the song stuck in my head. I get a few notes right and write them down in my journal.

The cushion compresses next to me, and I look to see a familiar smile.

Connor.

His smile falters not even a second later before his words tell me why.

"Hey, you don't look so hot."

I try to play it off before going back to playing the keys I know.

"Well, I guess it's good I have such a lovely personality then."

Laughing to himself, he bumps me in the shoulder.

"You have more than that, but you know that's not what I was referring to. Have you not been sleeping well?"

A, G, A, G?

Nope, that doesn't sound right.

"No, I haven't been. Kind of been up late reading. You know me."

It was a black key he showed me, so maybe G#?

"What book is it this time?"

Yep, that's right.

The one good thing about the lack of sleep I've gotten is that I have noticed my mind a little less jumbled. Almost like the exhaustion makes it harder to have a hundred thoughts at once.

What is the next key?

"It was the second in the series I was reading the other day. I finished it, but have to wait until the third is returned before I can read it. Kind of sucks, what am I supposed to lose myself into now?"

I think it's E.

"You could always call me if you need a distraction."

"Or, not. I get it if you don't want to."

His tone changes with his second statement as he places his fingers on the lower keys. The subtle shift is enough to tell me that it's Jackson now with me. Taking a glance at him, the change in his posture and inability to keep eye contact anymore tells me even more that that is the case.

"Well, I guess I'll be calling you tonight then."

He begins to play, and it's reminiscent of the keys Peter played. He showed me, or I guess more so Iris, what to play before playing his own part alongside mine.