The Bodyguard | 18+

Chapter 32

As I reach my own room, I swing open the door, ready to collapse onto my bed and drown out the emotions swirling within me.

But as I step inside, my irritation reaches new heights. There, sprawled out on my bed like they own the place, lie Stephanie and Austin, fast asleep. My annoyance bubbles over, but I bite back the sharp retort that threatens to escape my lips.

With a frustrated exhale, I sink into the only available spot on the couch, feeling its worn fabric beneath me. My hands cover my face, trying to shield myself from the raw sting of betrayal and the bitter taste of deception. The room is cloaked in dim light, amplifying the emptiness that consumes me. Despite the presence of Stephanie and Austin, who sleep peacefully nearby, I can't shake the sense of loneliness that grips me. Part of me envies their obliviousness, their ability to escape into the realm of dreams while I'm left to navigate the harshness of reality.

Closing my eyes, I allow myself to simply breathe, to exist in this moment of quiet reflection. Jason's words echo in my mind, a painful reminder of the illusions I had allowed myself to believe. With a heavy heart, I realize that I may never truly escape the tangled web of emotions that now entwine me. But despite the crushing weight of despair pressing down on me, I refuse to succumb to its suffocating embrace. I refuse to let this betrayal define me. And I refuse to let anyone, especially Jason, dim the light that burns within me.

Gradually, I allow sleep to overtake me, allowing its gentle embrace to soothe the ache in my heart.

~~~~~~

As the first rays of dawn filter through the curtains, gently nudging me awake, I find myself slowly emerging from the depths of slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I sit up groggily, rubbing my eyes.

Glancing around the room, I notice that Austin is nowhere to be seen. I only see Stephanie who is still asleep.

With a sigh, I rise from the couch, stretching out the stiffness from my limbs. Today is a chance for renewal, for moving forward despite the pain in my heart. As I quietly make my way around the room, gathering my thoughts and preparing for the day ahead, I see Stephanie stir in the bed, her eyes fluttering open.

"Morning," she murmurs sleepily once her eyes land on me, offering me a tired smile.

"Morning," I reply softly, returning her smile. "I hope you know that you will not be having another hook up on my bed."

She gasps, appearing surprised by my statement. "I hooked up with Austin?"

"Yes, you did, right on that bed," I confirm, attempting to conceal my frustration.

"Oh my God. Yes!" She cheers, "That's been on my bucket list." I roll my eyes at her enthusiasm as I step into the closet, ready to pick out my outfit for the day. "But I'm sorry, Ava, it won't happen again."

"Thank you. You left me without a bed for the night." I shake my head.

"Really? Where did you sleep then?" She looks around the room, puzzled. I pause, unsure whether to reveal my actual sleeping arrangements. What would she say?

"Um... the couch. Which was very uncomfortable, by the way," I reply, keeping the truth hidden for now.

As I rummage through my closet, I can sense Stephanie's curious gaze lingering on me, her eyes probing for any sign of discomfort or secrecy. I can't help but feel guilt for withholding the truth from her, but the memory of Jason's betrayal still stings too fresh in my mind.

"Are you lying to me?" Stephanie's voice breaks the silence, her tone filled with genuine concern.

"W-What? No, of course not." I stuttered.