Secrets | 5SOS

[4]

That night, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I was back in that house, hearing my parents’ voices, feeling their anger. I tossed and turned, the sheets tangling around me like restraints.

Finally, I gave up and got out of bed, wandering into the living room. I found Michael there, sitting on the couch with a book.

“Hey,” he said softly, looking up. “Can’t sleep?”

I shook my head, wrapping my arms around myself. “Nightmares,” I admitted, my voice barely audible.

Michael patted the spot next to him, and I sat down, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

I shook my head again. “No. It’s... it’s too much.”

“Okay,” he said, not pushing. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

I nodded, feeling tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. Michael put his arm around me, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a tiny bit of the weight lift from my shoulders.

As Michael held me close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. He didn't ask questions or press for details. He simply offered his support, and in that moment, it was all I needed.

I leaned into his embrace, letting his warmth seep into my bones. Despite the darkness that still lingered in my mind, being with him brought a sense of peace. For the first time that night, my racing thoughts began to slow, and the tension in my body eased.

As we sat there together, a sense of calm washed over me. I closed my eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of Michael's heartbeat, the comforting weight of his arm around me. For a while, it was enough to chase away the shadows that haunted me.

Before I knew it, exhaustion caught up with me, and I found myself drifting off to sleep in Michael's arms. It was a fitful slumber, plagued by fragments of memories and half-formed nightmares, but somehow, his presence kept the worst of them at bay.

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt rested. And as I glanced over at Michael, still asleep beside me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for his support.

"Oh Hey you're up! Calum and Ashton are already at work but Michael and I will be staying home today. Want some breakfast before you head to school?" Luke spoke as he watched me step into the kitchen where he was drinking a cup of coffee.

"No thank you, Luke. I think I'll just get ready and head to school."

"Bella, I've noticed you've been skipping breakfast a lot. Are you eating your other meals fine?" He questioned, concerned.

Luke was usually working late shifts so he would leave right before i came home from school and come back late after dinner. So it was easy to lie to him.

"Ofcourse I've been eating Luke! I just don't feel like eating so early in the morning. I'll probably grab something from the school cafeteria when i get there." I lied.

"Ok, have a good day at school! Study hard, i want to see you get straight As"

"haha, lower your expectations. I'm not smart enough for that!"