𝐍𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐄 ⎯⎯⎯⎯ THOMAS

003.

three !

A KNOCK AT Brynleigh's door startled her, though she was anticipating it. She stood from her bed and opened the door to see him standing in the doorway smiling.

"You've got to stop doing this, you're gonna get caught one day." She told him, moving out the way to let him in.

"I like sleeping in the same bed as you, it helps me sleep better." He shrugged.

"She is gonna be mad if she finds out a boy is in a girls room. Especially at night, in the same bed."

"The risk is worth it for you. Plus, I'm always back in my room before she even notices. Now, come here." He patted the spot on the bed next to him, signaling for her to sit there.

"Can I get the inside today?" She asked.

"Fine." He huffed as he got up and let her get in first.

They lay side by side in the twin bed, gazing up at the little doodles they drew on ceiling. His fingers were entwined in her curly locks, absentmindedly tangling and untangling them.

"We're getting too big for this bed, y'know." He spoke.

She giggled at his comment, "I know. I'll have to ask for a bigger one or maybe a new room."

"Do you think we will be in here for that long?"

Her eyebrows knitted together in deep thinking. Noticing he wasn't getting an answer, he spoke up, "Brynn?"

Brynleigh sighed, "I hope not. My aunt says it's just for a bit until they sort out what's going on out there. Then, we'll be fine."

"I hope she's right. I trust your aunt and her judgement." He said.

"Yeah, me too. Although, her judgement is off sometimes. She thinks we're in love." The girl laughed.

He laughed along with her, "Well, I don't know what love is― but if I had to give an example of it, this would be the closest thing."

"You are my best friend. Do best friends love each other?" She asked, turning her head to face him.

"Maybe. I guess so." He replied as he turned to face her as well.

"Well then, in that case, I love you." She smiled.

"I love you too, Brynn." He gave her the same big smile.

Brynleigh shot straight up, breathing heavily. She reached for the pail of water kept beside her bed for moments like this. Grasping the bucket, she cupped her hands, scooped up some water, and splashed it onto her face.

That stupid unknown boy who kept appearing in her dreams was starting to annoy her. There was no logical reason why he should make her feel that strange, tingly feeling in her stomach every time she woke up. Perhaps he truly was the man of her dreams—literally.

Looking outside, the sun was just starting to rise. Brynleigh knew she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep after that dream.

She put on her boots and put her curly hair ( that she utterly despised because it was too messy and too much maintenance ) in the familiar braid.