Echoes of Wonderland

Lovefool

Red's POV

Friday morning

The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Chloe is still asleep beside me, her face peaceful and serene. The events of last night play through my mind, the intensity of it all still lingering. I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness, knowing how close I came to losing her.I brush a strand of hair away from her face, careful not to wake her. She looks so perfect, so vulnerable. My chest tightens with a mix of relief and love. I've never felt this strongly about anyone, and the thought of anything happening to her again fills me with dread.Eventually, Chloe stirs, her eyes fluttering open. The moment our gazes meet, a warm smile spreads across her face. I lean down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

- Morning. - I whisper.

- Morning. - she replies, her voice still groggy with sleep.

- Hey, I was thinking we should stay until after the dance, - I propose the idea. - Just in case anything goes down at castlecoming.

- Seems like a good idea. - Chlo replies.

We lay there for a while, just enjoying the quiet, the calm after the storm. But soon, we know we have to face the day. We can't stay hidden away forever, no matter how much I wish we could.We get dressed, and I stay close to her, unable to shake the lingering worry. I can tell Chloe notices, but she doesn't say anything, just squeezes my hand reassuringly.

As we head to class, I'm hyper-aware of everyone around us. Every student we pass, every noise in the hallway—it all sets me on edge. But Chloe seems calm, more relaxed than I expected. She's always been stronger than me, and it's in moments like these that I'm reminded of that.When we enter the classroom, we're immediately met with Bridget's worried face. The moment she sees Chloe, she sprints over, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. I can see the relief in her eyes, but also the confusion.

- What happened? - Bridget asks, pulling back slightly to look at us both.

Chloe's expression falters for a moment, and I see the flicker of pain in her eyes as the memories resurface. I step in quickly.

- It's a long story. - I say, my voice steady. - But she's okay now. We both are.

Bridget looks between us, sensing the tension.

- I was so worried when I didn't hear anything from you guys. - She says softly.

- Sorry we didn't keep you updated. - I say, giving her a small smile. - It was... chaotic.

Chloe remains quiet, but I can feel her hand tighten around mine. I know she's trying to hold it together, and I squeeze her hand back in silent support.Just then, Fay and Ella walk into the room, their faces lighting up when they see us. They make their way over, joining the small circle we've formed.

- Hey. - Fay says, giving Chloe a gentle hug. - Glad to see you're okay.

- It's good to see you two safe. - Ella smiles warmly at us both, her eyes filled with understanding.

We all stand there for a moment, the weight of everything that's happened hanging in the air. But then, Bridget speaks up, trying to lighten the mood.

- So, Castlecoming is tonight. - She says, her tone upbeat. - I know it's probably the last thing on your minds, but it might be a good distraction. What do you think?

I glance at Chloe, who looks back at me with a small smile. I know she's thinking the same thing I am—we need this. A chance to escape, even if just for a little while.

- Yeah. - I say, nodding. - I think we could all use a distraction.

Everyone agrees, and for the first time in what feels like forever, there's a sense of normalcy in the air. We make plans to meet up later, and as we settle into our seats, I feel a little bit of the tension in my chest ease. Chloe catches my eye and smiles, and for that moment, everything feels right again.