Shapeless

Ch 5 sleeping beauty

Jason sighed, smiling to himself. Yesterday had been a good day. Well, sort of. Minus the fact that the love of his life had been picked on by some jerk named Kash. Kash had always bullied Skyler since 7th grade. What was his problem? How could anyone want to hurt someone as beautiful and pure as her? He clenched a fist briefly. Next time he comes around I'll show him what I'm made of. He promised silently to himself, sliding out of bed.
With a yawn, Jason fixed his brown hair as much as he wanted to bother and slipped on a dark red jacket. Hands in his pockets, the boy made his way down the stairs. His eyes widened when he made it down. Is there something in my teeth? He made sure his mouth was clean before entering the kitchen. Sitting at the table, Jason glanced over at his family's greenish couch.
Curled up in a plaid blanket was what Jason thought to be an angel. She snored quietly, brown hair a messy tangle on her head, sticking to her face. Her eyes were closed peacefully and she had a faint smile on her lips. Jason sighed, head in his hands. I wonder what she is dreaming about... his thoughts trailed off as she woke with a snort.
Jason swallowed quickly, turning away and pretending to be focused on a glass of water that was, by some stroke of luck, sitting on the table.
Sitting up slowly, Skyler let her legs dangle over the side of the couch and turned her beautiful head.
Jason's cheeks heated up. Skyler had slept here overnight. In her grieving state, she had found her way through the woods into his backyard. Just like old times. It had been cold out there so his mother had let her stay, so long as she slept on the couch. Poor Skyler... He thought. She seemed confused for a moment, glancing around frantically as if she didn't know where she was.
Her gaze cleared when she saw Jason and her memory flooded back. He guessed that she was probably startled because she usually slept at the orphanage. It must have been a pleasant surprise to wake up with a decent roof over her head.
Jason smiled at his friend and gave a small wave. "Hey sleeping beauty." he grinned. Skyler blinked almost shyly and nodded back. "Hey J-Jason." she returned, making her way to the table to join him. She rubbed her brown eyes stifling a yawn. "So I slept here then?" she nodded at the closed curtains.
Jason nodded.
Skyler glanced at him hesitantly. "Y-your mom let me s-stay?" she shivered in the cool morning air.
Jason shook his head, voice gentle. "Of course Skyler cat, it was too cold to sleep outside," he answered teasingly.
Skyler rolled her eyes with an amused expression on her face. "No, I mean why didn't she send me back to the orphanage?" she tilted her head.
Jason shrugged. "I don't know, I guess it's because you fell asleep here when we were talking and I didn't want to wake you."
He rubbed the back of his head nervously.
She doesn't remember. He thought with embarrassed relief.
He looked at the floor shyly, remembering the previous night.
How she had unknowingly fallen asleep on his shoulder and that he had tucked her in. He remembered the feeling of her warm forehead against his lips and he gulped.
He shook his head. Stay focused! he thought.
Skyler smiled.
"Oh yeah. I remember now." she whispered slightly. Meeting his gaze, she gave him a knowing look.
Jason's eyes widened. She does remember? he thought with a bit of panic.
"So, uh, is there anything else you remember?" he asked, low key, dreading the answer.
Skyler shrugged. "Hmm... well I do remember that you gave me this blanket," she nodded.
Jason released a breath. Phew!
He also nodded. "Well, I think it's actually time to get ready for school."
He reached into the pantry, and pulled out a box of cereal.
"Here you go ma'am," he placed a bowl in front of her.
"Thank you," she replied thoughtfully. "But you shouldn't be so polite. We aren't strangers. I like when you just be yourself," she winked.
Jason felt a ridiculous grin tug at his lips so he turned to hide it. "Uh, n-no problem Skyler," he smiled to himself. She likes me when I am myself.
Another day of school. Jason thought, clenching a fist. "I can't wait to see Kash today."
Skyler blinked in surprise. "Really? That makes one of us then."
Jason smirked. "Oh I don't think he will be glad to see me though, princess."
Skyler laughed. "Oh no Jason, what are you planning?"
Jason tapped his fingers on the counter. "What? Nothing! I'm scheming. There is a difference," he laughed. Skyler rolled her eyes.
"You are gonna get yourself in trouble, handsome." she warned.
Jason smirked. "It's worth it though-" he stopped, face heating up.
"What did you call me?"
He could have sworn that he had heard her say handsome?
Skyler shrugged. "What do you mean?" She said innocently.
She poured the cereal. "Let's eat."
Jason sat down but he was way too distracted to do anything. Something about the way she was acting. She wasn't being so cold towards him, it was just like before. Is there another reason why she rejects me? Does she secretly like me? He tried to banish any false hopes but the thought was exciting.
Did she just call me handsome? his thoughts swam. No way! I must have imagined it! She doesn't like me in that way... he gulped when his blue eyes met hers. Does she?
What are you thinking about, beautiful? he wondered to himself. Why did girls have to be so mysterious? Especially the brown-eyed beauty in front of him.