Dark Paradise

11

                                              Anabella
I wake around 1 pm, to the smell of food. I sit up in bed I glance over and see Amelia, her hair tied back and a light dusting of flour covering her apron as she flips pancakes on the griddle. "Good morning, Amelia!" I call out, my voice still thick with sleep. She turns to me, a bright smile lighting up her face, and replies, "It's more like good afternoon! But I figured you'd still appreciate some pancakes."

"'I also have some clothes laid out for you, and a toothbrush for you,' Amelia says, grinning as she starts washing the dishes. I smile at her, grateful for the gesture. "You're spoiling me, Thank you Amelia." I reply, swinging my legs out of bed.

I make my way into the shower, the sound of running water creating a soothing rhythm that calms my senses. As I step under the spray, the warm steam begins to envelop the bathroom, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.

I brush my teeth and wash my hair, watching as my curls spring back to life under the warm water.

After drying off, I slip into the comfortable outfit Amelia laid out for me: gray biker shorts and a one-piece anime T-shirt that looks all too familiar. A chuckle escapes my lips as I recognize it as an old favorite shirt.

"Is this mine?" I ask, walking into the kitchen.

"Yup! You forgot it while packing," Amelia replies, taking a bite of her food with a casual shrug, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I shake my head with a grin, a sense of relief washing over me as I sit down across from her. "I've been looking everywhere for it!"

We finish our breakfast in silence, the gentle clinking of utensils punctuating the tranquil atmosphere. As I sit back and take it all in, I realize just how much I've missed this routine with her—the quiet mornings (or afternoons, in this case). There's a deep, easy comfort between us, a connection forged through shared moments and unspoken understanding. I find myself appreciating the little things she does without a second thought

"'You wanna come to the bookstore with me?" She says, baiting me. I know her too well—Amelia has never been a reader, and it's clear she just wants to spend more time together.

I raise an eyebrow, amused. "Since when do you hang out in bookstores?"

She shrugs, trying to play it cool. "I don't. But I figured you'd like it... and maybe I'll find something interesting."

I can't help but laugh softly. "Alright, let's go. I'll never say no to books!"

Amelia smiles. "Let me get changed really quick."

I nod, pulling out my phone to pass the time. As soon as I unlock it, I see the screen flooded with notifications—hundreds of messages from Desire. My heart sinks a little, and I hesitate before scrolling through the previews,

Des💜 : where r u bitch
Des💜 : bitch answer me
Des💜 : i miss you bella
Des💜 : if you don't answer, i'll cry myself to sleep
Des💜 : come home to me bella :(

I smile, letting out a small laugh. Desire always knows how to get my attention, and despite the overwhelming number of messages, I feel a warmth spread through me. I love Desire so much

me: i am alive, i'll be home later ily

"'Ready to go?' Amelia asks, stepping out in a casual outfit. I nod, grabbing Desire's car keys from the counter.

                      ¥¥¥¥¥¥

"This book is so good!" I exclaim, holding the novel up for Amelia to see, my eyes sparkling with excitement.