Estranged lovers

Chapter 27

SIDDHARTH

I wake up to the sound of whimpers. I check the clock on the bedside table. 3:53.

"Annika." I say softly in the dark

The whimpers grow louder... worried I turn on the lamp. 

The dim light hits her soft features which are now scrunched in pain. Her face twisting.

I kneel beside her.

"Annika." I say again

She doesn't seem to hear anything. I know this very well. I went through it for years before I received proper therapy. 

Her breath comes out in short puffs.  I place my hand on the side of her face. She's trembling. 

"No." she chokes out

"Annika." I am careful to not be too loud or she could panic 

"P...P please." she says

She grabs my arm, her nails digging into my skin.

"Mnn.." she shakes her head

What caused her to be like this? Who did this to you?

I slowly lift her and place her against my chest. Her trembling doesn't stop for a long time.

I keep whispering soothing words in her ears as she softens against me.

What is wrong with me? I have never done this for anyone. 

I'm just repaying for what she did last night, that's it. Yes that's right ... that is what it is.

I don't realize how long I hold her. Somehow I don't feel like letting go. I should, she is asleep now......just a little while.

This reminds me of the times i woke up screaming  as a kid. Alone in the dark, I remember staying up long hours scared to fall asleep, scared of what I would see if I closed my eyes.

 I wake up to her shifting against me, trying to move away. She's awake huh.

"Well" I say

She stills. 

"Good morning." I say slowly pushing her off me as I stand up from the sofa

"What-" she starts her voice hoarse

I just stare at her. I don't know if I should tell her the real reason. But what if she puts up her walls even higher.

*Ahem*"Why were you holding m-me" she manages

"You were cold." I say

"what?" she asks wide-eyed

"You were cold so you were whimpering like a wounded animal. I tried putting sheets around you and then you grabbed my arms and weren't letting go."

 I show her my arm with her nail marks.

Her face turns red. Hmmm I missed it.

"I was sleepy and had no other choice." I say shrugging as I walk to my closet to take my towel and clothes

"I- I am sorry." she says in a small voice

"Well my entire body hurts from holding you for so long." I say

I turn to find her staring at me with those big eyes..her face turning redder.

Something unfurls in my chest. What am I doing right now? Why am I railing her up?

"I .. I didn't ask you to hold me." she says looking at her feet

"Like I said I didn't have a choice." I say