It Can Only Get Better From Here

Chapter 16

KATIANA'S POV

"So, Katt, what do you want to do while we're in Quebec?" Jack asked me as we walked into a small motel.

I glanced around, nervous from the lack of lighting around the place. "Well, if it's okay with you guys, I want to visit my dad's grave. I haven't been there for a while."

Jack nodded seriously and turned the handle of the room.  It was fairly small. It had three beds and two couches.

Xaivier and Heith were already lying on the beds, watching the small TV at the front of the room.

I placed my suitcase on the ground and looked around for a place to lie down. "Oh my god, can I sleep in the closet?"

Heith and Xaivier laughed. Jack ruffled my hair. "Of course you can, special K."

I stuck my tongue out at him and grabbed a blanket and pillow off of Xaivier's bed. "'Special K' is exhausted and doesn't want to be disturbed. So make sure you guys shut up for the last few hours we have left to sleep, okay?"

Heith chuckled. "Hey Jack, get your drums out and we'll do some practicing before bed."

I threw my pillow at him, hitting his face square on. "Heith, I will kick you in the head."

"Go for it, sweetheart." Heith said, gesturing to me.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. "In the morning. I'll wake you up like that."

He threw the pillow back at me. "Go to bed, Katt."

I put the blanket on the floor of the closet and grabbed my pyjamas from my suitcase. I was relieved that there was a door so I could change.

I lay down with a contented sigh and pushed the door open a little bit. "Good night, guys."

I closed my eyes, trying to relax.

But I couldn't sleep. I rolled over, but couldn't get comfortable.

Anderson and Raph finally got back from checking in. "Hey, where's Katt?"

I saw a foot by the door of the closet and I grabbed it.

Anderson screamed and I let go, giggling to myself.

"I found her." He said calmly. He opened the door and looked in at me. He smiled then closed the door again.

I felt a little more at ease. All of them were here, all of them safe.

Yet sleep evaded me. I jumped when Xaivier turned the small lamp off. The darkness covered me like a blanket.

I lay awake for most of the night, stuck halfway between real life and my dreams.

Is this the real life, I thought to my self, Is this just fantasy?

With a yawn, I sat up and rubbed my eyes groggily. I looked out out at the clock.

3:00 am.

I stood shakily and stretched, deciding to get a breath of fresh air.

I slipped outside into the cool night air, my breath swirling around me like smoke. I almost didn't notice the figure already leaning against the wall.

 "Xaivier?" I whispered, creeping forward. "What are you doing out here?"

He jumped a little. "I couldn't sleep."

I heard the sadness in his voice. I frowned. "Me neither."

"I'm sorry, Katiana," he said, his voice almost carried away by the wind, "I'm sorry that I made things difficult."