The Little Night Light

Chapter 13

My eyes slowly peeled open as I shifted in my bed. My room was dimly lit and abnormally warm. I took a deep breath before I slowly sat up. Looking around, I noticed that my stuff was on a neat pile on the ground and my back pack was leaned up against the side of my bed. What happened? Did I fall asleep?

Connor.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath as I shot out of my bed and threw on my soft blue robe. I dashed down stairs as fast as I could, getting a little dizzy on the way down. His shoes were still at the door, but where was he? I looked around the small area trying to make sense of where he was.

"Connor?" I said softly surprised. He was standing in the kitchen by the sink holding some of the dirty dishes my mom refused to wash, "what are you still doing here? Or why? I meant why."

"I saw the note your mom left you, and uh, I didnt want to leave, I wanted to make sure you were alright first."

"God, Connor, it's nine o'clock," I said tiredly, it felt as if it was five just seconds ago, "go home, you didnt have to-"

"I washed your dishes and windows." He blurted out. I think I stared at him for a little bit.

"Hu? You what?"

"I uh, cleaned your dishes and windows."

"Connor! God why did you do that?" He shrugged before rubbing his shoulders.

"I just thought I could help."

"Connor, thank you, but really, you're the guest, you're not supposed to be doing that kind of stuff. I mean, as far as I know, I'm the one supposed to be serving you. Oh God you must be hungry. I'm so sorry, I can make you something if you'd like-"

I silenced myself as he took a could steps towards me. I felt like I couldn't move, like I was paralyzed by him.

"Cybele, it's ok, really." His voice sent shivers up my spine. How could I hate him so much, yet be ready to do as he says?

I slowly nodded in a daze.

"O-ok." He slowly nodded before pulling me into a hug. My first instinct told me to scream and kill him, kill all of him and his entire race, but yet it was comforting. The darkness within me gurgled up before going silent and scampering away in the farthest corner of my mind, leaving me to think my own thoughts and be the small person I was. My second instinct was to embrace what I had while I had it. So that's what I did.

"Do you want me to stay a little longer? Since, you know, your mom won't be home?"

"N-no, I'll be ok thank you."

"You sure? Do you need me to pick you up any food for the weekend?"

"I think I will manage."

"Ok, well, I guess I'll be on my way-"

"Thank you," I blurted out, "Thank you for um, staying, and doing the project with me."

He gave me a small smile before chuckling, "you know that part of the project was extra credit you know." My face heated  up with anger and disgust.

"You little piece of shit!" I screamed and pounded on his chest, "I hate you I hate you I hate you!" All he could do was laugh. That little fucker had it coming for him.

"Calm down Cybele, I know you like extra credit stuff."

"Shut up," I growled playfully as I punched his arm.

"Ow, damn girl, you sure do have a powerful swing."

"It's from my years of practicing."

"Where did you practice?" I was silent for a moment.