Loved & Loyal | 1

v

It was 2:27am, and I couldn't sleep.

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

I couldn't stop remembering all the little things that I never paid much attention to, like how a tingling would shoot up my arm every time she held my hand. How whenever I slept over, and we would cuddle, her body fit perfectly against mine. How I could know what she was thinking just by the shade of her eyes and the small curves to her lips.

She was my best friend, my other half, the person I told everything to. She was my everything.

As I lay in the dark, my head on the pillow and the blankets thrown over half my legs because I was too hot, but cold at the same time, and the time on my alarm clock flashing as the minutes passed by, I thought about nothing but Abbigail.

I heard her get dropped off about an hour ago, at 1:30am...

I wonder if she's thinking about me, or her date with the guy who's face I wanted to smash in, or about the sex they probably had, or if she was sleeping peacefully, dreaming. About what, I had no idea.

It was Saturday morning, and I was grounded. What a bust. I didn't get much sleep last night so I am incredibly tired and to top it all off, I don't get movie night tonight like Abs and I had planned. I walked down the hall, down the stairs, and through the living room into the kitchen. I planted myself on one of the comfy high chairs parked around the island.

Our kitchen was pretty modern, with marble countertops, a high-tech range and oven, black wooden cupboards, and a matching pantry. The island sat in the middle of the space, with 3 chairs around it, furnished in suede. My mom loved designing and picked out everything in this house because we bought the property when they were building this neighbourhood. She couldn't cook, but Mom loved her kitchen.

Mom was standing at the large stainless steel fridge, grabbing the carton of eggs, when I walked in. I sighed and put my arms on the table, resting my forehead on my forearms.

"How was your sleep, sweetie?" Mom was a very gentle person, and couldn't stay mad at anyone for very long. My dad is the one who is probably insisting on my grounding staying in place and not being removed early, even if it only has been one day.

I groaned. "Horribly. My mind wouldn't quiet down." I could feel my mother looking at me, concern in her eyes.

"What's got you all pensive, deary?"

"Just stuff like university and hockey," I lied dismissively with the shrug of my broad shoulders.

"Well, maybe you and Abby will get a nice sleep tonight." Referring to our movie night and sleepover combo.

I looked up from my arms at Mom, confused, but then remembered about the movie night rain check, and then scowled because it had to be postponed again. "Mom, I'm grounded. Abby can't come over for another six days," grumpily and regrettably, I reminded her.

"Oh, gosh, yes. I forgot about that. Sorry, Benjamin." My mother winced at me, sorry for bringing it up.

"It's alright. I have college stuff to look up and I'm going to see if I can catch any more shut-eye."

"Okay, sweetheart. But have some eggs first. You're a growing young man, and you need your protein."

"Thanks, Mom." I grabbed the plate of scrabbled eggs she handed me and kissed her on the cheek. Eggs were the only thing Mom could cook.

I sat in silence, quietly eating my eggs. When I finished, I set my dishes in the stainless steel sink and went back up the stairs, to my room. I needed a nap.

-Abby's P.O.V-

I'm laying in bed at 3:47am, now Sunday night, and I can't sleep. The date a couple nights ago went fine, I guess. He was charming, handsome, complimented me on my dress, and took me to a nice restaurant. He opened my door, took me to his place afterwards. One thing led to another, and it was great, but it wasn't what I wanted. It wasn't like what you read in the books. It was pleasurable, but not mind blowing.

I thought he was the one. I thought he was different. But, he wasn't. He was just like every other guy I dated. He knew about my reputation for... getting around, and wanted some. He hasn't texted, called, nothing. This happens more than you think, and I didn't mind it before, but I don't want to sleep around anymore. I want a guy I can settle down with, at least for a bit; have a real relationship with.

Thinking about this, the water works started. I thought about calling Ben to comfort me, but I didn't want to be selfish and wake him up.

My best friend. My Bear. The guy I was in love with but could never have. I knew I had feelings for Ben about two years ago that surpassed normal friendship. I grew up with him, spent almost every day of my life with him. We were born on the same day, for heavens' sake. It was only a matter of time before I did the cliché thing and fall for him. I was the emotionally vulnerable girl, and he was the oblivious boy. He wouldn't fall for me, because that wasn't how he saw me and his view wouldn't change.

I just hope these feelings pass, because he's my best friend, and I couldn't live without him.

-End of Abby's P.O.V-