Hereafter (GxG) editing

Chapter 13

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•33•

"I'm sorry Zoe. I'm just. There was just."

"Oh c'mon just tell me what happened. Don't try to make an excuse, I'll understand."

Autumn felt guilty as she heard her friend demand for truth. She can't tell that she's been in the world of the non-living. No one's getting involved here anymore.

"Okay, uhm." Autumn tried to start again, creating events that never happened in her head. "Eight asked me out of town."

She bowed and closed her eyes as she hoped Zoeey will buy it. But it was silent.

"Hello?" Said Autumn to the other line. "Zoe, are you still there?"

"YAS! WHAT THE FUCK WHY DID YOU JUST TELL ME NOW!?" Zoeey started squealing and making weird noises. "So you two now are like, a thing!? You're dating!? Tell me about iiiitt come ooon!"

Autumn's face heated again, hiding her emotions from Athan who were standing just few steps behind her. Rigidly standing and staring at a family photo of Autumn. Her brother Kyle was sitting beside her, holding a toy car. Her dad was standing behind Kyle, his arms wrapped around his wife. Autumn's hair is a carbon copy of her mother's even when she was still little.

Little Autumn was holding her mother's hand while her other thumb was being sucked in by her mouth and she doesn't look as happy as her other family members.

"Whoo! Glad I finally convinced her that I need to rest." Heard Athan as Autumn stood up from the chair she occupied. "She said she have a lot to tell me, and, Athan. . ."

They both paused as Autumn continued, "I'm really sorry. I kind of told her we are. . .dating. . . I couldn't think of anything!" At that moment, she was playing with her hands. "But if you don't want that and don't want to act on it, I can think of a way to 'end it'."

As usual, Athan just smiled, locking eyes with her. "I don't really think we need to act about seeing each other." She stepped closer and Autumn just looked up at her. Stuck in her place when she nodded.

"I guess you're right."

Athan touched her ash brown hair, "Has your brother Kyle called back yet?"

"No. . . I left him a text message and the house phone was still busy. I guess they're both asleep by now."

"I see. And you should be too, it's late."

"Yeah."

Athan moved in and kissed Autumn's cheek before whispering, "Good night."

"Good night, vampire."

•34•

Athan was disturbed from her lying position looking at a great view of the night sky when she heard Autumn making a grumbling sound in her sleep. She was having a nightmare again. Deciding to stop her from suffering helplessly, she went down the stairs of the roof top and to Autumn's room.

She moved quickly next to her and woke her up. Autumn was shocked to see her but then hugged Athan the moment she knew what was happening. Athan remained beside her, keeping her in an embrace until she was ready to fall asleep again.

"Athan. . .if you don't want to go home, you can sleep here."

She refused, "I don't think I will be able to sleep. If you don't mind, can I stay in the living room."