DEAD INSIDE

(26)

His parents must have been in bed because nobody came to see what was going on.

"Do you want something to drink?" It felt weird being here alone with him.

I nodded shyly so he put the bags down and went to the still stainless kitchen. I grabbed a handful of his sweater to support myself after my wobbly legs almost gave way again and followed him.

If he stiffened at first, he soon recovered and led me to his fridge, which he opened, motioning for me to help myself.

The food and drinks Ray had taken from my kitchen were already there so I took a diet soda and a water, knowing that I would most probably not be able to sleep that night.

"You're going to stay in my room..." He then announced and after collecting all my bags, I followed him up the barely noticeable staircase made of glass and steel. We reached the second floor and kept on walking up till we reached the third floor, which I soon understood was his room. It looked more like a large studio – minus the kitchen - than your typical room and as I took in the clean state of the room, I couldn't help but marvel at how tidy he was.

"Come on..." He called me and I realized that I was still standing at the top of the stairs, my hand squeezing the railing as if my life depended on it. I took a few tentative steps toward his bed which was facing a wall made entirely of tinted glass.

As I took everything in, I noticed a sofa facing a wide TV.

He saw me glance at it.

"That's where I'd planned to sleep..." He said and he must have seen my frown because he added, "I thought you'd be more comfortable in my bed..."

I didn't want to sleep in his bed.

"I-I'll take the sofa..." I stuttered and he nodded. After staring at it for what felt like forever, I finally sat down. I removed my sneakers and pulled my legs up against my chest. He covered me with a thick duvet and sat next to me.

"You should lie down, Alison..." He muttered but I couldn't.

How could I close my eyes knowing that a psychopath was after me?

He said he'd kill me in ten days... I reasoned inwardly.

What if he changes his mind?

What if Gregory is the clown? A little voice pointed out at the back of my head.

"I-I'm good..."

I stiffened when he raised his hand toward me. He must have seen my reaction because he let out a small sigh and stood up.

"Try to get some sleep..." He said and only when I couldn't hear his steps anymore, did I start breathing normally again.

I reached for my phone and texted Marla to reassure her.

Why hadn't Officer Jenkins called me back yet?! Some good job he was doing at protecting me! I thought bitterly.

For the first time since the beginning of this nightmare, I was glad that my mother was away. Wherever she was, she was safe at least.

<-><-><-><-><->

"You haven't slept..." Gregory stated after his alarm clock rang hours later. I shook my head. After crying most of the night, I must have been quite the sight. "Maybe you should just stay here..." He suggested but I shook my head.

"The last thing I want is to draw the School's attention on my problems." I muttered, my voice hoarse from all the crying. "I don't want them to call Social Services on me..."