Guarded Hearts ✓

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

     I got out of bed at exactly 6:30AM, at the sound of my alarm clock. My feet ignored the fluffy slippers by my bedside as I mechanically walked to the bathroom and routinely brushed my teeth.

     I didn't...I couldn't look up at the tempting mirror, sat above the sink. I already knew that my hair was in heavily messed clumps from my constant twisting and turning. That I had dark bags and my dull green eyes were red-rimmed from my lack of sleep. That my face was pale and grimy, from my unexpected nightmare. Nightmare? Can you really call it that? When I awoke sweat-drenched and confused, I felt like all my worst possible fears had surfaced. But logically they hadn't. I'd be far more afraid of a giant man eating tarantula than I would of Alex cheating on me. We're not together.

     I numbly slipped my pajamas off and stepped under the shower. I closed my eyes, not registering if my now sunken body was cascading with hot water or cold. My knees bent and I tucked my chin over their caps. Scenes of last night invaded my mind. Her nails raking over his back. Her body pressed up against his. Her lips kissing his. Tears fell hard and fast, mixing with the water. I tried to stop the tears by rubbing at my eyes. That's all I've become since he got here. A crying wreck.

     Loud bangs against the bathroom door interrupted me of my thoughts. "Violet! Hurry the hell up!"

     I sighed and stood up. I quickly dressed myself, before walking out the door. Aaron stood impatiently next to the door, with a towel slumped over his shoulder. I walked past him, towards my room, when he sudden caught hold of my arm.

     "Why are you shivering?"

     I looked down at my arms and noticed that he was right. I pulled my arm from his grasp and folded my arms. I shrugged.

     He rubbed his eyes and turned to walk into the bathroom. "I told you that I get first priority today. I'm late as it is."

     "For what?" I murmured quietly, out of curiosity.

     "I'm heading back to Uni today. Two month work placement's over, I guess."

     I frowned and walked back into my room. I sat at the edge of my bed, feeling an overwhelming surge of guilt. I'd been fretting over leaving Jayden and our relationship. I hadn't even given much thought to my family.

     My father, the epitome of a businessman. Growing up, he's always been a complete workaholic. But even so, he always would take a few weeks off during the summer and hire a cabin. Our family aren't much of campers, but being forced to spend those horrible weeks together certainly created the perfect family atmosphere.

      My mother, was his other half. A complete workaholic; usually dressed in her signature black and blue business attire. She works side-by-side with my father as his assistant in their radio station: BronzeFM. When I was younger, I'd always wanted to be one of those radio hosts. To be able to finally have my voice heard. To be able to say what I want without worrying who I'd offend. I'd only be judged on my voice; that was the main attraction. I could be whoever I wanted.

     My mother always told me to aim high. If I wanted to be painter, then I should instead want to be the person who buys their paintings. I just wanted to have an average job. Be an average girl. I didn't want too much attention drawn on me. I still don't. Now, I don't have much choice in the matter. I have to leave my semi-normal life and be thrusted into the center of attention.

      I heard my brother footsteps thumping against the hard wood flooring as he walked over to his bedroom. My brother and I weren't as close as some siblings, but I knew he had my back. He played the over protective brother role a lot, as I was growing up. I relayed back to the incident where I confronted my crush back when I was 13. Nick Turner, his name was. Big brown eyes and dimples.