At End's Gate

SILENT TORMENT

Paige woke up realizing she had a blanket and was sleeping at a comfortable spot in the panic room. She looked up to see Alexis and Lisa talking about what seemed to be a show or series they both enjoyed. They kept chanting the names Joey, Ross and Rachel. When they talked about Monica she realized that they were talking about Friends a classic series from what now seemed to be a distant past. She actually wondered how these girls knew about it. She figured that they maybe had compact discs from the past. They looked happy talking about it but she could still see the trauma in their eyes, the silent torment they had to endure from now on. She turned her head and saw Conner asleep at the other corner. He probably had been awake all night. She felt a sensation in her heart. She was touched by his compassion. She knew he had lost so much but he was faking this leadership and protective image to keep himself from thinking about his loss. This made her feel bad. He was trying so hard to maintain composure. He too needed a shoulder to lean on. She was determined to be the one to give him that shoulder. She debated in her thoughts whether that would compromise her relationship with Erin but she later concluded that she and Conner were friends and friends could be there for each other. The thought of Erin crushed her heart. He could be dead but she still looked up to the hope that he was still alive. She pushed herself up that she was sitting facing Blake who was on the screen. It was his shift. James was by his side and it seemed as if he was calculating a way for us out of this mess. Blake didn't notice but Paige knew better that James was sitting next to him to comfort him when he couldn't handle the bloody scenery. She then decided to sleep again for a while to collect her strength for her shift. She lay down. She turned to face Conner. She couldn't help admire his golden brown hair and green eyes. She looked up at the ceiling. She felt as if falling for Conner was a betrayal of Erin's trust so she quickly ignored the thoughts of her possible feelings for him. She buried them in the innermost core of her heart. She closed her eyes and started to see images of what she went through. This was worse than the nightmare that made her scream. She was actually was now more scared because she believed that due to their present situation there was a possibility that her nightmare would manifest. She vowed to herself that would never happen. Paige wouldn't let her brothers lose their lives in a bid to save her. Her gaze went back on Conner. Despite not admitting to herself she felt peace when she was with him. Erin was the tough guy who barely knew what words to say to her when she wasn't feeling herself. He would just laugh at her and tease her until she was in high spirits. To her that was charming. Conner was different. He knew the right words that managed to pull her to sanity. Thinking of Erin brought a dull ache in her heart. She thought of their memories together. The time he had overlooked the fact that Paige's father had not given their relationship his blessings. He kept on seeing her. She felt scared that she might probably not see him again. She felt a chill in her spine at the thought of losing her parents. Paige was very close with her mom. Claire would always come into her room and they would chat for a long time. Paige would constantly borrow her mom's elegant jewellery and gowns if she wanted to go to formal events. Her mother would style her hair. After that she would look stunning. She remembered being flawless at the Redstone annual gala. Shortly after that memory there came the thought of her mother being on the ground bidding farewell to her lover before she took her last breath. A tear fell down her cheek. Alexis and Lisa noticed. The girls went and lay next to her. They knew what was on her mind. It was actually haunting them all. They didn't break down. They all stared up to the ceiling, holding each other's hand.

"Paige?"

"Yes Lexi."

"Are we gonna survive this?" Alexis whispered

"Yes, we are"

"I don't mean staying alive but healing from the pain?"

"Honestly sweetheart I don't know but I know I'll be there with both of you every step of the way," she answered with a small smile.

Lisa looked at Paige." Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm now your big sister and I'll do everything to protect you."

Their grip on each other's hand strengthened. Paige looked up."I have an idea." She stood up and went to a table in the room where there was a piece of paper and a pen.

I'm overjoyed by the number of you guys who are reading my book. I'm so grateful. You know when you start writing something you spend most of the time worrying about whether people will like it or not. I'm just grateful to all you readers out there. Feel free to share your views with me. Please vote if you like. Good day:-)