Immortals (ON HOLD)

Chapter 32

Dimitri

            I layed in bed, unable to sleep. I couldn’t get my mind off of the Dark Elves. I was going to find Leikos so I could tell him to stay with Ariel, but I realized he wouldn’t be allowed inside, and that he would be alone. My next thought disturbed and comforted me at the same time. I stared at my ceiling, wondering what to do. What if I  went to Ariel’s house? I would make sure that no Elves were around, and I could call for back-up if I spotted anything. I would be able to sleep better knowing I had at least checked in on her… I swiped my keys from my nightstand, grabbing my special issued pistol from my top drawer. I realized I had never shown it to Ariel before, but shook the thought as I grabbed a few rounds of silver and wooden bullets. I slipped my shoes back on, grabbing my thermos from the fridge. I didn’t bother to sneak out, and I quickly left before anyone could ask questions.

I made it to Ariel’s house in good time, parking my car down the street so she couldn’t see it. I knew that if she were awake, she’d be able to sense me, but all the lights were off in the house, so I figured she was asleep. I checked the perimeter of her house for anything out of the ordinary, pistol in hand. I made sure to stay out of sight from any neighbors, and before I came around into her front yard, I tucked my pistol into my jeans, feeling it against my back. I pulled my shirt up to conceal it, and was on my way. I looked up to her roof, remembering the day I had helped her decorate for Christmas. The glow from the lights was rather calm, and even though I didn’t need them to, they lit up the yard. I jumped up onto her roof like before, quietly landing on the dead leaves and snow. I carefully trekked across it until I reached her window, bending myself on the tiny ledge to peer into her room. It was weird to watch her sleep. She was so still, and she wasn’t being stubborn and hot-headed. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her lips curve into a peaceful grin. I allowed myself to watch her for a little while, as creepy as that sounded.

I was tempted to fix the covers around her, and remove the hair that had fallen in her face, but I kept still, watching her eyebrows furrow and straighten. I wonder what she’s dreaming about…? I shook the thought, maneuvering myself on the small ledge so I was able to sit. I figured if anything, the Elves would attack at night, when the darkness would better conceal them. As soon as dawn hit, I would head for home. I couldn’t help but to look back at her every now and then. Her amulet glinted in the night, and I took mine out from under my shirt. Ariel always wore her amulet in plain sight, for everyone to see and marvel over. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t do the same. It didn’t feel right if it wasn’t against my skin, so I quickly tucked it away, sighing as I tried to get comfortable. Pretty soon, I was leaning against her window, my head lolling back and forth as I fought to stay awake. I wonder what Ariel would say if she knew I was out here, watching over her like this? She’d probably call me an idiot and punch me off of the roof. I chuckled, wondering why I was even here. It was beyond stalker-ish to watch someone sleep, although, I was doing it for her protection (and selfishly, for my own peace of mind).

I thought it was stupid and dangerous for Emrick to ignore my vision, and if no one else was going to make sure Ariel was safe, then I was. I didn’t want to admit it, but I liked Ariel. A lot. Much more than a friend. I knew she had no idea, and I honestly didn’t even want to like her. She drove me crazy!! We clashed together all the time, and she could be really reckless. She forced herself into my life, and I was the one who had to make first contact. Spending all this time with her made me see how cool she could be, and I didn’t want that. I had never been in a real relationship before, and I didn’t want to start one with somebody I would work with and see everyday. What if I screwed things up? What if she didn’t want to be together? We’d have to look at each other’s stupid faces all day, and we’d both be miserable. I figured I’d have to tell her sometime…and I actually liked pretending to be her boyfriend; it was kind of fun. She did make me happy, in a weird sort of way. It was nice looking after someone, and I liked that she looked up to me (even though we both knew she’d never admit it). Overall, I was still really confused. Do I just wait to see if it’s a silly crush that will go away? Or do I tell her, and take the risk of a bad break-up? I mean…if I did tell her, I wouldn’t know where to start or what to say. And even though I liked pretending to be her boyfriend, I didn’t know what actually being a real boyfriend entailed.

I wasn’t sure I knew how to be thoughtful and compassionate…but I was here, wasn’t I? Watching over her to make sure she wasn’t kidnapped? I shook my head…why was I thinking about this now? After I got some sleep,  I’ll have probably forgotten this whole thing… I shook my racing thoughts, trying to calm myself. I focused on Ariel’s heartbeat, soon becoming comforted. Her presence always made me feel warm, although sometimes, the heat was unbearable. I began falling asleep even though I wasn’t very comfortable, but before I knew it, dawn had arrived. I looked over Ariel for another few moments before swiftly hopping off of her roof. I made my way over to my car, leaving as quick as I could. The ride home seemed like it had taken forever, and when I finally pulled up to our driveway, I didn’t bother to park neatly. I stumbled into the house and to my room, barely able to take my shirt off and slip into pajama pants without passing out. I flopped down on my bed, thankful that Tasha wasn’t there (I just wouldn’t have been able to maneuver around her). I fell asleep within seconds, wondering how on Earth I was going to be able to pick Ariel up from school…

** A/N: Hey! :) I just wanted to thank all of my readers for their support- It means so much to me <3 Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments, or even pop by my page and leave a message :D Thanks again, and sorry this chapter is so short :\

~Holly **