Shattered Dream (Raura)

Shard 1: Fighting With Her

Title: Shattered Dream
Shard 1: Fighting With Her
Original Post Date: 03/01/2014

March 6th, 2014 -- Glasgow, GB/UK

The plastic key card slipped easily into the narrow slot atop the metallic door handle before calloused fingers quickly yanked it back. The soft click echoed through the nearly empty hallway as a flickering green light signaled that entry had been granted. His worn out body, weighted down by luggage, pushed against the heavy off-white door that lead to the paradise he was seeking. The loud bang of the closing door behind him did little to rouse his sleepy state.

Aching fingers uncurled from around the handle of the roller case that followed faithfully behind him, causing the bag to fall to the floor with a dead thud. His backpack slowly slipped off his shoulder to join its mate in the narrow passage way between the bathroom and the sleeping area. Only one piece of luggage remained tightly gripped next to his side as he trudged the final distance to the closest bed.

He slipped out of his shoes and crawled up onto the piece of furniture, landing face first on the semi-soft structure. A heavy sigh of exhaustion escaped through his nose, getting trapped between his body and the flattened pillow. His ears shut out the sounds of the room's second occupant entering just moments after him.

"Dude!" The sound of his brother's voice ripped through the quiet air. Ross had no energy left to move so he stayed as he had landed. Ryland stood in the entry, staring at the haphazardly discarded suitcases that were blocking his way.

"Hmmm" came Ross' muffled reply.

Ryland stared at his brother's backside. He didn't feel like arguing with him at this late hour so he picked up Ross' bags and moved them into the closet, out of the way. After placing his luggage next to Ross', he knocked lightly on the connecting door to the room next to them. He knew that the familial occupants would still be awake enough to answer the door and soon enough, Ratliff's tired but still smiling face greeted him.

"Hey" Ratliff slurred listlessly.

"How's the room?" Ryland asked as he pushed his way into their quarters.

"It's a room" Ratliff shrugged in response, stepping back over to his designated bed.

"Where's Ross?" Rocky quizzed as he looked up from unpacking his night clothes.

"Oh, Sleeping Beauty is already gone for the night."

The three boys shared a laugh before Ryland said a quick goodbye and headed back to his room, leaving the connecting doors opened just in case one of them needed something during the night.

Ryland strolled over to the side of Ross' bed. He shook his head at the sight before him. Bending down, he gripped the guitar case that dangled off the side of the bed in one hand while prying Ross' fingers off the handle with his other hand. He placed the treasured item on the floor between the mattress and the nightstand then got ready to settle in for the night.

The dark shadows of the bewitching hour played havoc in Ross' mind. They taunted and teased; they poked and prodded. His body tossed and turned as he tried to avoid their constant nagging. After losing the battle, Ross rolled onto his back and stared into the bleakness that surrounded him. His head propped up on his arms and his feet crossed at the ankles while understanding evaded his mind. Why had sleep deserted him when he could barely function when first arriving at this location? Was he just too tired? Or was it something more?

Maybe some music would soothe this unruly beast. Ross looked over next to him and spotted Ryland stretched across the bed, sound asleep. The blankets were tangled around his legs and a stray pillow leaned against his side. Ross didn't want to wake his brother so he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Placing the connected earbuds into his ears, Ross clicked on his favorite play list then placed his cell phone on his chest. The solemn beat flowed through his system.