[Laila]
After the accident I felt...deflated. I wasn't seriously hurt but it did have an impact on me. I found myself replaying what happened in my head to figure out what I did wrong. Because of this it could be hard to get to sleep sometimes. I could have died!
I'd kind of avoided talking to Jay because I wanted him to think everything was fine and as far as he knew I was already better.
"You haven't been talking to me much lately Laila, is everything okay?"
"Yes, just busy."
"You sure?"
"Yep."
He sighed. "Laila?"
"Yes?"
"You're not a good liar. I know something's up."
I sighed back. "It's nothing serious."
"You can talk to me about it."
"I just wonder what I did wrong, that's all."
"You did nothing wrong. These things just happen."
"I don't know about that Jay. I feel guilty somehow." I didn't want to get too upset so I swallowed hard.
"Do you need me there Laila?"
"I couldn't possibly bother you for this."
"Doesn't matter. Do you need me?"
"Yes" I admitted.
"Then I'll be there."
That night I curled up in bed but I wasn't sleeping. There was a storm outside, so I was listening to the noise it made. I was watching the lightning flash when I thought I heard a knock at the door. Curious, I padded downstairs and opened it to reveal a soaking wet Jay.
"Jay! What are you doing here?"
I let him in and immediately went to look for towels.
"I told you I'd be there" he shivered while I helped dry him.
"I didn't think you meant literally! There's a storm outside!"
"I know. But you need me."
I looked at him, his wet curls hanging in his face. "You came all this way just for me?"
"Of course! I'd do it again."
I didn't know what to say so I hugged him. We stood there for a while, Jay now completely shirtless, rocking us slightly. Now that he was here I suddenly remembered how tired I felt, and I yawned involuntarily.
"We should get you to bed" he said softly, separating us.
"Okay" I yawned again, leading the way. I went into my room and he followed, sitting on my bed. "Sorry I have nothing for you to wear."
"That's alright. I have a couple of things in a bag. Shall I go into the office?"
"No... Stay here tonight."
I was already in bed so he just got in beside me, making me feel better already. I liked that he asked no questions.
"James?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for coming."
"No problem Laila."
"I already feel a bit better."
I didn't have the guts to ask Jay to hold me, but his arms made their way around me on their own. I finally fell asleep in his warmth.
YOU ARE READING
Saving Laila.
أدب الهواةLaila Noble is a 21 year old girl who's not really living, just existing. Jay McGuiness is a 27 year old ex-pop star. What happens when a lost phone brings them together?