Luna

|| Chapter 3 ||

I was running. The full of the moon overhead illuminated my quick steps. The night was black, making it nearly impossible to dodge branches and holes that sprung up and threatened to break my stride. I didn't know what I was running from, but I was scared. Terrified, actually. My breath was coming out in huffs, my shoes ditched a long time ago. My arms, face, and feet were scratched and dirty, but I didn't stop running. I had to get away. A large tree root finds my foot, sending me sprawling to the ground. I hurry to stand back up, but I feel weighed down, frozen. I turn and look around in the darkness, seeing nothing but the wind blowing the trees. My heart rings in my ears so loudly I'm sure whatever was chasing me could hear it. I hear rustling from the trees in front of me and I squint to make out the silhouette in the shadows. As the figure emerges from the trees, I gasp.

My head is pounding as I open my eyes slowly, bringing my fingers up to press against my temple. I sit up slowly, apparently not slow enough though. My stomach flips and before I can react, everything is forced from my body and into the small garbage bin next to the bed. I silently thank whoever thought to put it there. A firm hand is placed on my back, rubbing up and down soothingly as my hair is pulled away from my face.

"Sucks to be hung-over, doesn't it?" Parker's voice laughs lightly above me. I groan and push myself into an upright position. Looking around, I realize I'm in his room.

Normally you would stereotype a boy's room to be messy and smelly, but I learned a long time ago that Parker does not fit the guy stereotype in the least. The room was small and simple. His king size bed lie in the middle, sheets smelling of his cologne. A flat screen TV hung on the opposite wall, under that, a bookcase filled with classics and poetry. The only thing out of place was the lone blue shirt I recognized from last night, which was on the floor by his dresser.

"What time is it?" I take the glass of water and pills of what I assume was Advil from him.

"10:30." Parker gently pulls out my braid, repositioning my hair into a ponytail. I smile my thanks, lowering myself back into the comfort of the pillows. His palm presses to my forehead as I close my eyes, willing the medicine to take faster and cease the throbbing of my skull. A cool cloth replaces his hand, "What do you remember?"

Images of last night flash through my mind. Multi-colored lights dancing with us to the music. My ping pong ball landing in the row of cups and the crowd roaring with excitement. The bittersweet taste of alcohol on my tongue.

"Oh god." I moan, bringing my hands up to cover my face.

"What happened, Camryn?" Parker removes my hands and searches my face with concern. Camryn? He only used my full name when he was serious. Uh oh.

"My parents are going to kill me." I curse myself for going to that party. He lets out a breath, his eyes softening.

"You didn't do anything wrong. You'll be fine." He gives me a small smile, still looking at me curiously. "You're sure nothing happened?"

I nod, "Not that I can remember. Why? Did something happen?"

"No, I was just making sure." He shakes his head quickly, too quickly. I frown, everyone has been acting strange lately.

"Did anything happen?" I try to pull strings in my memory, but I come up with nothing.

Parker shakes his head, "Not that I'm aware of." When he notices my wary look, he pecks my forehead lightly. "Get some sleep, you'll feel a little better after the medicine kicks in."