Witness (boyxboy)

Chapter 14: Finally, The Plot Unfolds

I wake up because of a nightmare this time.

My eyes fly open, desperately trying to rid my mind of those horrid flashbacks as they torment me. My heart beats rapidly within its cage, my chest, my lungs ache for untainted air, and cold sweat runs down my back and neck, making me shiver. I almost feel bad for struggling out of the bed and its suffocating silk sheets, because, whoever put me to bed, did it with care. I was undressed and carefully tucked in like a precious little kid. I crawled away from the tangled sheets and leaned against the cool glass of the window, letting the soothing cool temperature of it melt into my bare skin, calming my fiery nerves. Labored breaths escape my pale, blue tinted, lips as I hastily wipe away the nearly dried tears from my face. Unable to stop the shakes that make my body wriggle pathetically, I tangle my hands in my hair and tug in frustration. I hug myself tightly and bite my lip, urging myself to calm down when all I can see behind my closed eyelids is the blank eyes of my father as he lies on the floor, lifeless. Dead. A bullet hole resting right between his eyes as the scream of my mother shakes the house. I clamp my hands over my ears, but the sound doesn't let up or even lessen. Another scream rips through the air, and it takes a minute for me to realize that it's my own voice producing the glass-shattering shriek. Footsteps pound rapidly, growing closer, but I can't determine whether it's real or a flashback. I knew something like this would happen eventually, that I'd break down, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. I don't even realize that I had closed my eyes until a voice breaks through to me, shattering my illusions.

"CONRAD!"

I break the hold it has on me in a flash as that familiar voice calls out to me. My eyes snap open quickly, barely looking into a pair of chocolate ones before I'm rushing out of the room passed him and into the bathroom. I collapse in front of it in time to heave up the contents of my stomach into the white bowl. Spitting bitterly, I wrinkle my nose in disgust and quickly flush the foul smelling contents away before standing up on shaky legs. I lean over the sink, trying to support myself as I wash the horrid taste from my mouth, and then, I notice the worried boy behind me. Finishing up, I slowly turn to face him, not daring to look into his eyes after what just happened combined with what I did last night. Yes, I remember, but I dont exactly agree with the course of action I stupidly took. I'd rather our first kiss have been more special.

"Are you okay? Do you need to stay home?" He questions, feeling my forehead gently, treating me as if I'm made of glass.

I nod shakily, barely comprehending what he's saying. I feel my legs give out and I fall against the blonde, who expertly catches me. He cradles me to him, as if he's scared to let me go, in time for Danny to finally reach us.

"What happened?" He asks, his voice practically dripping with worry and exhaustion.

"I think he had a nightmare or something, and then, he threw up," Michael tells him softly. His hand strokes my hair, and I feel myself finally relax as the memories fade.

"Well," Danny starts sadly, "I have to work today, and my boss will have my ass if I don't show up. Can you stay home with him today?"

"Of course."

"Good. Hey, Conrad." he directs a greeting to me, and I weakly look up to him. "Get better soon," he gently orders, kissing my forehead with a small smile.

I raise the corners of my lips, attempting to smile.

Danny departs soon after that, leaving Michael and I alone. He picks me up gently and leaves the bathroom. "Can we go to the living room?" I ask weakly, my voice hoarse and quiet.

He nods without a sound and trots down the stairs obediently, setting me down gently on the couch. "Do you need anything?" He asks, worry etched into his beautiful face.