Falling for Mr Innocent

Surprise

Chris

Midnight

I wake up suddenly when I hear muffled screams. When they don't die after some time I conclude that this is not a dream. I sit up and try to figure out where they are coming from. Shit. Evanna.

I hop off the bed and go straight to Evanna's room. The screams get louder when I step inside her room. I shut the door behind me so that the others don't wake up. Even though I doubt they will hear considering the amount of alcohol they consumed today.

Switching on the lights, I see Evanna shifting uncomfortably in bed and screaming continuously. Tears were streaming down her face. I sit on the edge of her bed and put my hands on her shoulders.

"Evanna wake up." I shake her shoulders. She don't open her eyes. Just screams 'no'. "It's alright. Wake up." I put more pressure on the words and shake her again. Her eyelids sightly part. I put my one hand on her cheek. Her eyes open fully. She looks me in the eye, fear is evident in hers.

She instantly sits up and hugs me tightly. Really tightly, as if she is afraid. I put my hand on the small of her back and feel her shivering. I rub her back. "It's alright.. you're alright."

She sobs a little before pulling away. "Wanna talk about it?" I ask.

"It's not like I don't want to tell you, I do. I just don't want to relive that nightmare." She answers.

"Ok. I understand." I say. I get up from her bed, ready to leave when she holds my hand.

"Do you.. do you mind staying until I sleep again?" She says shyly. I smile at her.

"Not at all. You can sleep now." I sit back.

"I need to change first." She gets up from her and goes to the bathroom. The curtain of the glass wall wasn't pulled and I was able to see her through it. Before she unzipped her dress, I knock on the glass. She looks up and sees me, I point at the curtains. She makes an 'oh' expression and pulls the curtain.

After some time, she peeps out of the bathroom. "Hey Chris, help me out. This damn zipper is stuck." She pleads.

I get up from the bed and walk to the bathroom. She turns and removes her hair from her back showing her bare back. I fiddle with the zipper a little to free it from a loop. When it does, I slide it down. Some small spots can be seen on her upper back. I part the dress a little to take a look at them. Round, black, blisters were visible. I touch one of them with my thumb.

When she turns back, her eyes were wide. "You weren't supposed to see that." She steps away.

I stop her. "Does it hurt?" I ask.

"The wounds? Not anymore. The memories? Yes." And she shuts the door.

I wait for her by looking out of the glass wall. It's really calm and beautiful outside. Nighttime has always been my favourite. I like peace that only night can give.

"What about a walk outside? I'm not sleepy anyways." Evanna says. I turn and see her comfortably sitting on her bed.

"How long have you been staring at me?" I tease.

"Get over yourself Chris, I've been staring at the moon." She replies.

"About the walk, yeah sure." I say. She nods as she gets up from the bed and start walking outside. I follow her. She has to clutch the railing while walking down the stairs. The alcohol is still in her system.

We reach the outer garden soon and sit down on the cool grass. I lay down in a stargazing position and stare at the stars. Evanna does the same after some time. Our hands touch and I feel the familiar shiver running down my spine. Why does she have this effect on me?