Reckless

Chapter Nine

        Turning over in bed, I groaned and slowly opened my eyes, then sat up in bed, head throbbing slightly. What happened last night? I thought back to the art festival and smiled, then sighed and turned to get out of bed but froze when I saw Derrick next to me, sleeping. My heart beat rapidly as I'd forgotten I'd asked him to stay with me until I fell asleep. Upon remembering, I smiled. I was grateful he'd stayed but I didn't expect him to stay all night, it was honestly a bit of a surprise. Not wanting to disturb him, I carefully slid out of bed and tiptoed to my bathroom where I then stripped out of last nights clothes and jumped in the shower. My mind ran over the events of last night and then the same image from last night came to mind and a chill crossed my spine. Now that I was able to think clearly, I ran over the details of that scene that had played in my mind. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a memory of some sort, but that was impossible, yet it felt so real. Thinking about it, I could almost feel the sting of marks on my body like in the scene. I tried to remember the face of whoever the savant was, but all I could remember was a mass of raven hair and a toned mail figure. The rest of the details were fuzzy.

        Deciding to put the thought aside, I quickly finished my shower then got out and dried off then I braided my hair. Realizing I forgot to grab clothes before going into the bathroom I cursed myself and wrapped a huge towel around me tightly. If Derrick woke up, I'd be severely embarrassed but after last night I had no doubt he'd leave the room without looking. Biting my lip, I took a deep breath and crept into my room where Derrick was still asleep. From my bathroom which was connected to the bathroom, I crept over to my dresser and pulled out a fresh clean pair of undergarments, then proceeded to tiptoe across my room to my large walk-in closet and once there, I shut the door and sighed in relief. I hurriedly got dressed in a casual tank top and skinny jeans, then quietly walked out and threw the towel I'd used in the laundry basket. When I was done, I walked downstairs to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast, making pancakes and bacon.

        Just as I was finishing up the last of the pancakes, Derrick walked into the kitchen and I smiled. "Good morning. I made breakfast so if you want some..." I said politely yet sheepishly as I blushed a bit.

        "I'd love to have breakfast. Are you feeling alright though?" He asked as he looked at me seriously and I nodded.

        "Yeah. Doing much better. Thank you, Derrick, for staying with me. I really appreciate it, though I'll be honest. I didn't expect you to stay all night."

        "I told you last night I'd stay for as long as you needed me, and I figured I'd at least wait till morning before leaving so I could make sure you were okay."

        "Thank you. So, how many pancakes do you want, and how many pieces of bacon? Also, what would you like to drink?" I asked as I looked at him while grabbing two plates out of a cabinet and he grinned.

        "However many you're willing to give. I love pancakes. So, whatever you don't eat, I will."

        I smiled more as I walked over to the pancakes and piled them onto the two plates, splitting them evenly, then I put a handful of bacon on each of our plates and handed him one of the plates. "And for the drink? Also, butter and syrup are on the table."

        "Milk, please. Thanks."

        "Milk. Coming right up."

        I walked to the fridge and pulled out the milk and poured us each a glass then put it away, then with both glasses, I grabbed my plate and silverware for both of us and walked to the table and sat down. We both ate in mostly silence, Derrick cracking a few small jokes here and there to create conversation and break the silence, and I was grateful. I honestly felt a bit strange with him there,  but at the same time having him there was comforting.