Fear

4.

Luna

I WOKE TO the sound of tapping and soft snores. I tiredly rubbed my eyes and slowly got out of bed, confused as I stood above Carlton. The tapping sound stopped, but I stood as still as I could, trying not to breathe so I could hear it again. Just as I was about to go back into bed, the tapping happened again.

I walked over Carlton and stood in the middle of the room, trying to pinpoint where the tapping was coming from. As I turned and faced the window, one final tap was heard, then it stopped. I let out a shaky breath as I carefully walked to the window, making sure my footsteps couldn't be heard. I sat on the windowsill with my knees and drew the curtains back a little.

My breath hitched in my throat as I looked at it.

It was the same figure as I've been seeing recently.

I had to stop myself from crying out when I saw my father standing next to the figure that was concealed in the shadows. My father was staring up at me with blood all over his mouth, dripping off of his chin and onto his chest. He had a different shirt on today-

Wasn't he supposed to be at the cabin? Why is he here with the guy that's been haunting me?

I saw my fathers lips move, then he vanished into air. I shakily sighed as I pulled the curtains back, then I heard a low growl that caused me to jump. I looked back and saw Carlton standing over me, then he slowly stood normally.

"It's not nice to sneak up on people," I whispered before I put my feet on the floor and stood. My body pressed against Carlton's and a small blush was making its way onto my face involuntarily. I took a step to the side and turned so I was facing him, but I wish I hadn't.

"I heard tapping again-"

"You should have ignored it, it would have stopped-"

"I'm sorry that I was trying to figure out what it was, but my father was-"

"I know. I saw him," Carlton clenched his fists and jaw tightly.

"I can't do this," I whispered as I started to suddenly feel lightheaded. I closed my eyes for a moment as I started walking back to the bed, stumbling a bit. Carlton held onto my arm and helped guide me towards his bed. Maybe I did imagine the tingles because they seem to have gone. Once we got to the bed I climbed into it and looked back to see Carlton blushing and looking away. I gave him a confused look, then went under the covers.

"I won't be able to sleep now." I stated as I looked up to him. He stood there for a moment, looking as if he was contemplating something. I gave a small sigh before I turned myself onto my side, facing the wall with my back to him. I heard a quiet murmur before I felt the bed dip behind me. I waited as Carlton settled in under the covers before I turned around to look at him.

Without a word, he pulled me closer to him and started softly stroking my hair, his surprisingly warm body wrapping around my body. I looked up at him once more before I rested my head on his chest. I could feel my heartbeat quicken, face heat up, and my stomach was doing wildly dangerous flips. I moved half onto my stomach and half onto my side so I could get more comfortable. I laid my hand a little lower than where my face was, barely touching his abs. For some reason, I blushed harder because of that.

What is wrong with me? This is my best friend!

But for some reason, hearing that his heartbeat was as quick as mine made me smile. Then, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

~

"Luna," I was being shaken gently. I slowly fluttered my eyes open and immediately groaned at my impending headache. I rubbed my eyes and looked up at Carlton. He had a small smile on his face as he glided his finger around my side, drawing unrecognizable things. It made my face start to heat at how much I was enjoying it, causing me to look away and break eye contact.