A Fascinating Language

S E V E N

I felt disoriented when I woke up. Nonetheless I was feeling oddly peaceful. That was, until I realised I had slept without waking up screaming for the first time...in a long time. I felt calm and one could say I looked forward to the day.

And then last night came rushing back to me. I finally told someone about what had happened and it felt amazing. I felt as light as a feather. And when I remembered that Daniel and I stayed up all night talking and sharing memories, I felt my cheeks starting to heat up.

But where was he now?

I got up and after taking a quick shower and dressing up, I went downstairs. Daniel was still no where in sight so I put up a kettle to make tea. I realised that Daniel preferred coffee so I put a pot of that too.

I was sipping my tea while facing the kitchen window, enjoying the view when the main door opened and closed shut. I turned around to see Daniel in his running clothes. He was drenched in sweat and when he caught me staring I quickly looked away. I sensed him walk towards me but the next thing I knew, his foot steps were on the stairs.

Maybe he wanted to shower first.

But he could've at least said 'hi' or even a 'good morning Ella'.

But even I didn't say anything.

About twenty minutes later he came down and filled a cup with coffee. He sat opposite to me and quietly sipped his coffee.

"Did you sleep okay?"

I jumped in my seat at the sound of his voice.

I turned around and gave him a smile,
"For the first time in awhile, I did."

He just nodded and that was it. None of us spoke after that and as soon as he finished his coffee he got up and told me he was going to be in the study working.

I was a bit disappointed at him leaving but I ignored the feeling right away. After contemplating on what to do I decided to go for a swim. It had been awhile so might as well take the advantage of having the sea in your backyard.

I changed into a black bikini and wore a white crochet top over it. I was grabbed a towel and as I picked up my phone, I saw I had received a missed call. Whoever it was must have called while I was changing. When I turned it on, I saw that it was from Rachel. I started to feel guilty for the way I left things with us. She had always been such a great friend to me. So I caller her and right after three rings, she picked up.

"Ella?". Surprise was evident in her voice.

"Hi Rachel." I said softly.

"Oh my gosh. I thought you would never pick up. I've called you so many time over the past month hoping you would hear me out."

"I know. I'm sorry I never did. I was just... going through something."

"It's okay. It's in the past now. Tell me how are you? And how's New York?"

"New York's good I guess."

"What do you mean. You don't sound sure."

Rachel has always been able to tell when I'm lying.

"I wasn't okay for a few weeks so my Uncle, William, made me see a psychologist."

"Are you alright?"

"Ray... I've been an insomniac for the past couple of weeks. When I sleep, I get the worst nightmares."

"Ella why didn't you tell me? Why did you even distance yourself from your friends? Do you have any idea how much I miss you? How much Sarah or Tyler ask about you? And I never  have an answer."