Runaway Princess

Chapter 10

I was sitting on my bed, not knowing what I should do. Normally, I would clean up and have breakfast, but I couldn't help but feel as if I'd be abusing their hospitality. I fumbled with my fingers, not sure on what I should do. The house was eerily still and no one seemed to be awake yet.

I looked to my right and spotted the small clock, the red letters read 7:35. My body was tired in consequence of the sleepless night I had had. My mind went back to last night's events, which seemed to be constantly replaying in my head. This event had stopped me from falling asleep as I had initially decided, constantly plaguing my mind. After my exhaustion had overthrowed these thoughts I had fallen asleep to less pleasant thoughts.

The still clear nightmare had shocked my body awake and I found myself drenched in sweat, not able to fall back into sleep. My body was screaming to go back to sleep, but too afraid of the consequences, I refused.

I tapped my foot against the floor out of boredom. Deciding to not fret about it anymore, I walked out of the room. I walked to the bathroom while trying to tiptoe, not wanting to wake anyone up. I slowly turned the handle and walked inside the bathroom.

As expected, I was met with dark bags under my eyes. I quickly splashed my face with cold water, trying to wake myself up. After I had done everything I walked out of the bathroom, headed downstairs.

When I turned the corner, I blushed. I immediately thought about last night's events which had taken place in this exact place.

Brushing off my giddiness, I headed towards the kitchen to find myself something to eat. Once in the kitchen, I took an apple from a fruit basket, not wanting to go through their drawers to find something to eat. I sat down on a wooden chair, in front of the table. The chair had a nice view of the backyard, which was just some grass with the forest in the background.

The sun had just started to come up and the sunrays started hitting my skin, providing some heat. I quietly munched on my apple, waiting for someone to wake up. I really hoped Elliot would be the first to wake up. As much as I liked Samuel's and I's little moment, I didn't want to be alone with him again and possibly make it awkward. I didn't want him changing his mind and getting angry at me.

Even though, he had all the rights to. I will only be staying here for a few days, hopefully by then I will have a plan. I didn't want to put anyone in danger, especially not Elli. This why I had to leave, even if I wanted to stay I couldn't.

I'm pulled out of my day dreaming when loud footsteps are heard stomping down the stairs. the kitchen door was pulled open to reveal Elli. He looked grumpy but as soon as he saw me, he smiled.

"Good morning!" He walked over to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Morning" I replied while laughing at him and returning his hug. After he let go, Samuel entered the kitchen. Instantly drawing my attention.

"Good morning" I said, pulling a curl behind my ear not quite meeting his eyes. I expected to be met with a reply instead he kept looking at me with a frown.

He walked a bit closer and finally said:

"Did you not sleep well?"

"I did. Thanks for letting me stay. Well, kind of" I lied

"Don't lie to me. I'm not blind, I can see your bangs."

I instantly looked down, not meeting his eyes or Elliot's. Who now also seemed to be observing me.

"Bethy, is something wrong?" Elliot asked, looking concerned.

"Guys, it's okay. I just had a few nightmares" I said softly, looking up and slightly smiling.