Hes Back.

Chapter 9

'I can't stop thinking about her, I wish I had a few extra minutes just to say goodbye. Maybe that goodbye could've changed where we're at now. Maybe Leila and I could've been something more...'

My thoughts repeated in my head growing louder and louder. I sat up from my bed and decided to take a walk to clear my head, the house was silent. Everyone was asleep. As I walked each step introduced a new thought into my mind. Each thought revolving around Leila - how she spoke, how she acted, how she's changed.

'I don't know how I'm supposed to fix this between her and I. She wont allow me to get close to her again. All because of my fucking mistake. I hurt her.'

I ended up running a few laps around the neighborhood, allowing my feet to hit the pavement hard in order to block out my loud thoughts. By the time I saw a few rays of sunlight rise I decided I should be going back inside.

As I walked in I noticed the house was still quiet, I guess no one was trying to wake up early after the party. Pouring myself a bowl of cereal I forced my mind into silence allowing myself to prepare to go back to sleep.

I tried to be as quiet as I possibly could going up the stairs but the sound of heavy breathing confused me. Who's awake?

The quiet heavy breathing continued muffled.

I followed the sound towards the rooms leading me to Leila's room.

'The hell is going on??'

I knocked, " Leila?"

The heavy breathing stopped.

"Leila?" I knocked once more.

"Yes?" I heard her whisper back.

"Are you okay?"

"Im fine." her voice cracked slightly.

"Can I come in?"

"Just a minute" she sniffled.

With that I heard the sound of the bed sheets and a sigh followed by footsteps.

She opened the door and I was greeted by a red nosed puffy eyed Leila.

"What happened?" I grew alarmed confused about why she was upset.

"Nothing happened, why are you here Elliot?" she wouldn't look at me.

"I heard you I got worried I wanted to just check up on you."

"Well you checked, I'm alright, thanks. Goodnight Elliot." she closed the door.

I knocked again, "Leila open the door."

This time as she opened the door, I walked in taking in her whole appearance.

She wore my hoodie and sweatpants that she cuffed from the bottom so she wouldn't trip over the fabric.

"Talk to me."

"Why should I?" her tone was so cold. 'why couldn't she give me a chance, I was genuinely worried for her.'

"I came to check on you.."

"Well you checked up on me and I'm okay. So thank you really for coming. You can go back to sleep...or your cereal I guess." she glanced at the door.

Reaching out grabbing her arm, "Tell me whats going on and I'll go;"

She took a big sigh looking up at the ceiling delaying her answer, "I had a panic attack. No big deal so don't worry."

"Im sorry, do you want to talk about it?"

"No its really okay."

"Why did it happen?"

"I don't know," she looked away avoiding my gaze,"again its okay. Don't worry about it, go to sleep Elliot."

'I couldn't leave her, not like this.'

"Leila, can I stay just for a little bit? I know you would rather me not stay but can I please just for a little while. I can even stay quiet, you don't have to talk to me. I just want to make sure you're okay." I could feel the word vomit.

I looked down waiting for a reply but all I got in return was silence.

After what seemed like hours, I heard a quiet mumble,

"You can stay."