Faded

Chapter Nine

After Andrea dragged me away, we continued the movie but as it went on Andrea fell asleep leaving me all alone. I sigh.

One hell of a sleepover

To make things worse, Axel waltzes into the theatre room and sits beside me. I try moving away but each time I do, he follows my every move. I stop and decide to focus solely on the movie playing.

Five minutes into the movie and I feel his burning gaze on me. I keep ignoring the stares until they got really unbearable.

"Why are you staring? It's so annoying!" I questioned pissed off that he was affecting me in indescribable ways.

"I just want to say I'm sorry" he sighed.

"I know you're sorry for the stunt you pulled in your room-"

"No, it isn't just that" he cut me off "I'm sorry about the whole issue with Paulina. I didn't mean to do that, I just don't want to get involved in girl drama. I just...I don't know" There was a long silence as I thought about his words.

Why did I expect him to defend me? it's not like I mean anything to him

I sigh in defeat now realizing I can't be angry forever and force a smile to his direction. He snorts at how fake I look and we both shake in laughter.

We talk about random things like our hobbies and what not. I learnt quite a few things about him. He was actually kinda fun to talk to.

"You know, you're really beautiful" he told me while tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. He smiled.

"Oh um thanks" I said shyly. I was never one to receive compliments and truth be told I didn't know what else to say or do at that moment.

How could someone as breathtaking as him call me beautiful?

The moment got intense real quick and I was already feeling flustered. He came closer till our lips were just inches away from each other.

"So beautiful" he murmured once more. We lean into each others touch but we were interrupted  by a loud yawn. Andrea suddenly wakes up.

Quickly moving away from Axel like he was red hot coal. I turned to face Andrea.

"Hey Anne...You sleep well? " I stutter. Axel lightly chuckles behind me and I hit him slyly with my elbow.

"Ouch...Uh hey Andy" He lets out a nervous chuckle.

"Uh hey " She eyes us suspiciously and rubs her eyes. 

"Let's go to bed Ari. Good night Axy"

"Goodnight Andy" he hugged her goodnight. He approaches me for a hug but I avoid his arms and gaze. I feel all weird.

We were about to kiss!!

What is this boy doing to me?

We bid each other good night once again and head up the stairs to Andrea's room. His eyes follow my every move and I was really thinking of pulling them out because they were getting me nervous.

Weird

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I can't sleep.

All I can think about right now is Axel. The almost kiss. It's like he's consumed my very thoughts. I slowly get up from Anne's bed and attempt to leave quietly but my clumsiness wouldn't allow it. I trip over nothing. She suddenly takes a deep breath in and snaps her head to the opposite direction. I freeze in place. trying not to laugh at her confusion. After a while, her breathing returns to normal and her soft snores fill the room.

I close the door behind me as I make my way to the kitchen. I'm really thirsty.

I make my way to the kitchen and grab a bottled water. I chug it down and put the bottle in the recycle bin. I then make my way upstairs and try to figure our how to get back to Andreas room.

After sometime searching for the room, I finally see a door I thought was Andreas room but it led to a beautiful balcony with different flowers and a perfect view of the night sky.

How corny is this ?

I've always loved and admired the night sky. It's somewhat nice. It makes me think of my parents....Wherever they are or whoever they are.

The stars fill the sky almost like a promise of light in the darkness. It gave me a sense of warmth from the cold things in my head. No matter the years that have passed I always think each night sky is like a new gift. My smile falls as I feel a tear drop. I hadn't noticed I was crying...

"God, when are my parents going to come back for me" I pull my hair and yell out in frustration. It was supposed to hurt but I felt numb. All the pain had been numbed.

"Hey" I snap my head to meet Axels strong gaze. "How long have you been standing there" I snap at him.

"Long enough" He replies simply. I lower my head in shame as he moves towards me. "Hey, it's okay love. Everything will be fine." He cups my face in his hands making me look at him.

He slowly wipes away my fresh set of tears.

"If you ever need to talk about anything, just know I'm here for you. I'm always here." He wraps his arms around me and I freeze not hugging back.

He doesn't let go of me though and that made me weirdly comfortable with him so I finally do. I hug him back, tight. His amazing aroma fills up my nostrils and I hug him even tighter. Afraid he'd slip away from me any second.

This is the first time I'm letting anyone see me so vulnerable. I don't really know him enough but he's managed to see me at my worst times and at the weirdest of times.

We stay like that for a while. Enjoying each others company. We make our way to a couch there. I didn't notice it there before though. We sit side by side while I lean into his warm touch. He never let go and I didn't let go either.

"Axel" I started. He hummed in response.

"You're so much different outside of school. So different." I say out of the blue. He doesn't reply immediately almost like he's thinking.

"How so ?" He finally speaks up. "Like you're so much...nicer and loud. You almost never speak at school." I reply softly. He remains quiet and pulls away from me. I suddenly felt empty.

"What's wrong? Did I say anything?" I ask worriedly.

"No."

"Okay..."

"Are you su-"

"Just drop it Ariella! Mind your business okay? You wouldn't understand so just piss off. You're so annoying" He storms out leaving me in total and utter confusion. His scent leaving a trail of sadness behind and an untold story.

Okay....