Shattered

Chapter 5

Last night, I had fallen asleep during the movie. Well, half-asleep. I was still conscious at least. I could tell Willow had fallen asleep as her head rested on my thigh. Her body laid sprawled out on me as I was leaning against a cushion. At least I thought so until it moved. At that time, it occurred to me that it was in fact, Connor.

I had felt the pressure lift from my legs and I cracked my eyes open to see him holding Willow and carrying her to her room so gently. I closed my eyes yet again as the movie continues to play. It only sounds like background sounds to me now. "Okay, your turn." I feel someone's arms wrap around me and they force me to sit up. My head slightly rolls before my eyes open into slits. "I'm tired."

"I know. That's why I'm helping you to bed." He takes my hands and pulls me from the couch. I stand up with a sigh wanting nothing more than to just close my eyes again and float into a deep sleep. Even if it is standing. "Come on," he seemingly says mockingly. Almost like he's calling a dog. I mumble to him but even I don't know what it is I said. "Well, the sooner you get to bed, the sooner you get to sleep. My head rocks up and down a few times like a nod. It might as well have been a nod.

I feel Connor's hand grasping mine as he leads me through the house to my bed. He gently pulls me forward and I step closer putting my trust in him with my eyes closed, too tired to open. "Here we are." I reach forward and I open my eyes for just a split second to see my bed. When my hand touched the covers, they were soothingly cool to the touch. I slip under the covers, now thankful I was wearing my pajamas at the time and relaxing immediately at the cool feeling of softness.

"We'll read the note tomorrow. Expect me here as soon as possible. Don't read it without me." I feel my head move up and down so softly and drowsily in a nod of agreement. I feel the blankets pull closer to my face before something brushes against my cheeks. Something warm. I feel myself smile in reaction and I move my face closer to it. It immediately snatches away from me but my smile remains. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," I softly reply right as the door gently closes and I drift off to sleep with ease.

***

The day seemed to drag by. All I could think about was the note. My body moved on its own as it always does in front of a mirror. I allowed myself to dwell deep inside my mind, imagining what the note might read later. My eagerness, unfortunately, made the time tick slower. When Emma finally went to bed and fell asleep, I immediately jump back out.

Willow walked out of her room shortly afterward. "Mommy? Can we watch another movie together?" I shake my head as my eyes remained glued to my phone. "Not tonight honey. Connor is going to come over tonight, but we need to talk alone." I look up from my phone and smile. "I can put on a show or movie for you though?"

She shrugs and sits down next to me. "Okay. What are you going to talk about?" I shrug as well. "Nothing you need to worry about right now." I hear her sigh and I mentally wish for her to not ask any more questions about it. Thankfully, her mind strays away from the idea and moves onto another topic.

We talked about our day and joked around until the doorbell rang. "Connor's here!" Willow jumped from the couch and towards the door but stops right in front of it. She then turns to me with an expectant expression. I giggle to myself as I watched her excited attitude at the idea of Connor being here. I answer the door and he quickly walks in with an atmosphere of excitement as well.