It Took The Death of Hope

Chapter 30 - On the Same Page.

The Following Morning;

Ashlee Gray...

My brain was waking up before the rest of me...

'...you are my anchor...you keep my grounded, no matter what's going on around me...' Corey's words echoed in my head. Had that really happened? Or had I just had the most amazing dream? At this point I wouldn't have put anything passed my sub-conscience. I wanted him more than I have ever wanted anyone.

We had fought last night - he hadn't responded to my; we are done text so maybe I had dreamt that amazing confession.

"I know you're awake beautiful," his voice pierced my scrambling brain.

"No, I'm not!" I mumbled and he chuckled, a proper hearty chuckle that always gave me the warm tingly's at the knowledge I had caused it.

"If you're not awake, how are you talking to me right now?"

"Sleep talking!" I mumbled as I burrowed further into the warmth that was at my side. Wait...it's him - he's the warmth at my side, the solid weight of his arm draped over my stomach and the tingles increased as he chuckled while placing his lips to my head.

Oh my God. It had been real. His confession hadn't been a dream. He had come to me in the middle of the night and poured out his feelings. He said he was in love with me.

"What...time-is-it?" I mumbled from his chest as I inhaled his scent deeply.

"A little after 5.30..."

"At night?" I pulled back and opened one eye, to find him propped up on one arm, gazing down at me with nothing but complete and utter adoration in his eyes. I knew that look - because I had seen the way he looked at his sister, but this was...there was something more there.

"No sweetheart, in the morning,"

"Arghhhh, why are you waking me at the butt-crack of dawn?" I demanded.

"I didn't wake you..."

"Did too!" I accused grumpily. God; I hate early mornings. But I have to admit that with him by my side, after his confession I slept better than I have since the attack.

"Did not!" he chuckled, "you're adorable first thing in the morning..."

"Arghhhh!" I groaned the blush rising over my neck.

After a few moments, I opened my eyes to find him still watching me. The look in his eyes - it was enough to leave me breathless. I don't understand how he has this effect on me, but I can't deny that I kind of like it.

"I think we should talk about..."

"That's actually why I wanted to wake you early...I wanted to discuss things before the others wake up, is that ok?" he asked me.

"It is. But I need to go and splash some cold water on my face, wake up a little, ok?"

"Of course, baby," he smiled warmly at me and my heart leapt.

Stumbling up to my feet, I quietly made my way out of the room and down the stairs to where the luggage compartment and small bathroom was located. Locking myself inside, I gripped the small sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

My God, I look horrendous. My hair is like a fucking bird's nest. My mascara has smudged around my bloodshot eyes, damn it - that's what happens when I fall asleep crying. Grabbing the mouth-wash; I give my mouth a thorough rinse while splashing the ice cold water over my face. Scrubbing around my eyes until they were clear of the make-up.