Becca's Moments

Chapter TwentyEight

Becca

I stayed with Kayden for three days. Pure dread prevented me from leaving his room, let alone his house, and so I had to use his phone to message Dad and make up an excuse why I hadn't been home. Luckily, he bought it.

In that time, Kayden had been attentive, gentle and understanding. My sores were healing, and I managed to communicate with him easier than before. Although I refused to open up to him about what happened, he helped to take my mind off things. We watched films, played games, ate and cuddled in bed. I wasn't sure what he'd told his parents, but they seemed fine with letting me stay, and I was forever grateful to them.

Whenever nighttime fell, I grew wary. The night meant bedtime, and bedtime meant being trapped in my own thoughts whilst Kayden softly snored beside me. Even in his sleep, Kayden protected me, his powerful arms lassoed around my waist, holding me close to his chest.

It was around 1am and my body screamed at me to just sleep, but my brain pleaded with me to stay awake. I sided with my brain, scared to drift off and relive my dreadful ordeal again. Last night I'd woken in a cold sweat and Kayden was there, shushing me and rocking me back to sleep. This time, I wagered pulling an all-nighter—at least then I wouldn't bother Kayden with midnight terrors.

Work and sixth form hadn't been an issue so far, but I would eventually need to go back. Everyone knew I was 'ill' and kept their distance. But how long before I'd be forced to return to civilisation? Two days felt like two weeks, and I knew eventually the safety bubble Kayden had me in would pop. I wasn't ready yet.

"Still awake?" Kayden's soft whisper was like a foghorn in the dark silence.

Stroking his arm, I whispered back, "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"You're shifting a lot. You okay?"

I nodded.

"Try and sleep." He kissed my nape and stroked my stomach. The gesture was soothing, but the last thing I wanted to do was shut my eyes. Leon was waiting to transform my dreams into nightmares, and I wouldn't let him win.

A few days later I was back at home. My nothing-is-wrong mask had been firmly slotted in place, and I was slowly opening up to the idea of being back outside. Anticipating sixth form the next day, I finished up my Business coursework that Tyreece had helped me to start. I didn't put my all into it; my brain was still shattered from the emotional and physical stress, but I exceeded the word count and left everything in its rightful folder.

Afterwards, I headed downstairs to the kitchen. Diamond sat at the dining table, colouring in. I felt her eyes on me as I poured some apple juice into a glass.

"Yuh still quiet," she muttered.

I took a sip of my juice and peered at her. Somehow, her accent didn't seem so strong anymore. "I'm just tired."

She hummed. "Memba dat boy yuh tell mi about?"

"Zaine?"

"Yeah, weh him deh?"

I chuckled. "You'll meet him soon, I promise."

Diamond gave me a sceptical look and went back to her book. I ruffled her kinky hair and went back upstairs to my room. That was my life now; eat, sleep, watch TV, repeat. Eventually, I was in bed watching Gossip Girl when my phone vibrated with a new text.

—Everyone misses u at work. Including me, the shop floor ain't the same
You been ok?

I smiled at Kayden's message and tapped out a reply.

—I miss you too. Feeling better today thanks x
Going school tomorrow

He replied instantly.