Sensibility

Chapter 8

I drink the tea Tori has made and encourage her to return to bed. She reluctantly agrees after I reassure her it was just a dream. Once she drifts off, I stay awake for the rest of the night. I don't think I could sleep if I wanted to. Instead, I organize my bags, read science journals, and gaze into nothingness.

I feel a bit better as light begins to break through the windows in the early morning. The last remnants of my dream are beginning to fade, and I feel ready to forget it ever happened.

With Tori still sleeping, I quickly take a shower and dress myself into jeans and a simple white T-shirt. I pull my still wet hair into a ponytail, brush my teeth, and make my way to the kitchen to prepare more tea.

To my surprise, Tori is up and preparing a bowl of cereal. "Good morning," she chirps a greeting. Even in the morning, Tori is beautiful. Her raven hair is a mess and sticking up around her flawless face. Her short shorts and tank top hug her perfect body in all the right places. I swear she could have been a model, and I begin to wonder why she is even my friend. Yet, she smiles and wraps me in a side hug. "Do you feel better this morning?"

I just nod allowing her to comfort me, when no comfort is necessary. I really am fine, and I'm ready to move on. To move on from everything? My crazy subconscious has also arisen for the day, and she's just frothing at the mouth for images of last night. A strange tingle runs through my body as she flashes picture after picture of Zayn and his hands on me. I bat her down, and turn to Tori.

"So, you were serious about this road trip thing?" I question.

Tori abandons her breakfast and looks up at me. "Of course," she smiles flashing her enthusiasm at me.

"Isn't this a little careless," I try.

"Isn't that the point," she giggles. She flickers a shade of relaxation, pours milk over her breakfast, and takes a large bite. "God, I need coffee," she continues. "You want to get coffee quick?"

"No," I say shaking my head. How can she be thinking about coffee? Why is she so comfortable about this? "We need to talk about this road trip thing? This is not what we had planned."

Tori drops her spoon and tilts her head at me. "I knew you'd react this way, but I thought maybe you were coming out of your shell a bit after last night."

Last night? We're not talking about last night, ever! "Look, Tori," I begin. "I know you're on this 'let's be young and have fun' kick, but what do you even know about Zayn? You just met him, and who says we can trust him?"

"Do you think we can't trust him?"

Of course not! I want to scream. He's a weird emotionless pit of despair and confusion, focused on sending me to the insane asylum. "I don't know," I answer instead.

"Look Nikki," Tori says coming towards me again. "If you're really that uncomfortable, take the plane ticket, and I'll just meet you in D.C. in a week."

Maybe I should, but that means Tori would be with Zayn, all alone. The two most gorgeous people I have ever known on a road trip across the country, and my mind is running wild again. The thought is unnerving and an unrecognizable emotion flutters in my chest. I don't want Tori alone with Zayn. I don't want anyone alone with Zayn.

"No, I'll do it," I sigh feeling Tori gleam with joy at my answer.

"This is going to be so much fun," she squeals hugging me again.

My untamed subconscious begins a gleeful dance. I scowl at her.

.....

I'm nerves and rapid heartbeats an hour later as Tori and I wait outside our now vacant apartment. I had allowed a small ounce of sadness to wash over me as we finally handed over our keys to the landlord. This was it, my safe haven was gone, and I had no clue what I was heading into.