Flowers and Darkness

Chapter 7

The morning after I left Jayden's house I decided to skip school and instead take some time to myself. Process what had happened and generally get some sleep. After leaving Jayden's house, despite how late it was, I struggled to fall asleep. I was left feeling angry, confused and anxious at the whole situation.

I heard a loud and persistent knocking coming from the front door. My eyes felt heavy and my bed was warm.

If I ignore it then they'll eventually go away.

It carried on for another minute before eventually stopping all together. I sighed and stretched in my bed. Feeling more relaxed now the knocking had ended.

"You should really look into getting stronger locks."

I opened my eyes to see Alex leaning against the dresser near my bed. I screamed and chucked my pillow at him.

"You should also look into improving your aim." He motioned to the pillow that had barely grazed his arm before landing near his feet.

"What are you doing here?" I shouted, gripping my bed sheets. He didn't look fazed at my reaction, which only irritated me more.

"I came to check up on you." He folded his arms. "You're not going in today?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm too tired." I didn't want to deal with any of this right now. My head had begun to pound and my eyes still felt heavy.

"So am I."

I rubbed at my eyes. "Look, I'm tired. I just want to sleep right now."

I eyed him as he slipped off his shoes and shrugged out of his jumper before settling down next to me on my bed.

"What are you doing?" I asked, turning to face him.

"Keeping you company, keeping you safe...whatever you want to call this."

"Alex..."

I was too tired to argue. As long as I get a few solid hours of sleep I can sort out the situation with a clearer mind when I wake back up. I turned my back on him and nestled back into my covers.

"You're lucky I'm tired and I don't want to argue." Truth be told, I was a little happy he was here with me. He smelt good and helped further warm up my bed.

"You know you want me here. I'm great company."

"You're not that great."

"But I am a little, right?" I smiled at his comment. I was so glad he couldn't see my face right now.

"Just keep to your side of the bed." 

As I closed my eyes he chuckled and came up behind me to spoon me. I snuggled back into his chest and entwined my cold feet with his before quickly falling back to sleep. 

"What the hell." I jerked awake at the loud voice.

Jayden stood over me. I felt shuffling behind me which meant Alex had woken up too.

I don't know how long we were both asleep for, but his sudden arrival made me feel as awake as ever. His reaction made me feel nervous and embarrassed. I don't know even Alex that well and now he's found us alone in my bed together. And especially with everything that happened with Ellie, this probably wasn't the best idea. Jayden thinking low of me is one of the worst feelings to have. But Alex just had the way of luring you in. He can irritate you, he can be too smug and too charming for his own good, but somehow you still feel a big attraction to him.

"Have you heard of breaking and entering?" Alex chided. I sat up and gave him a bewildered expression. Is he actually serious right now? He just shrugged back.