Sleep Paralysis - Josh Franchesci, You Me At Six AU (COMPLETED)

1.9

A U R O R A ' S  P O V

Kelly and I walked into work together, chatting softly in the empty store. I had yet to tell Dan, and the guilt was eating away at me - resulting in my avoidance.

"Come on, Rose, today's your last day of work and you leave in two days - you have to tell him. Why haven't you, anyway?" Kelly groaned softly as she put her bag away and adjusted her name tag. I sighed and closed my locker, leaning against the rows. "I can't bring myself to do it... I hate the idea of breaking his heart." I answered solemnly. Kelly crossed her arms and stepped close to me, staring me dead in the eyes.

"You're going to break his heart even more if you leave it to the last minute or just leave him in the dust. Tell him."

"I'll try." I whispered with a tightening throat, turning around and making my way out into the store. Kelly began to stock some bare shelves and racks whilst I opened up. Kelly insisted on keeping things easy for me today, keep the stress low. I began to open up some more boxes and helped out as we waited for the first customer of the day.

The day was quiet, but we both sold a fair bit together despite the small number of visitors. I had a small yet prominent feeling that Josh was influencing my last day. Regardless if it was Josh or just luck, I had a fantastic last day of work. Kelly and I shared a few moments of tears as I did some things for the last time, like taking money out of the register and tagging items. Although she believed I was only leaving for a few months, it was like Kelly knew today would be my last day forever.

Just like how we started our days, we collected our bags from the lockers, with me taking my decorations as well, and locked up. Kelly and I clambered into her car and set off for our local Italian restaurant.

---

"So, how is your dad now?" Kelly cautiously asked, sipping from her glass of white wine. I shrugged my shoulders as I considered how to influence my narrative. Saying he's worsened will make her worried, but it could also alter any suspicion of my extended disappearance if she doesn't hear from Sean for a while. "He's still the same - not any worse or any better." I mused, deciding to go with the safer option. She hummed in sadness and gently toyed with her pasta dish. I tenderly placed my hand on top of hers that rested on the table, stroking with my thumb.

"Please don't let me disrupt your life. I'd hate it if you fell into a completely useless and unforgiving depression because of me. I'll come back, okay? That's something to take comfort in." I lied with a soothing tone. I watched a few stray tears slid down her cheeks as she nodded in response. "I just can't help but feel... you're never coming back, you know? Obviously you will, but there's something about this situation that has placed me on the edge of my seat." She shakily explained. I bit my lip, nodding in understanding as my guilt accelerated and my body tensed up. Fighting back my urge to admit the truth, I pulled a warm smile upon my lips.

"I'll come back." I said once more. In all honesty, it felt like I was trying to convince myself more than I was Kelly. We continued our meals, speaking of more positive and delightful things in our lives, such as my father's home and fond memories. After dessert we began our journeys back home.

I kicked off my boots and looked over my bare apartment. I had pretty much packed everything up, with only necessities and my full suitcase being the only things left. I ghosted my fingers along the weathered yet beautiful wallpaper and thought back to when I had first moved in. This apartment was old and not the best of quality, but it was home. I grabbed my boots and took them into my bedroom. Dropping them onto the floor, a loud smack engulfing my hearing, I laid back and closed my eyes for a few moments. A single moment of peace where I could fall away into my head.

I was interrupted by my doorbell, and I quickly sat up. Who's here at this time at night? Has someone figured out that' I've been lying? I made my way to my front door, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I opened the door and felt my stomach drop. I had hoped I could've left this for a little while longer.

"Dan." I breathed, trying my best to hid my disappointment. "Hey, love." He smiled as he bent down to kiss me. I kissed him back gently before breaking the kiss and allowing him in. He investigated my apartment with his eyes, a look of confusion appearing. He cautiously sat himself on the couch and I joined him.

"Where... is everything?" He asked lowly. I slowly pulled his hand into mine and squeezed softly. Our gaze met, and my heart thumped viciously against my chest as I was faced with Dan's confusion. I took a deep breath and just told him bluntly. "I'm moving to Sheffield for a few months." His confusion left his face, but nothing replaced it. He looked... blank.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I - I don't know. Things just happened, and I've been so busy. I'm sorry." I continued, swallowing back my lumps and trying my best not to cry. Dan held my face with both of his hands and looked deeply in my eyes.

"I'll come with you." He smiled.

A/N: cliffhanger! Hey everyone, hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Apologies for the wait again, life has been quite busy. This chapter is a bit of a filler as well, but I promise you the next chapter is a lot more interesting!