Relentless

Chapter 63

Celeste knocked at Peter's door and he immediately invited her in. "I wasn't sure you'd be awake." She said.

"I couldn't sleep and I guess neither could you?"

"Yeah, I just had a nightmare and this might sound crazy but it just felt so real and it just kinda left me rattled."

"It doesn't sound crazy. I know what you mean." Peter replied with a comforting smile. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, I'd rather forget about it." But Celeste couldn't help herself. "You know, Skylar and Ashton were quite similar."

"How so?"

"They were both always looking out for me. Skylar shared my sister's intensity, and passion for what she believes but she had a certain joy that Ashton has lacked for some time now."

"Oh?"

"Ever since Ashton had been taken advantage of by the boys in her life and her friends turned on her, she lost her faith in others. She tried to protect me from the same pain. Maybe I was no better than them."

"What do you mean?"

"I depended on Ashton. She was always there for me but when she needed me I failed her. I couldn't save her from herself."

"Celeste, you can't control your sister's actions."

"Yeah, but I should be able to."

Peter shook her head. Celeste wasn't sounding like herself. "This isn't like you."

"What isn't like me?"

"Being so manipulative."

"Yeah, you're right."

"I guess they just got into your head."

"I've been acting like Enz-" she spoke to herself. "Wait, who are 'they'?"

"You know, Lydia, your sister, our enemies."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. The last thing we need is to turn on our own. I guess I've just been paranoid since Ash... Well, you know."

"I understand and I'm so sorry. You're going through so much right now."

"I just wish I was stronger but everything is just so overwhelming." Tears welled in her eyes.

"You're stronger than you know. We wouldn't have made it this far without you."

"You're just saying that."

"No, I'm not. I mean it. Everyone feels the same way and I hope you know that I'm always here for you."

"I know, thank you." Celeste hesitates, wanting to say more.

"Yes?"

"Could I stay here until morning? It'll be sunrise soon but I'm too scared to be alone right now?" She said, rubbing her arms in comfort."

"Of course," he said, gesturing to the twin bed next to his.

Celeste climbed in, tucking herself neatly under the quilted cover, facing Peter. "Thank you," she said.

"You should get some sleep," is all Peter said, pushing a strand of her brown hair out of her face.

Celeste closed her eyes, expecting him to kiss her forehead goodnight but it never came. Peter blew out his candle, knowing that he should probably try to get some sleep. He looked down at her. She looks so innocent, he thought. Skylar's words echoed in his mind. "She isn't the girl you fell in love with." No, he agreed. She isn't. She is so much younger and pure.