Pyrophobia

Arsonphobia -5-

Chapter Five

The smell of lemon filled the air; my eyes were heavy with sleep. I stretched in my bed, hitting my hands on an unfamiliar feel. I slowly opened my eyes, having to blink a couple times. The room was dark, from the heavy shade of curtains over thrown onto the window by my left. The room smelt musky, like a man.

Observing my surroundings, I came to the conclusion that I was indeed, in a man’s room. It wasn’t the rather large watch that was resting on the nightstand that gave it away; it was the messy clutter that was on the floor. A couple of over sized t-shirts with band names I’ve never heard of and a couple of empty video game cases were lying on the floor in random places.

Sighing, I wondered where I was and how I got here. I tried to think about what the last thing I remembered, which gave me a slight headache. My eyes widened and my heart almost exploded. I’m at Avery’s house aren’t I?

Slowly getting off the bed, I made my way towards the door, slightly opening it with a loud creaking sound coming from the hinges. I stopped moving instantly. I heard people whispering, but they soon stopped at the loud noise. Cursing myself, I slowly walked towards the bed, trying to find a place to hide.

“You’re up!” Courtney yelled, running into the room. I instantly felt myself relax at the realization that I wasn’t in Avery’s house. I turned around and came face to face with all three siblings, including Bentley.

“Has it always been this bad?” Trevor asked, Taking a step closer to me, I involuntarily flinched back. Bentley grabbed onto Trevor’s elbow, restraining him from coming closer to me.

“Mel, say something…” Courtney pleaded. I looked at everyone, not saying a word. I’m stubborn, why would I?

“Everyone, get out of my room.” Bentley said, grabbing both their shoulders and pushing them out. They tried to complain about it but there was no way they were going to win. After he shut the door behind himself, I took a seat on the edge of the bed. I could faintly hear the sound of rain hitting the roof. Leaning forward slightly, I grabbed a piece of the sheet covering the window, and lifting it up. Rain was trailing down the window, racing each droplet to the bottom.

The door creaked open and I felt a presence walk up beside me. The bed dipped in and I let go of the curtain, leaving me in darkness. I heard a deep sigh, then the body that was sitting next to me, fell on their back. I knew who it was; it didn’t take a genius to guess. For awhile everything was awkward silence. Neither of us had been willing to start talking first, unsure of what to say.

“Do you want a ride home?” I stayed silent. Do I want to go home and face my parents? Not really. They would know something bad happened and wouldn’t leave me alone until I gave in. I shook my head no to his question.

“Do you plan on walking all that way?” Bentley asked, turning his head to look at me. I looked down at him, meeting his eyes. I once again shook my head no and lay down beside him.

“Courtney can give you a ride home tomorrow; do you want Toni to give your parents a call?” I nodded my head, closing my eyes. He gave a firm nod before getting up to leave out of the room. Just as he opened the door, I sat up quickly, getting his attention. He looked at me sadly, almost apologetic.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered, hoping he heard me. He looked around his room once more before closing the door behind him as he left.

I lie back down onto his bed and let out a deep breath. What was wrong with me, why did people have to start finding out now? If someone were to ask me last summer where I could see myself now, I surely wouldn’t say sleeping at the new guys room after I passed out from all the torture I’ve endured. I would have never guessed. Sometime between thinking about how I would apologize and the sound of the rain hitting against the window, I fell asleep.