Stage Fright

Chapter 19 ~ The Shopping Spree

Heather

God I don't want to wake up, I just want to be asleep for a while longer. I didn't want to open my eyes to the world that I left behind last night.

Where my boyfriend assaulted me. 

I still can't believe that happened to me, that he did that. Everything between Zeke and I was so over, I'd never be able to forgive him for it. Six months is too long with someone like him.

The only silver lining was Josh. He came when I needed him and......he was cuddling with me last night! Maybe he was still here?

I squint my eyes open slightly and I'm surprised to see a dark grey pair staring back. He really stayed with me, all night long. 

"Hey." He says quietly. I smile weakly and he smiles too. 

"Hi." I whisper. I reach my hand up and play with his hair, twirling those few pieces that hang over his forehead around my fingers. He chuckles a bit at that but he doesn't tell me to stop.

This was a morning I'd never had in my whole life. I really hadn't spent many full nights in bed with other guys. But if I did, it was never like this. All sweet and cuddly. 

"How are you doing this morning?" He whispers and I sigh.

"I'm okay." I tell him. I felt better knowing Josh was here with me, that he wanted me to be safe.

"I'm so glad." He whispers. I lean in just a touch and kiss his cheek, but when I pull back he gives me this surprised look. "Well that was cute." He teases and I laugh a bit. 

"What are your plans today?" I ask and he shrugs.

"Homework maybe?" He suggests and I smile. "Other than that I'm free."

"Let's hang out then, do something fun." I suggest and he nods. 

"I'd like that." He tells me quietly. 

"Heather, I have your breakfast you asked me to wake you at ten-" Suddenly my bedroom door swings open and Eleanor stands there with a tray of food immediately looking away. "Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I wasn't under the impression that Zeke-"

"This isn't Zeke." Heather says quietly. "It's Josh and you can relax we're both dressed. Just laying in bed." Eleanor looks back over and sighs looking relieved.

"Oh." She says with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry Josh, I just looked quickly, I didn't notice."

"It's alright." He assures her and Eleanor walks over setting the tray on the end of my bed.

"So.....I'm confused. What happened last night? How was your date?" She asks and I press my lips together.

"My date ended horribly. Zeke and I aren't together anymore, if you see him here call the cops." I say bitterly and she furrows her eyebrows.

"What happened?" She asks and I shake my head. 

"He did something unforgivable." I tell her and she sighs.

"Well I'll send a note down to the gate monitor and make sure he doesn't let him through again, alright?" She asks and I nod. 

"Thanks so much, Eleanor." I tell her and then I look at Josh. "Could you make Josh a breakfast as well please?" I ask and she smiles.

"Oh, no. I'm fine." He says waving his hand and she laughs.

"Josh, I do so few things nowadays. Heather doesn't make much mess, things aren't dirty. It doesn't put me out to make you something to eat. That's my job." She insists and I smile. "How do you like your eggs?" Josh looks at me with this look of absolute astonishment and I nod, letting him know it's alright.