The Dark Of You

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 21

Yes, I would love that
The entire trip to Spain was filled with silence. Rylan kept dozing off in her seat from time to time. Then she would wake up quickly as if she was too scared to sleep. I have never been around a person who fears to fall asleep like that. It was painful to watch her. Sleep is essential and too not having that is horrible.

On the way to the hotel, she made herself stay awake by feeding me information. I didn’t catch a word as all I could do was look at her for any sign that she would break. I don’t think she will unless it’s when she is alone. She is too strong for her good.

I closed the hotel door behind me and leaned against it to let out a deep breath. I’m so tired, but every bone in me feels guilty for being exhausted. I jumped in my place as there was a loud knock on the door. I opened it and stood face to face with Rylan, who’s standing slightly tilted as her eyes are half-closed.

“You need to go and get some sleep Rylan. I can’t deal with you like this. I just can’t,” The words left my mouth before I had a moment to think. Her mouth opened and moved, yet no sound came out.

“Your dad called,” She said and my heart speeded up quickly. I haven’t heard from him since the day he told me to do this for him.

“He was just wondering how things were and I told him everything is fine. I hope that is okay?” She wondered and I nodded as I clenched my jaw. He couldn’t just have called me to ask for that or even consider to ask if I’m alright.

“It’s fine,” I let out an annoyed breath.

“Go and get some sleep before you pass out on the floor, soldier,” I mocked her, but there was not even a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. Clearly, she has an issue with her sleep problems.

“Goodnight, Hadley,” She said before she went into her bedroom. I stood at the door for a while before I decide to go to sleep myself.

---

The sun shone so brightly inside the hotel room that I groaned to myself as I turned around in bed. I almost let out a shriek before I realized it’s Rylan that is asleep in the chair next to the bed. Her arms are crossed over her chest as she leans on to the right side. I don’t understand how she can be so quiet that I can’t hear her, or maybe I’m just a heavy sleeper.

I checked the time and it’s nine in the morning. We don’t have to be at the party until six and then tomorrow we will go back home. I can’t wait to go back to old habits. I promised my grandmom to visit her and the rest of the family for Christmas. I do that every year as my dad prefers to have a bottle of scotch in his hand and complain about his rivals.

I went out of bed towards Rylan and bent down beside her. She seems to be far of and as much as I don’t want to wake her, I have to. She can’t sleep in that chair as it looks fairly uncomfortable.

“Rylan,” I said quietly and laid my hand over hers to not startle her. She opened her eyes slowly as she barely looked at me.

“I need you to stand up,” I told her and she closed her eyes hard then met my gaze again as she stood up on her feet. I took both her hands into my own and led her to the bed. She laid down without a word and closed her eyes as I pulled the covers over her. I was surprised that she didn’t even use an inch of her energy to disagree with me. She’s the most stubborn person I have ever met, with the expectations of me, of course. Yet, I’m not sure if I should be worried or grateful that she gave in so easily. I let out a sigh as I grabbed along fresh clothes for the day as I made my way for the shower.

By the time I came back out, Rylan was still asleep, which I didn’t expect. Quietly I took my phone, key and wallet to make my way out of the room to leave her in peace. I found my way down to the breakfast area, which I usually tend to get late to since I prefer to sleep. Rylan is always up before the sun, so of course, she can get a cup of coffee and breakfast.

I stand in line as I wait to grab a cup of coffee and a smile crept onto my lips as it reminded me of the first time Rylan and I met. How she sat so casually in the chair in front of the bed. The lack of care she had made me burst into flames. She can really be frustrating when she wants to be.

After I drank up my coffee and ate a few pancakes, I brought along another coffee cup with me upstairs. I opened the door carefully, not waking up Rylan. She quickly opened her eyes but calmed down as she saw me.

“I thought you might have wanted some coffee,” I placed the cup onto the nightstand next to her. She rubbed her tired eyes and sat up in bed. With narrowed eyes, she gazed out the window onto the sunshine outside.

“Thank you,” She said and cleared her throat, but the look she gave me made me rethink it was not the coffee she thanked me for.

“You want to talk about it?” I asked and she turned away to stare back out the window. The rays of the sunlight make the scars on her skin light up. I swallowed hard to the view, but those spots keep drawing me in. I’m too curious for my good.

“You want to go out?” She smiled at me.

“What?” I stammered as I wasn’t ready for that question.

“It’s a beautiful day and it would be bad to let that opportunity go,” She said and those words made me grin brighter than the sun outside.

“Yes, I would love that,” I answered.