Chapter 1
I knew my life was different. Who else can say their family used to make an average income, but now have become billionaires? Almost everyone in my entire life who has known that information has tried to befriend me or be nice to me just because of that reason. So, because of that, now very few people even know I exist.
Before I was born, my mother, Sola Weathers, invented the main piece of technology companies use to create the holograph. Soon, almost all commercial companies were paying top dollar to use her technology for their own products. It didn't take long for my mom to rise to fame.
She did have other things on her mind though, including my father Dillon Moss. They met each other before she became a celebrity. It was just an off chance meeting at the grocery store. They got married privately, shortly after they met. It wasn't too long after that before my mother took to fame, so mother kept her maiden name since it was attached to the brand. Not long after the wedding I came along; Raymond Brandon Weathers.
During the early years of my childhood my father stayed home with me while my mother would come and go on business trips. It wasn't the ideal family environment but we were all happy. My father had his own job too, which was just a career in business for a company based off of advertising. He did most of his work from home in his own office and workspace but did have to travel every now and again. However, when I was about two years old my dad went on a business trip to Australia to meet up with their foreign partners. From what the professionals can guess, there was an issue with the engine in the plane and it crashed somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Today, all I know of my father is from what i've heard or have seen in pictures. I was too young to really remember anything. While it didn't affect myself as much, because I never got to know him. My mother on the other hand, I don't think has ever been the same. With him out of her life, all she had to focus on was myself and her work. My mom also had to travel on a bunch of businesses trips to talk with large companies around the world, so sometimes it would be weeks at a time before I saw her.
I wasn't completely alone though because I had my nanny, and later upgraded to my head maid, named Ms. Riva. Nowadays, instead of changing diapers she advises me and makes sure the house is kept up properly. I don't know where I'd be without her. She taught me almost everything I know, and has made me the man I am today. While she was not only practically raising me, there are also teams of butlers, maids, cooks, and all kinds help around the house, which Riva somehow keeps in line. Last but not least, there is my bodyguard named Eduardo. He started guarding me and the house when I was about five after someone tried to break in. Luckily, they had no idea who we were but were just trying to rob someone's tv. That's when we decided to move to Oregon and that we would have to live underground. Sometimes, I think of what could've happened without Eduardo in my life. Because, unlike the thieves trying to steal petty objects, there have been several attempts upon my life and safety where Eduardo has stepped in and risked his own life for mine. He's also been one of my only true friends. Even though he's my bodyguard and protector, he's the only one where I can talk about guy stuff too. So, he also has played an important role throughout my upbringing, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The house itself that I live in, has only one main entrance on the surface. However, there are several emergency tunnels that lead far away from the residence. This way, security has no problem making sure we are secure at all times. Even the location is secure, because it is in a public forest and a small section is blocked off from the public for "historical preservation". To people, it is just some old carvings on a rock from some indians. Of course, there is the occasional wanderer who might be wanting to graffiti said rock but they are swiftly shown the exit.
But, that is just the surface. Underneath is where the real extravagance is. Once you get past the entrance, you wouldn't even know you were underground. The rooms are lighted with specially designed windows that emit almost the same amount of light as real ones from special designed light bulbs. They also are equipped with holographic screens to program to any scenery you want.
The rooms vary in use and size. There are several master and guest bedrooms all equipped with their own bathroom. Other rooms in the house include a kitchen, an indoor pool, a library, a fitness room, a theatre, a music room, and an art studio. My mom went all out on my living quarters for me to be the most comfortable. Most of the bedrooms are empty most of the time though, except for mine, Ms. Riva's, Eduardo's, and when she's here, my mothers. The rest of the rooms are for recreational purposes. Unlike Ms. Riva and Eduardo, the rest of the crew come and leave every day from the secured entrance. They are sworn under secrecy to never talk about their workplace, and in return they get more than sufficient funding.
I however, dislike being down there for too long at a time so when I was old enough I convinced Ms. Riva and my mom for me to travel to the local library. I loved it there, ever since I was a little kid. I loved brushing my fingers down the spines of books as I browsed down the aisles.
Getting there wasn't easy either, because for me it was embarrassing for my entire "protection crew" to travel with me. So, I started to ride my bike back and forth. There were of course security cameras stationed to and from the library, which were always monitored while on my trip by my security. It was quite a ways though to the library and my house, so Eduardo would drop me off at a specific checkpoint a couple miles away everyday. I do that same routine everyday, especially since I have acquired a job at the library.
I could have any job since I've finished my schooling, and with my family background, but I wanted to do something I loved. Now, I not only go to the library for my own enjoyment but to help out Mrs. Baker the head librarian. I do like the idea of becoming a police officer someday though. The idea of protecting and saving people sounds so unselfish to me, which I've always tried to be, especially because of the environment I live in. Though, I don't think my mother would let me put myself at risk like that. Even so, I still keep living my "normal" life as best I can.
The day was coming to an end as I started gathering my things from the library one day. I asked Mrs. Baker if she still needed anything for me to do. Being the way she was, she just smiled at me and said in her sweet, soft voice
"No, dear, I can handle everything else, you can go along home." While her small frame was still finishing restocking the last shelf I waved her goodbye as I left out the front doors.
Soon, I'm on the open road with a small breeze blowing through my hair. I always enjoy my time outside on these small trips. Today's sunset was notably spectacular. The reds and purples almost stretched as far as the eye could see, and the middle just had this bright glow with striking golds and oranges.
As the sun starts to disappear, I start pedaling down the old, beaten sidewalk. I want to stay longer to watch the sky, but if I don't meet Eduardo soon he might start to worry.
I'm about halfway there, when I see a road sign up ahead. I sigh in exasperation as I read a "road ahead closed" sign. I stop and look around as I calculate the next route I'll have to take. Security won't like me going off route where camera's aren't stationed. If I hurried and met up Eduardo fast, they may not even notice I'm gone. But, to reach Eduardo within a reasonable time I'd have to go through Danton street.
Now, Danton street has had a rough past involving demolished buildings, gang activity, and questionable businesses. I have only been there once and that was a mistake, and I never wanted to return there again. I knew it was inevitable so as I started to turn, I prepared myself to pedal briskly.
I want to be there as fast as I can. I pull up my hood and examine down the street. I probably only have to go about a mile until I can turn back onto my original route. As I pass alcohol shops, and bars I see small groups of people standing outside. I swerve on the other side of the street and hold my breath as I pass them. Luckily no one notices me. My breath quickens as I try not to look down the endless dark alleyways next to me.
As I continued to ride down the sidewalk, the demolished building across the street allowed the fading sunlight to pass into the dark alleyways, and as I cycled past one, something shined within it, and caught my eye.
I don't know why, but it caused me to break, back pedal, then peer inside it. I stopped with the sun to my left and examined the alley. I couldn't see anything except the sparkle amongst the rubble. I glanced behind me, while looking around the area. I was past all of the businesses and people now, but there were some wondering people, but at a safe enough distance for me to investigate safely.
I quickly hopped off my bike and made my way over to the alley. It was next to a small pizza shop and a low end chinese restaurant so the whole alley smelt of rotting cheese, and moldy chow mein. Next to a dumpster, was a pile of black trash bags where the shine was reflecting. There was something piled on top of them. The sun had set enough now, where there was little light and I couldn't make it out.
I approached it carefully trying to make out the form. I gasped as I realized what I saw gleaming in the sun. It was a metal ring, but still connected to a hand.
I fell backwards in surprise as I stared in shock at that hand. I tried to keep my composure as my mind raced. Was this person dead? I had to check to see if they were okay. But, if they were dead I would be messing up a crime scene. Should I call the police? But then I would be mixed up in a murder, and who knows if I could keep that information away from the press.
These questions and possibilities were all swimming in my head making me dizzy. I stood up and swayed on my feet a little bit, holding onto the wall for support. I took a tentative step towards it and looked past he hand and now saw the rest of the body past the mound of garbage. It was a young girl.
I couldn't see any blood or wounds so I started to creep closer. I decided quickly that the only sure way of knowing she was alive was to actually make contact.
I was trained in first aid a little by Eduardo. I could at least check for a pulse. I'm reassured when I lay my middle and forefinger on her warm and working pulsepoint. I sigh in relief and start to pull her out of the rubbish pile by her hand.
Once I finally drag her limp form out of the rubbish she was still unresponsive on the ground. She starts to stir slightly after slight shaking but doesn't even open her eyes.
"Do I need to take you to a hospital? Or do you need me to go get the police for you? Has someone hurt you?" I asked frantically, not really knowing what to do.
She still didn't seem to be lucid like when you wake up from a dream. She just stirred, clinched her already closed eyes and just said one word as soft as a whisper. "No."
A single tear fell from her closed eye, and then she relaxed back into deep unconsciousness. Well, I don't know what question she was referring to, but I'll just assume all of them.
Well, if I can't take her to the police, or a hospital, then I'd just have to take her to my home. I don't know what Eduardo will think of this. How to get her to him though will be a problem too. I can think of only a few options. I could call Eduardo and tell him to come here, I carry her myself, or I could leave her.
The last thought made my stomach tense. I couldn't leave her in this state, and if I called Eduardo here he might, out of safety precautions, make me leave her here saying how she is just a drug addict or a possible threat to my safety. This could be true, but I felt like I had to help, no matter what. So, really, I only had one decent option. I stared out of that alleyway at my bike. That wouldn't be much use if I had to carry an unconscious girl. So we'd have to hike it. It wouldn't be far, but I'd have to carry her.
My mind wandered back to the group of questionable people only about a block behind me. But, as I walked over to the entrance of the alleyway I saw no one on either side of me. I guess nothing was stopping me now. I sigh as I stood over the girl, pondering on what the best way to carry her would be.
Carrying her in my arms would be difficult over a long period of time, especially with her unconscious dead weight. So, I decide on the idea of piggybacking her. Let's just say after several attempts of trying to situate her on my back, I finally succeeded. Luckily she wasn't too heavy. This situation might look suspicious or odd to onlookers so I placed my sunglasses over her eyes as a last precaution.
It didn't look perfect but it'd have to do. As we started making our way down the street we would only have to go about two blocks until Eduardo would be meeting us. I tried not to make any eye contact with the random stranger that would appear every now and then. Luckily for me, there were few people out tonight.
There was only one time that my heart pounded inside my chest. It was when we had to pass an open bar with several questionable people hanging outside. Luckily for me, they were too busy with each other to notice me as I stayed to the opposite side of the street. The whole time, I thought they would be able to hear my heart beating out of my chest. After that, I could see Eduardo's car was parked down the street pulled over on the side in the distance. I was relieved to be close but now I had a different problem.
My mind raced on how I was going to explain this situation to him. It's not like I bring home unconscious girls or otherwise on a regular basis. Then again, he is always trying to get me to find a friend. He also jokes a lot about how I could get "any girl I want". But, he needs to know security measures on them, and I know nothing about her. So, I knew I would have to think of something quick.
I'd just tell him that she's a friend from work and just got drunk and passed out. Hopefully it would work. As I approached Eduardo, he stepped out of the car to come and help me. He seemed to have a mix of question and a smirk on his face.
"Who is this?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he opened the door for me.
"Just a friend from work, who had too much to drink." I replied as I set her down in the back seat.
As I turned around to face Eduardo as he shut the door, he still had a smug smile that radiated "well I know what you're doing later." I tried not to look at his face again as he opened up my door and I slid in next to the woman.
She still was just as unconscious as when I found her. I resolved that was a good thing, since this would be hard to explain to her, and even worse for Eduardo if she didn't know who I was. But, that would all just have to happen later. Throughout the rest of the short drive Eduardo didn't even look in the rear view mirror back at me, and I mentally thanked him for waiting to ask me questions.
As we approached the enclosed area Eduardo only had to nod for the surveillance man to let him pass. I was anxious to get home and prepare for what I was going to say to Riva. Unlike Eduardo, she might not believe my lie as easily, but she will also not say anything and let me make my own mistakes, because she tries to nudge me in the right directions and not just tell me what to do. But, that doesn't mean she won't keep a close eye around me, and in this case any eye is too close.
I exited the car, and this time let Eduardo carry the girl. He gingerly scooped her in his arms much more easily than I could have. No one dared look twice as Eduardo passed through the main entrance. Eduardo had this certain air about him that said "I dare you." He was always very protective and didn't want me to be embarrassed by questioning eyes which, like him, guessed why an unconscious girl might be staying over, but for Eduardo it was more of a private joke.
I blushed a bright crimson at how everyone now thinks I'm just hooking up with her, and not only that, but she is passed out already. I just stared at the floor as we made our way past security and finally made it into the living area.
"Where would you like me to set her down?" Eduardo asked.
"The blue guest bedroom should do nicely." I replied.
There was no way he was going to get me to say "my bedroom" even if it did make the lie more believable, so I just chose one of the guest bedrooms.
As he layed her down on the already made bed, we both exited the room. All he said was "good luck and be safe" as he winked at me and exited the living space. Once he was gone, I just sat there with my hand over my red face embarrassed and defeated. This whole situation was just exhausting, and crazy. I knew Eduardo would want information later, so I had to think of a story that he would believe, which isn't as easy as you think.
My blush didn't have time to fade for long though, as I heard the clicking heels of Riva making their way towards me. I sat down on one of the black leather couches as I knew this was going to be an interesting conversation.
She entered the room and looked past me like she was looking for something.
"Where is the young lady?" she asked in her polite spanish accent, but I knew that was only a mask.
"In the blue bedroom." I replied calmly, while also trying to keep a straight face. I knew she was trying not to smack me right on the head as soon as I got home and allow me to explain myself.
She hurriedly went to go examine the girl for herself. Riva knows me well enough to know that I don't have a lot of friends, so it is no wonder she would be a little suspicious of me bringing home a passed out girl. She would also be furious with me if I treated a girl the way everyone thinks I am.
I could tell she was conflicted about me having friends because she wanted me to be safe, and not get hurt from deception, or from them trying to gain from me. But, she also wanted me to be social and live my life.
As she entered back into the room she looked me in the eyes as if examining my soul. I just put on a face of "I have nothing to be guilty for" and she seemed to understand and back down. I guessed she tolerated the girl, even though she did not like my suspected motives. But, she knew better than to think I would take advantage of a girl. I had an inner sense of relief, because now that Riva thinks I am making a friend. It will be nice having her and Eduardo keeping other onlookers away to try and leave me alone with the girl, even though they think for two completely different reasons, it didn't matter.
"Do you need any more assistance for the night?" she asked knowing that I would like some privacy, but unlike Eduardo not for sex.
"No, probably not until tomorrow Riva. I will call for you when I am ready" I said. I will be happy to have a moment to breath when I'll be by myself.
With that, she wished me goodnight and left. I sighed and just felt emotionally exhausted. I don't know when the last time I had this much excitement happen. My mind still couldn't believe that I had an unconscious girl in my house. My mind flooded with thoughts as I thought of the different scenarios that could happen. None of the ones I'm sure Eduardo might be pondering, but ones where hopefully the girl doesn't think she's been kidnapped and try to kill me.
I put that to the back of my mind and tried to put together the pieces of what might have happened to her. She could have been attacked, but then why did she not want to go to the police? Maybe she was on drugs and could get arrested for consumption. But that doesn't explain why she was under trash and has been unconscious for so long.
I sighed, and decided that I would let her explain when she would wake up.
I slowly crept down the hallway leading to my bedroom and where the room was where she was sleeping. I peeked in through the doorway and peered at the bed. As I approached cautiously, she seemed to be more asleep than unconscious now. Her long light brown hair was all mussed up and slightly covering her light-toned face which was dotted with freckles.
Before I knew what I was doing, I brushed her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear. I stared then at my hand in astonishment, like it had a mind of it's own. Luckily, she didn't stir, but a small sigh escaped her lips, then turned into slight snoring. I smiled at the small sound. I crept out of the room slowly, not wanting to disturb her. I was relieved that she seemed to be recovering and seemed relaxed.
I made my way over to the kitchen to make some dinner. I'd usually have something made for me when I'm this tired and it was this late, but I didn't need any personnel back here right now. So, I start to grab out ingredients to make some spaghetti. It wasn't fancy, but it was one of the things I could actually cook, without turning it to charcoal.
After some time, the spaghetti was almost done. As I was adding the marinara sauce I heard a faint thump coming from down the hallway.
Suddenly I was on full alert and my mind goes instantly blank to what I'm going to say. I think to take caution so I grab a butter knife that I cut some tomatoes with, like I was in a survival mode
My whole body breaks out in goosebumps as I hear the bedroom door creak open. My mind was frantically chastising myself. Why hadn't I planned this sooner? For all I know she was going to run out there and attack me. Which I probably deserved since I kind of kidnapped her.
What did stumble out of the hallway though surprised me. It was the girl, but she seemed to not be alarmed at all. Actually, she was just squinting at me through her hair like a child stumbling out of bed in the morning. I'm sure I looked like a deer in headlights as I waited for a reaction from her behind the kitchen counter.
I wouldn't get one though, because she just yawned and wandered over to the couch to lay down, while rubbing her eyes.
I stood behind the counter just kind of going "What?" in my head. Why didn't she say anything. No "where am I?", or "who are you?" No. Nothing.
I come back to my senses eventually and decide a good way to break the ice was to offer a bowl of spaghetti.
I carefully walked around the couch and peered over the edge. She was twiddling with a peridot green ring that had a band design that resembled wrapped grass. That must have been what caught my eye in the light of the alley
Slowly, her eyes drifted away from her ring and landed to me, then down to the food. I saw them light up and at least saw that as a good sign. As I placed the bowl on the coffee table in front of her, she quickly started to enjoy it. I sat across from her in a cushioned club chair.
Since she was enjoying the meal so much at the moment, I decided on letting her finish before we started to talk. Luckily, I don't think it would take that long, at the pace she was slurping up the noodles.
Once, she was finished she set her empty bowl on the table then leaned back in the chair with a happy grin on her face with her hands on her stomach.
I cleared my throat before asking tentatively, "So, I'm sure you have many questions for me, and I have some for you. Do you mind if we talk?" I didn't want to seem intimidating or overpowering in any way, especially since I pretty much kidnapped her.
"No, I wouldn't mind that at all." she replied calmly. Her voice was silvery and sing songy. She then sat criss-cross-applesauce-style on the sofa and then leaned forward attentively awaiting my questions.
I was caught off slightly by how ready and willing she was but I guess that was a good thing, so I wasn't going to question it.
"Well, let's start at the beginning. My name is Raymond Weathers. What's your name?"
"My name is Khalida Moon." she smiled as she said this like she was proud of her name.
"Nice to meet you Khalida. Now I'm guessing you are wondering where you are. This is my home located in Forest Park, and this might seem hard to understand but it's underground." I wanted to explain this slowly and as simple as I could and was prepared for her to say that I was lying.
The only thing she did was look around the room, then look at me with wide blue eyes and go "Really?!" in a high pitched voice filled with wonder. I nodded and she just seemed to look around even more in awe.
"Then how do you have windows?" she pointed as she said this to one of the holographs with a raised eyebrow in confusion.
"It's actually holographic. That is a live video feed from the surface." The view right now showed the forest which was up above.
She seemed to take this new information in stride and kept examining it from across the room.
I realized we had ventured off topic and went back on to explaining myself.
"I found you in an alleyway on my way home from work. I didn't feel like you were safe there. Also, when I tried to talk to you and ask you if you needed to go to the police or hospital you only said "no" so, consequently, I took you here."
Wow, it does sound a lot crazier now that I said it out loud and I was kind of shocked at how outrageous this must sound.
"Oh I remember you talking to me before, thank you for trying to keep me safe, but it wasn't really necessary." she said in a matter of fact way while smiling kindly at me.
I was slightly confused when she said this and had a shocked expression. How was it not necessary? She was unconscious, and alone in the back of an alleyway.
"Ugh, why didn't you have to worry?" I asked. Intrigued by her sense of false security.
"Well, of course Semira would have protected me if anything happened, and…" as Khalida said this she trailed off in thought with widening eyes and all the sudden jumped up and started to look around frantically.
"Where is Semira? I need to find her!" Khalida said with her eyes filled with fear.
I tried to reassure her and calm her down by putting my hands on her shoulders as I explained, "I didn't see anyone else in that alleyway, but if she was there it's nightfall and she's probably left by now. Even if she was still there, it's too dark to go looking for her now. Also, that street isn't the most friendly place after dark either."
Khalida just seemed to accept this but still had a sad face tinged with worry.
"But, I promise at the first break of dawn we can go in my car and go looking for her. Okay?" I asked while patting her back trying to provide meager consolement.
"Okay", Khalida replied but still casted her eyes down. She closed her eyes then and when she opened her eyes again, this time she was staring at me.
"Do you still have questions for me?" she asked calmly.
I cleared my throat almost forgetting about what we had been doing.
"Actually I do. Why were you passed out in that alleyway? Did someone attack you?" I asked wanting the answer to the question which has been bothering me since I found her.
"Well… , it was all an accident really. I have been travelling a lot lately and I guess from the exhaustion I passed out while walking down the street. But, me and my friend were travelling together. I would have to assume she also fainted." she said
I just sort of sat there processing her answer. It did sound like she was trying to make up a story, a bad one at that. So, I just won't ask any more about it. She shouldn't have to explain herself to me anyway, just to solve my curiosity.
"Okay, next question then. Do you have any family members or friends that you have in the area? Or do you have someplace you are taking residence?" I asked. I wanted to make sure she returned safely to where she belonged whenever the time came.
"No, the only person I know is Semira and now you. We did just arrive here today so we haven't met anyone yet." she pronounced.
"Well is there anyone you need to contact, or call to make sure you are okay or to come get you?" I asked this wondering if she had any home to speak of.
"Nope." she replied while smiling at me like she had no cares in the world.
I sighed at the situation. This poor girl. No friends or family in a new town, or at least none she wanted to speak to. She must have been in some trouble back home. I won't ask now because there is a time and place for everything and it is not right now.
"Well, you can stay here for as long as you need. It's not like I don't have enough rooms." I said almost laughing at the truth of this.
Her eyes widened as I said this and a large grin spread across her face. I was about to say "It won't be any problem" but before the words could leave my mouth she leapt across the table with great speed and tackled me.
"Ohhhhh thank you thank you thank you thank you!" she squealed as she said this with her arms wrapped around me and squealing in delight.
I just laughed nervously as I pried her off of me, but I was glad she was happy.
"Wow, it's already pretty late tonight" I said as I noticed the time on my watch. It was already almost 11:30 pm. "We should probably go to bed soon if we want to get up early and go look for your friend."
"Okay. Um, am I staying in the same room that I woke up in?" she asked while glancing towards the hallway.
"Yeah, you can. If you don't want to, you can choose one of the different rooms." I said this because I had plenty of different bedrooms that haven't really been used, all of them made up and waiting.
"Oh, I like the blue one okay. Thank you though, for everything." she said emphasizing the last part.
As we were walking back to the bedrooms, I remembered where I had found her, and realised she would probably want to take a shower and a change of clothes.
"Khali, would you like to shower and change into some other clothes? I'm sure the ones you have on, aren't the most pleasant since I found you in a pile of trash", I said this with caution trying to make the phrase "you stink" as polite as I could.
"Oh, that'd be wonderful, thank you" she replied smiling at me.
With that I walked her back to the bathroom. Before I closed the door though, I made sure she knew how to work the shower, and then I went to try to go find her some clothes.
I didn't have anything that would really suit a girl. I hoped that a t-shirt, and some plaid pajama bottoms would do.
I knocked on the bathroom door and said, "I brought you some pajamas. I'm leaving them in front of the door.
After that, I went to go put on a similar attire for myself in my bedroom and headed to bed.
It didn't take long at all for me to head off to sleep when I plopped down on my bed. The end of the day was emotionally exhausting for me and I was glad to be getting some rest and recharge.
I was having a very nice dream where I was flying over a field of daisies in the light of twilight. The whole sky glowed with a bright tangerine and almost neon purple. It was amazing. I was just about to pick some of the white daisies from the ground when I was brought back to reality from the sound of a door. Assuming it was just Khalida going to the bathroom or something, I started to drift back into deep sleep. That is until, I started to feel pressure on my mattress. Instantly my eyes opened and I inhaled sharply as I looked down towards the foot of my bed.
It was just Khalida sitting on the end of my bed. Her brown hair was all disheveled and she looked tired. I glanced at my bedside table at my alarm clock. It was 1:30 in the morning.
"Do you need any help? The bathroom is just down the hall if you forgot." I sat up slightly as I groggily gestured towards the door mumbling out the words.
"Ummm, no I can't sleep." she looked nervous and stared at the floor. "I uh... I'm kind of… afraid of the dark", she admitted sadly while avoiding my gaze.
This slightly shocked me, and even in my tired state she saw my puzzled expression.
"Yeah, I know it sounds silly but I usually have Semira with me so I don't get scared. But, she's not here, and I can't sleep if I'm alone." she said this only taking short glances at me while fiddling with the edge of her t-shirt.
I rubbed my eye in thought. My brain was slow in digesting the information. As I thought, I glanced back up again at Khalida. She reminded me of a little girl who had a bad dream and wanted to crawl in bed with her parents. There wasn't anything sexual or other evil motives present when I looked at her.
I just sighed and groggily mumbled "Okay, you can sleep in here if you want Khalida" and I started to drift down back towards my pillow.
She happily started to crawl on to the bed and plopped herself on the empty right side. I made sure she was comfortable as I started to drift off again. We both faced each other, each falling asleep fast. Just as I was about to go unconscious again, however I did catch her sigh softly "You can call me Khali".
END OF CHAPTER 1