Waking up to you.
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Disclaimer: I do not own the Darkest Powers series. I swear. Kelley Armstrong does. Go harass her.
I sat there for a moment. Thinking. My life had become so confusing and complicated in such a short period of time. It was quite ridiculous. Actually. So ridiculous that I almost laughed. Almost. Maybe I was imagining it all. Maybe I'd wake up tomorrow and go to school. Maybe I'd lead the normal life I had always craved. Did I even want that anymore? Just a few short weeks ago the answer would have been a definitive yes. Now, I wasn't so sure. I groaned in frustration. Everything was so bewildering, I couldn't make sense of anything anymore.
I had my face buried in my pillow when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up and was surprised to see Simon.
''Hi,'' He said. ''You okay?'' His eyes swam with concern. The sight made my stomach flop. Just another thing to add to the list of difficulties in my life. This. Thing. This…attraction that I felt for Simon. And last night. The sensation. Derek. I internally groaned once more. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!
''Uh, Chloe?'' he asked once more. ''Are you sure that you're okay?''
I nodded feebly and stood up. I would have to leave my room at some stage today. Now seemed like as good a time as any. We walked down the stairs side by side, but there was tension in the air. We didn't seem to be able to pick up our easy banter as we normally did. I knew why I felt awkward. What had happened. Last night. Jut the thought of it made my stomach tie itself into knots. But why did he seem so awkward? Maybe he didn't feel the same anymore. Maybe it had been just a passing crush. Perhaps that would be better, easier.
We entered the kitchen to the sight of Derek rummaging in the cupboards. Did that boy ever stop eating?! He turned around to greet us with his signature grunt. Then he resumed his inhalation of any food in his path. I grabbed a bowl and got some cereal before he could eat that too. Simon sat across from me whilst I ate and watched me. It was somewhat…unnerving. When I had finished, Simon asked to speak to me, privately. I thought that I saw Derek's ears perk up somewhat, but I could have imagined it. When I looked at him again he seemed completely immersed in his food. Teenage boys.
Simon and I walked outside, behind the house. I waited while Simon toed the ground with his shoe nervously. Finally, he began.
''Uh, Chloe?'' I nodded and encouraged him to go on. ''Well, you know the way that I have liked you for some time now?'' He looked up at me expectantly. I felt my cheeks flush. No Simon, not now. Please!
''Um, uh, yeah, I guess.'' I replied, uncomfortable beyond comprehension. He seemed to be pretty uncomfortable himself.
''Well,'' he continued. He scratched his head, seemingly wanting to prolong my suffering.
''I, ah. I don't really feel that way anymore. Sorry.'' He finished. And that was it. I was ashamed to note the huge wave of relief that washed over me. He looked at me worriedly, trying to gauge my reaction. My thoughts must have shown on my face since he simply chuckled and murmured, ''Knew it.'' Then he walked away.
What the hell was that supposed to mean?!
As I walked back inside, I passed Derek. He seemed to be smiling. Derek. Smiling. What had the world come to? I sat down opposite him.
''What's up?'' I asked.
''Nothing.'' He murmured through smiling lips. Then it hit me. He had been eavesdropping. I felt the heat creep onto my face once again.
''You were listening!'' I accused him. He didn't deny it, so I took it as proof of his guilt. I put my hands on my hips and scowled at him. Even when I was standing and he was sitting, he was taller than me. Damn werewolf! He began laughing at the sight of me and told me that I was like a little angry kitten. Thanks Derek! He was teasing me. Derek didn't tease. Ever. What was going on? Maybe he was delirious.
Delirium. Fever. The change! How could I be so stupid? Such a high fever would no doubt inflict delirium. I noticed from the corner of my eye that he was indeed once again scratching. I walked right up to his face to check his eyes.
''Whoa,'' he said, ''Personal space.'' Though he didn't seem to mind overly so. I had been right. His eyes were glittering. Suddenly the door swung open and Tori walked in, grouchy as ever.
''Get a room!'' she growled. Then walked out once again. I didn't care enough to be embarrassed. But, evidently, Derek did. He pushed away from me and out a large distance between us. This hurt a bit, but I shook it off. There were more important matters to attend to.
''You're changing,'' I accused. ''And you didn't tell me!'' He looked down, shame-faced.
''I didn't really want you to know. I think it will happen tonight. Completely, I mean. I knew you would insist upon being there, but it's too dangerous.'' Tonight? It would happen tonight? And he expected me not to be there with him? Idiot.
''Wild dogs couldn't keep me away.'' I laughed at my pun. He simply groaned.
Well, I thought it was funny.
Well, not overly long. Exams. I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think! Review! Now, question time. Who thinks that Derek was happy due to delirium? No-one? Good, have a cookie. Don't forget to review.
Kate