Skylar's POV
Apparently, we dream every night. We don't always remember it, though. Our dreams can be happy, sad or odd. Hearbeat, respiration and eye movements begin to slow down, your muscles relax and you are taken to a completely different world.
I like dreaming. Who doesn't? We can act out our unconscious desires in our heads, because acting them out in the real life would be not acceptable, or impossible, or weird.
I felt something on my cheek. It was nice. It felt as if someone was caressing it with their hand. I slowly opened my eyes and then I realised that I must have fallen asleep.
Wow, progress
I rubbed my still not fully open eyes and I heard a soft giggle next to me. I turned my head to the left and saw Laura.
"Hi, sleepyhead." She grined at me and on my face appeared a smile too.
"Hey"
I sat up straight and Laura pulled me in a hug. She looked great. This trip has done her good. She seemed to beam with happiness.
"What are you going to do at night if you sleep during the day?" She asked, still smilling.
Oh you know, just watch some film or read a book, since I can barely sleep at night
"I love sleeping that I don't mind doing it during the day, as well as at night." I said and she chuckled. "Soo, tell me how was the trip? And most importantly, where did you guys go?"
"Marco took me to fucking Paris!" Laura threw herself on my bed, looking at the ceiling dreamingly.
"To where?! Oh my God, that's great!" I said excitedly and lay down on my stomach next to her.
"Yeah, he took me to all those incredible places, we ate breakfast on the grass under the Eiffel Tower and during the whole weekend, I felt like in some kind of fairy tale." She looked at me and I smiled. "Not to mention about a completely mindblowing sex every morning, afternoon and of course at night."
"Eww, I didn't ask about that!" I pretended to gag.
"You asked me how was the trip so I'm telling you!" She laughed and I joined her. "But how are you? Where you bored here without me?"
"Very!" I chuckled.
"Marco is coming over tonight. He will take some food, will you join us?"
"No, don't worry about me. I won't interrupt you guys."
"Oh stop it, I spent two days with that asshole, I missed you." She sent me a smile and we hugged each other once again. I haven't seen her since the gala day because she was with her parents and then on Friday evening, she went on that trip.
After some time, we went to the living room and were talking while waiting for Marco. I told her about the gala and that it was pretty dreadful. When he finally arrived, he joined us in the room and we put on some film. Marco brought some food with him as Laura said, but I didn't want to eat. Every time I looked at it, I felt disgusted.
We didn't really pay attention to the film. They were telling me about Paris, all the things they saw and places they visited. It was trully nice to look at them. They were laughing all the time and constantly touching here and there. You could tell that they were happy.
"Skylar, are you even listening to us?" Laura's voice pulled me out of my thoughts
"Yeah, sorry. I just zoned out." I beamed.
I noticed that Marco was looking in my direction watching me intently. He had that soft expression on his face and looked as if he wanted to say something but didn't know how. Finally, he spoke up.
"How are you, Skylar? How are you handling this...Elle situation?"
He asked carefully and I looked at him with my slightly opened mouth. He knows? Right. His Ace's friend after all, he has to know.
"What Elle situation?" Laura asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
I took a deep breath and told her everything. How Elle payed us a visit on the day after that gala, all the things she said, generally everything. She was quite shocked because everyone thought that Elle died. I said that Ace is trying to help her and he is working so hard to find those guys.
"Jesus, why didn't you tell me? I asked if you were okay.." Laura looked at me mildly and came up to me to hug me.
"I didn't think it mattered. Besides, I am okay, really."
"Of course it matters! What is more important than my best friend?"
I smiled at her weakly. She was looking at me with that pitying look which I hate so much, but I know that she is just worried. She knows that I'm not a strong person, and even the smalest thing can make me upset, let alone the great comeback of Ace's ex.
"So, how are you feeling?" Laura asked carefully.
I looked down at my hands and started playing with my fingers. I shrugged my shoulders.
"It's whatever. I mean, I'm okay with that. I know that Ace is just trying to help her."
I didn't lift up my head. My heart started beating a little faster and I became hot a bit. That's not true. I'm terrified. Every day, I think what they are doing right now, if Elle made a move on him, if Ace gave in... I'm tired of all of this.
"Skylar?"
I heard Marco's voice and I looked at him slowly. He leaned forward resting his arms on his legs so he could look at me properly.
"Ace's heart belongs to a beautiful woman, whom he loves the most in this world, and even his ex will never be able to change it. You are that woman. Try not to think too much about all of it."
My lips tugged in the corners. "The same thing Ace told me." I smiled and he returned it. "Okay, I will leave you two alone now." I stated while getting up.
Laura protested, but I told them that I had to study for my exam anyway and left the room. I was thinking about what Marco told me earlier. I already said that I trust Ace and I really know that he loves me, but that feeling of restlessness doesn't want to go away. But he spends so much time with her ex now, I think I have every right to worry!
Ugh... Just give him a few more days, Sky, as he asked. He will help Elle, and she will disappear. But, will she? Before her, Ace asked me to move in with him. I wonder if the offer still stands. God, she had to distroy everything. We were doing so great, why did she have to come into our life right now?
I sat straight on my bed and grabbed my phone, debating on whether I should call Ace or not. I wanted to hear his voice again. Fuck it. I dialled his number and waited for him to pick up.
-Hi, Sky.
"Hi" I said softly with a huge grin on my face. "How are you?"
-I'm good. I'm in my office, waiting for another boring meeting. What are you doing?
"Nothing, I was just about to do my homework." I wasn't really planning on doing it but I couldn't tell him that since Elle came into our life, the only thing I do is laying in the bed and doing absolutely nothing. "Do you think you uhm you can like come over today? Or it doesn't have to be today. Tomorrow or if you don't like to-" Ace cut me off when I started talking too much.
-I can't today, but I'll call you, okay?
"Yeah, sure. Okay." I whispered.
I can't be mad at him. He is just doing his job while I just decided to drop out of my uni. I ain't gonna lie that it hurt me a bit, though. I'm scared because it feels like we are growing away from each other. He keeps telling me that he loves me or misses me but actions are more important than just some words. And he doesn't take any actions...
- I'm really sorry, baby. I have to go now.
"Yeah, of course. I won't interrupt you anymore." I smiled despite the tears already gathering in my eyes and hung up.
*******
My alarm woke me up 15 minutes ago but I couldn't leave my bed so I was just lying in it and looking out the window. For several days I've been pretending to go to classes, so that Laura would not get suspicious. That's how it works. I leave the flat, then wait for her to go so I can come back. I was afraid that I would bump into Mr.Thomson and besides, I did not have the strength to go anywhere. I just wanted to lock myself in my room.
I think Laura noticed that something is wrong because I saw the looks she was giving me and she was constantly asking me if I was okay. Every time I brushed it off. Flynn texted me asking why I didn't go to uni, so I had to make up the story about being sick.
I texted a bit with Jacob too. He wanted to make sure that everything was alright and check if nothing bad happened. I think he overreacts because they could be just some regular hooligans, but it would be hard to hold on to any grudges. It means that he simply cares.
I talked to Lena and Liv yesterday because during the last few days we didn't really have time to catch up. I told them that I had a lot of exams and that's the reason why I didn't call. I hope they bought it and don't plan on visiting me soon. I just want to be alone.
Finally, I left my room and went to the kitchen. I wanted to drink some water but we ran out of it apparently. I let out a frustreted sigh. I went to the bathroom, got dressed in my gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants. I've only worn loose clothes recently because I've lost some kilograms and didn't want anyone to notice. They would keep an eye on me and worry, and I don't want anyone to be sad because of me. I'm fine.
I wore my black jacket and went outside. It was a little gloomy today, clouds covered the whole sky, but it wasn't that cold. Quite pleasant if you ask me. It was slowly getting dark, and although I like nights, since that accident with those two men following me, I don't feel that comfortable while walking in the dark city anymore. I was walking down the street with my hands in the pockets until I reached the shop. I grabbed two bottles of water, paid and walked out.
While I was walking to my flat, that feeling of being watched returned. I heard someone's footsteps behind me but it could be anyone. I looked at my reflection in the glass on the building, and I could see two man walking behind me.
No, no, no, not again
I could feel my beating heart and I started going faster. I nibbled on my lip nervously and took out my phone. I didn't want to go through that again so I decided to call Ace straightaway. I dialled his number and waited. Nothing. I tried again.
"Pick up, please..." I pleaded quietly.
I looked behind me and they started running in my direction. I dropped the bottles of water on the ground and with tears pouring out, I started running as well. I dialled another number which was hard with my shaky hands and while being chased.
- Hello?
"Jacob!" I cried out, sobbing loudly "They are chasing me! They will kill me!"
I was crying so hard right now. My legs were runnig as fast as they could but I was too weak to escape them. I was out of breath and I thought that I would fall down.
- Calm down, Sky. Where are you?
I looked around to see where I was and then I told him my location. I was running out of breath.
- I'm in the neighbourhood. I'll be there in a few seconds, Sky. Hold on.
He seemed quite calm but maybe he wanted me to cool down. I wanted to turn right into an alley but someone suddenly grabbed my arm and pushed me against the wall so that my back was pressed to it. I slapped him with my open hand full across the face and he groaned.
"Get off me!" I screeched, kicking and screaming.
He put his hand on his red cheek but then hit me in the stomach with his fist.
I fell on the ground, wrapping my arms around myself in pain. I think I've never been that scared in my entire life. The other guy came up to us and they started kicking me one by one. Salty tears were running down my cheeks, my body shaking from the stress and pain.
One of them gripped my hair lifting me up a bit and slapped me with all his strength. My body fell on the ground lifelessly. I didn't try to fight them anymore. I felt their kicks and punches all over me but all I could do was clutch onto my stomach. I felt pressure that started accumulate in my chest making me hard to breathe. I couldn't bare this anymore.
Suddenly, my eyelids became heavy. The image in front of me was becoming increasingly blurry, and darkness was filling me, along with a pain and emptiness.
*******
"You don't know what the fuck you're talking about!"
"I know exactly what I'm talking about and you know it's true!"
I was woken up hearing loud shouting. I opened my eyes, slowly adjusting to the light and saw Ace pressing Jacob to the wall. I looked around blinking a few times and I noticed that I wasn't in my room.
The walls were white, there was a blue sofa in front of me with two yellow pillows. I glared down only to see that I was wearing a hospital gown and was lying under some disgusting covers. I hate hospitals. They scare me even. But what am I doing here anyway?? I panicked. I started shifting in my bed and wanted to leave this place.
"Hey, hey, hey. It's okay, baby." Ace cooed and I looked at him breathing fast.
"Why am I here?" I let out breathlessly.
"Someone attacked you." He said with clenched teeth.
I remembered now. I stopped squirming and looked at Ace properly. Pain flashed through his dead eyes. He looked damaged. His expression was pained. But what was he doing here anyway? How did he- I glanced at Jacob who was standing on my right, looking blue.
"You made it?" I asked quietly, reffering to that accident
"Of course." He replied softly.
I swallowed my saliva and looked at Ace again. I wanted to sat straight but I whinced when I felt pain in...basically everywhere.
"Lay down, Sky." Ace said but I shook my head.
"When can I leave this place?" I asked, titling myself comfortably in that stupid bed. My voice a bit raspy.
"The doctor said that everything is fine and no internal organs were affected. You just had a slight concussion and you're very dehydrated." Ace stated and brought his hand up to wipe the tear off my cheek which I didn't know was even there.
His face paled and concerned.
"I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry." It came out as a mere whisper.
I glanced at him. Why was he apologising?
"You have nothing to be sorry about." I said softly and put my cold hands on his warm ones. I could see tears gathering in his eyes. He looked broken.
"I failed to protect you. The person who should protect you no matter what." His voice was more audible now. It was obvious that he felt responsible for what happened to me. He felt guilty.
"Oh that's alright, you were just busy. As always." Suddenly, Jacob spoke up.
"Do you think that I did it because I wanted to?!" Ace stood up, clenching his fists angirly.
"I don't fucking care! She is your girlfriend for fuck sake! You were with my sister, weren't you?"
Both of them were so furious and I didn't know how to calm these two beasts down.
"I can explain everything." Ace stated and was looking alternately at me and Jacob.
"I don't want to hear your fucking explanations! Where were you when someone was following her? When she called you but you didn't answer? When she was scared and it was me who hugged her and told her it would be okay. When some guys chased her and then beat her up and I was the one who went to save her, when you should have been the one to do it!" Jacob shouted angirly and Ace was glaring at him and looking as if he would cry. He was acting tough on the outside but I knew what was going on inside.
"It's okay, Jacob. Stop it." I whispered. My puffy eyes begging him as he was looking down at me.
Jacob's expression softened and his body wasn't that tensed anymore. I whipped my tears and looked up at Ace. I sniffled.
"Were you with her when it happened?" My voice cracking.
He came up to me and kneeled in front of my bed, looking so devastated.
"I'm sorry that I wasn't with you when you needed me the most. But it's not as you think. I suspected that what Elle was saying was bullshit. I found out that she was working with Stephano. She-" He paused for a minute and glanced at the floor before continuing "She cheated on me with him and faked her death so they could be together. They planned for Elle to come back, tell her heartwarming story and get rid of me to take over my business."
I couldn't believe my ears. How someone can be that cruel and heartless. I felt guilty now, that I was jumping into conclusions and doubting him. I should have been with him.
Ace looked at me with his sad eyes and moved closer to me.
"I wanted her to trust me, to make her think that I was naive, that I didn't know anything about her plan and wanted to help her. We caught them today."Ace glanced at Jacob who was listening to him with parted lips."I haven't finished with them yet but when I do, they will regret being born. They're the ones who sent those guys to Skylar. But it's over now."
I was staring into his beautiful eyes and did one thing that I needed the most right now. I grabbed his arms and pulled him towards me, hugging him tightly. Ace wrapped his big arms around my small frame as if I would disappear in a second. His cologne hit my nostrils and I hid my face into the crook of his neck. A soft sigh of safeness left my mouth. I turned my head to the left and glanced up at Jacob who was standing next to us.
"Thank you, Jacob." I whispered, smiling weakly and he returned it.
"Anytime"
Ace pulled away and slowly came up to him. He held out his hand and Jacob reluctantly grabbed it, shaking it.
"Thank you" Ace said clearing his throat. He clearly felt uncomfortable but I really appreciated it.
I shook my head slightly and smiled. Men are like children I swear.
Then, Jacob kissed me on my forehead, said goodbye and left. I'm really greatful for his help. Ace sat on my bed and put his hand on my cheek, brushing his thumb up an down. That's when I could properly look at him. He looked tired. I could tell that he didn't sleep as well. He was that busy that he has neglected himself.
"Please, come home with me." He suddenly pleaded softly.
Home. I just nodded my head slowly.
Finally, it is over. I hope it will only get better now.
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