The Unnatural

Twenty four

Ethan stiles

"You don't have to this Ethan." Eli smiles warmly as we stand in the backyard. The warm sunlight I'm exposed to brings a blanket of comfort for my body as I grab a shirt to hang on the stand.

"It's fine, Eli. I really want to do it." I assure her before hanging the fabric to let it dry. Eli looks at me for a moment before she nods and walks back in the house.

I eye the basket filled with clothes and look around the yard. The bright green color of grass feels so surreal. Maybe it was because I haven't been out for a long time. The colors being too vibrant for my eyes that have gotten used to the darker tones.

Except for the glowing golden shade. The only bright color I have gotten fond of over the past weeks.

The faint sound of birds chirping in the distance, the rustling of the trees and bushes as the light wind blows makes me realize how lonely I actually feel. Even with these things surrounding me, I feel lonely.

For the past few days, I have been trying to keep myself busy but the time never seems to pass. I thought a PlayStation would help but it's boring, especially when you play it alone. Max tries to give me company but he has his stuff to do and I totally understand that.

Sometimes, I wonder how lucky Max's mate is going to be to have someone like him. Even if he's a friend, he has done so much for me and I can only imagine what he will do for his mate.

Ares has been pretty busy since the time he had received the letter from the other pack. He has also been caught up with the town business, thinking someone is snitching on him.

I see Ares only when he comes back to eat meal with others or when he wants to take a shower. Except that, we barely cross each other's paths, minding our own business. Not a single word has been shared between us expect the good mornings, how are you feeling and good nights.

The kiss seems to never have happened as we both try to avoid the topic. To be honest, none of us dared to bring the topic, scared of what the outcome would be.

I should be glad that I don't have to experience that embarrassment again but the empty, hollow space in my heart leaves a dreadful feeling and I wonder if being silent on the matter is really the best option. Atleast I should apologize for what I have done and tell him that I was drunk and it really meant nothing.

It was a lie but it was better to be silent and let this awkwardness grow between us.

I have been sleeping in his room ever since the night I requested to sleep there. The horrible memories, those horrifying red orbs creeped in my mind. I couldn't breathe. The small particles of dust crushed my lungs as I gasped for air. Each drop of sweat that formed on my forehead left goosebumps on my arms and legs when it tricked down my skin.

I just wanted to run away from my room and his presence was something my heart yearned that night. I spent almost an hour trying to deceive myself and force myself into believing that I didn't need Ares and there was nothing in my room but it didn't work. My heart had made its mind and my mind was following my heart, taking me to his door.

It was the first time my heart and mind had the same plan.

The next morning, I woke up to a tight hug from Ares as my back was pressed against him. I remember how quickly my heartbeat picked up speed and throbbed in my chest. The blood rushed to my face and heat radiated from my body as his warmth spread across my body.