From Within [IN PROGRESS]

Chapter 8: In Bed

I closed the door behind me and let out a breath I didn't even know I had been holding. By the darkness in the house I could tell Aunt May had another shift at the hospital. I sighed. If I had known, I would have stayed for dinner longer.

I flipped on the switch and the bright living room lamp turned on. I noticed a note on the coffee table, so I walked over and picked it up.

Alex,

I was scheduled for tonight, so I'm sorry I couldn't stick around for dinner

Please take the money I left on the kitchen counter for some groceries or snacks

Love, Aunt May

I groaned and put the note down and grabbed the money. I checked the clock and saw it was only ten before nine o'clock.

I grabbed my car keys and walked out the door; locking it behind me. I ran over to my car and got in. As tired as I was, I was excited to get out and drive. So as I started my car, I rolled down my window and turned on some music.

I pulled out of the driveway and headed to the grocery store.

The warm air flew into the car, surrounding me with the smell of fresh air. I turned up the radio and welcomed the feeling of pure relaxation.

When I got there, I was relieved to find not many people were inside. So I took my time going through the isles and finding food that I'll end up eating tomorrow night. Buying my items, I bagged them and walked back outside.

I struggled to keep the bags on my arms as I walked to my car. Suddenly I felt a large hand grip my shoulder. A scream threatened to escape my throat, but the hand spun me around and I faced my culprit.

"Holy fuck Damian! What the hell?! You gave me a freaking heart attack." I breathed out a breath, forcing my heart to slow down. A lazy grin sat on his face. "Sorry, love. But when I saw you pulled out of your driveway, I had to investigate." His eyes flickered up towards the grocery store. "I expected something more adventurous."

"Stalker much?" I groaned, and he just laughed. He took the bags that were hanging from my arms, and I rubbed the marks the heavy bags left. "Don't worry. You're too boring to stalk. Also, who goes grocery shopping at nine o'clock at night?"

I rolled my eyes. "I would rather get it over with tonight than do it tomorrow, thank you very much." As we reached my car, I popped open the trunk and grabbed the bags from him.

"Even if you did see me leave, why did you feel the need to follow me? You could be at home right now. You know, in bed." I slammed the trunk shut and turned to face him. He shrugged. "I know there are evil people in this world. I didn't want you to end up meeting one of them in a dark parking lot." He said, but I heard the tension in his voice.

"I would have been fine, I'm sure. Thank you anyways." I walked over and opened my car door. "Go home, Damian. Get some actual sleep." He nodded. Suddenly a smile took over his face and his eyes met mine. "Alright, I'll be where you want me to be. You know, "in bed". He winked. I groaned and flipped him off. I got in and started my car, closing the door. When I looked behind me to pull out, he was already gone.

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"A PARTY?! ALEX WE HAVE TO GO!" Sarah was holding onto my shoulder and shaking me relentlessly while staring at the invite she had received on her phone. I tried to eat my apple, but it was impossible with the screaming girl beside me.

"Imagine all of the hot girls that'll be there! Imagine the boys, Alex. You haven't dated anyone since Sophomore year. You need to mingle again. When was the last time you had fun with a guy." She poked my cheek and I shrugged her off.

I knew that I would end up at the party tonight somehow. Willingly or unwillingly, Sarah would drag me to that party in some uncomfortable outfit and some insane amount of makeup. So instead of arguing, I just sighed and agreed.

A loud scream erupted and I quickly covered my ears. "Oh my god Alex thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. I am so excited!" She quickly pushed up out of her seat. "I'll be at your place at 5!" With that, she ran off out of her cafeteria and to her next class. I groaned.

What did I agree to?