Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 21 ^.^

I Point towards the stairs which lead up to my parents bedroom and hiss"Go - to - sleep!" enunciating each word loud and clearly.

The sound of plates clinking pulls me out of my nightmare and I wake up, breathing heavily. I hadn't recalled that day in my dreams in a while and I was thankful that I had been pulled out of it. I stretch my arms above me and take in my surroundings, feeling a little disorientated and as i breathe in, an intoxicating smell surrounds me, relaxing me and helping me calm down from my repetitive nightmare. Only then do I notice I am still wearing Luca's hoodie. I don't think I will be returning this.... I think to myself smiling sheepishly to myself. 

I was in my room but I didn't recall getting to it. The events of last night flash before me and the last thing I remember is starting to watch Pirates of the Caribbean whilst we waited for Lea to bring my keys. 

So - why was I in my bed? I sit up quickly as I hear another sound from my kitchen. And who the heck was in my kitchen?

I force myself out of bed and look at my night table, in search of my phone. Ah that's right, It must still be in my bag. Slipping my sandals on, I cautiously make my way out of my room and into the kitchen. To my surprise, Lea is sitting there, eating some of the cereal I had bought earlier this week. 

Thank god she didn't try to make breakfast herself again, I chuckle to myself.

"Morning!" I announce, making Lea jump in her seat. I make my way to the cupboard to pour myself some of the cereal.

"Nice outfit," She doesn't miss a beat as she gives me a once over.

"Do you happen to know how I got to bed last night?" I answer instead, sitting down opposite her.

Instead of answering she snickers. The milk must have gone up her nose because she starts coughing and takes a minute to compose herself before answering. "Ask Luca...." 

I bring my hands to my face and groan, "Really Lea? Just save me the embarrassment and tell me what happened after I K.O 'ed watching the movie." Then I add, "Also, why are you eating breakfast in my apartment?"

"Well, after I called Luca, Ethan said he would come this way with me because he wanted to...uh-talk to Luca about something. We arrived soon after the call - maybe five minutes?," She pauses and swallows another mouthful before continuing, "When we got home you were asleep. I told Luca to just leave you on the couch but he refused." She shrugs. Of-course. He probably wanted me out of the house so he wouldn't have to deal with me any longer.... "He said he knew what it was like to fall asleep on that couch and that you would wake up soar all over." Oh....well that was sweet. I feel Lea's gaze on me and I know she is waiting for a reaction but I try and maintain a neutral expression.

Thinking back to last nights events, It had taken me by surprise when he had offered to make dinner for us. I also thought he would have jumped at the chance when I offered to leave. Ever since our walk a couple of nights ago, he had been acting a lot nicer and I wasn't used to it. Part of me wished that he had let me go so that I wouldn't have fallen asleep on his couch. Now that he was acting nicer I wasn't really sure how I should act around him. I hated that he always made me feel off- balance when usually I was a decently good judge of character.

"So anyway," Lea continues, "I was just going to wake you up and drag your sleepy ass home but he stopped me and theeeeeeeeeen, " she pauses and wiggles her eyebrows, "he picked you up, bridal style, then -very very carefully and slowly - walked you all the way here and into your bed with my guidance." She finishes with awe.