Maya
I wake to a room of darkness and panic. I don’t like the dark. I usually sleep with a lamp on in my bedroom or leave the hall light on and my door open. My breathing becomes erratic, but after a minute, I realise I am in my bed. How did I get here? I last remember watching a movie with Conrad on my sofa.
I slowly sit up and run my fingers through my hair. I take some deep breaths to calm myself.
“Maya, are you okay?”
I squeal and jump at the sound of a voice in my bedroom. What the hell?
“Relax, beautiful, it is only me,” Conrad says softly and puts the bedside lamp on.
I glance over and see him lying on my bed. He is on top of the covers, fully clothed. Conrad sits up and looks at me, concerned.
“What is wrong? Why were you panicked when you woke?”
“How did I get to bed? And why are you still here?” I ask.
“You fell asleep on the sofa, so I brought you through here. I am still here because you grabbed me and told me to stay when I went to leave.” He answers.
I don’t remember any of it.
“Oh, okay, sorry,” I sigh, “You can go home if you want.”
I don’t even know what time it is, but it is still dark outside, so I assume it is the middle of the night. I am sure he would rather me in his own bed.
“No, I am staying. And I want you to tell me why you freaked out when you woke up.”
The tone of his voice is firm but not mean. I would rather not tell him I am scared of the dark because it is embarrassing, but I feel like I need to.
“Because I don’t like the dark. I usually have a light on somewhere.” I answer, embarrassed.
“I am sorry, I didn’t know,” he replies.
There is no judgment from him when he says it. No questions.
“It isn’t your fault. Conrad, I appreciate you staying until now, but you can leave if you want. I probably won’t get back to sleep tonight.” I sigh, dreading the thought.
I often have nights like this. Sometimes, I can sleep all night, but other nights, once I wake, no matter what time it is, I can’t get back to sleep. It comes from my childhood and the nights when I was scared to sleep.
“I will keep you company.” He smiles.
“You don’t give up easily, do you? I will be fine by myself. I don’t need your sympathy, Conrad.” I exclaim.
“No, I am a stubborn man when needed,” he says proudly, “It is not up for discussion. I am staying.”
I could try arguing with him on it and throw him out of my apartment, but I don’t have the energy. I am exhausted, but I still won’t sleep even though I am.
“Fine, but don’t blame me when you are exhausted in the morning.” I huff.
Conrad chuckles, “I won’t. I have an idea; how about we find a twenty-four-hour diner and get some hot chocolate and pie?” he suggests.
I reach my cell, “It is three in the morning.”
“I know, but if we aren’t going back to sleep, we might as well get out of the apartment. And since it is the early hours of the morning, we don’t need to worry about someone seeing us. Or we could take away and bring it back. But, I am really in the mood for some pie now.” he says, laughing at the last part.
“Now you mention it, me too.” I snicker.
“Then let’s go.” He grins, climbing off the bed.
“Okay, let’s do it.” I laugh.
If I am out of my apartment and have some company, at least I won’t get lost in my head. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to overthinking. I picked some clothes out: leggings and an oversized hoodie. I head to the bathroom to change. When I return, Conrad seems eager to go. He must really want some pie.
“Ready, beautiful?”
I blush and nod. Conrad smiles and offers me his hand. I hesitate but take it. He links his fingers with mine and leads us out to his car. I shudder as I step outside because the night air is cool, but I like it. I love the smell of the night air; it seems fresher than in the morning. I take a look at the stars as we head to the car. They are so pretty.
Conrad opens the door for me, like the gentleman he is. I thank him and climb in. Conrad runs around and joins me.
“I am sure there is one just about a ten-minute drive away.” He says.
Conrad gets us on the way, finding it easily. I could see only a couple of people inside. I am glad it isn’t too busy. We find a parking spot and head inside; Conrad rests his hand on the small of my back.
We sit down at a booth next to the window.
“What are you in the mood for?” he asks.
“Mmm, a mint hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Oh, and a slice of apple pie.” I beam.
“I think I will have the same and maybe some curly fries.” He chuckles.
The waitress approaches our booth, smiling brightly as she takes our orders.
“It won’t be long.” She smiles and disappears.
Conrad reaches over the table, brushing his fingers over the tip of mine. A part of me wants to pull my hand back, but I don’t. He places his hand over mine, linking our fingers the same way he did when we left my apartment.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Yes, but depending on what it is, I may not answer,” I reply honestly.
I will refuse if he asks something I don’t want to discuss.
“Why are you afraid of the dark?”
I should have known he would want to know, eventually. I draw in a breath, holding it for a moment before I let it out.
“It stems back to my childhood. I didn’t have a good one.”
I keep the answer simple because I am not ready to go into detail. He would run for the hills, and I wouldn’t blame him.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I shake my head, “No. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Conrad squeezes my hand, “I won’t push, but know if you ever want to talk, I am here.”
“Thank you.”
I appreciate the offer, but I probably won’t take him up on it. I am not one for spilling secrets, especially when it comes to my past. I am thankful when the waitress comes over with our orders so we don’t need to continue the conversation.
“Enjoy.” She says.
“Thank you.” We reply in sync.
The pie looks so good, and so does the hot chocolate. I am going to enjoy our little treats and make sure I take the focus off me and any questions he has regarding my life.