I am pacing the floor of Blake’s spare room. We said goodnight two hours ago, but I couldn’t sleep. I never sleep well, something which began when I was a kid. My mom always brought strange men home at night. These peculiar men came into my room more than once, but they never found me. I always hid under my bed or in my closet, scared. I don’t even want to imagine what could have happened if they did find me. Since then, I have struggled with sleeping. I don’t think I have ever felt completely safe, not once in my entire life, which adds to the issue.
My time with Blake tonight has been good, mostly. It was nice to relax and chat without worrying about what I said. I need to be careful when I talk around Max. If I say the wrong thing or something he doesn’t like, I get slapped. I haven’t heard from him tonight. He will call me in the morning, though when he is sober to apologize, he always does. I would be home early anyway, so he doesn’t get mad. If it weren’t as late, I would leave now and head home.
I am still surprised by how genuine, and sweet Blake is. I didn’t believe him at first when he told me he didn’t want anything in return for helping me. He sure proved me wrong because he is a complete sweetheart and hasn’t tried once to hit on me. Yes, he complimented me a couple of times which was nice because I don’t get many of those unless it is from guys at the club watching me dance, but those are usually sexualized and creepy.
I stop pacing and sit on the bottom of the bed. I don’t want to wake Blake up or ware out his carpet. I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. Suddenly, there is a knock on the bedroom door.
“Chloe, are you okay? Can I come in?” Blake’s soft voice asks.
I felt terrible for disturbing his sleep, “Come in.”
He opens the door, popping his head in first, “Are you alright? I heard you pacing.” He didn’t sound mad at me.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I don’t sleep well at night.” I whisper, fiddling with the material of the top I had on.
“You didn’t. I got up to use the bathroom and heard you. Why don’t you sleep good?” he asks, coming over to stand in front of me.
“It stems from my childhood.”
I don’t say more than that because I didn’t want to get into it.
“Can I do anything to help? Make you some tea?”
How can one person be this sweet? I had given up believing there were good people out there, and then Blake showed up out of nowhere, changing my perspective.
“No, it is okay, thanks, though. You should go back to bed.” I insist. I have taken enough of his time up tonight.
“Are you sure? I can stay in here with you if you want. I can sleep on the floor.” He suggests.
“I will be fine. You try to get back to sleep.” I manage a small smile.
There is no point in none of us not getting any sleep.
He hesitates but finally nods, “You know where I am if you need me, Chloe.” He reaches for my hand, squeezing it.
“Yes. Goodnight again.” I whisper.
“Don’t hesitate to climb into my bed if it would help. I promise no funny business.” He says, holding his hands in the air.
I believed him. I could crawl in next to him, and he wouldn’t try anything. I have severe trust issues, but strangely I seem to trust Blake, which is unusual for me.
Blake kisses my cheek, causing me to blush before exiting the bedroom. He leaves the door open slightly. I climb back under the covers, hoping to try again to sleep. The bed is comfortable, the room a pleasant temperature, yet I still find myself tossing and turning.
Half an hour passed, and I became agitated and staring at the ceiling wasn’t helping either. I climb back out and decide to take Blake up on his offer. I make sure to be as quiet as I can, leaving the bedroom and creep downstairs in case he has fallen back asleep. I reach the bottom, but once my feet touch the floor, I freeze and turn to head back up.
“Chloe, it is okay. Come here; the bed is big enough for both of us.” his words ring through the darkness.
“I don’t want to be a bother,” I whimper, rocking on my heels nervously.
“You won’t be.” He replies.
I glance over at his bed; the light coming through the curtains is enough for me to make out he is now sitting up. I draw in a breath, slowly making my way over. I stand awkwardly at the side.
He lifts the covers, patting the spot next to him, “You have nothing to worry about, beautiful. I swear you will be safe next to me.”
I slip in next to him and lie down. Blake pulls the covers over us.
“Thank you for taking care of me tonight, Blake. I am not used to it.” I say.
“No bother. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I will say one thing and then won’t say anything more. My offer still stands, Chloe; you can stay here for as long as you need.”
There is something about his voice that makes me feel safe.
“I appreciate it, but I can’t,” I say sadly.
I refuse to bring trouble to Blake’s door. He doesn’t deserve it, and if I did stay here, Max would find me and cause hell for not only me but Blake too.
“If you change your mind or need to escape, you know where I am. Please don’t leave first thing. At least let me make you some breakfast and give you my number so you can reach me if you need to.” I can hear the concern in his voice for me.
“I won’t promise anything, but if I wake up early enough, I will stay for breakfast.”
If he gives me his number, I will need to save it under a different name, a girl’s name, because if Max sees it, he will freak out. He doesn’t like me talking to other guys, let alone having their numbers in my cell.
“I will take it. Now, try and get some sleep, angel.” He says softly, stroking my arm.
I turned my back to him, bringing the covers up to my chin and hoping for sleep to take over, even for only a couple of hours.
“Sweet dreams, Chloe.” He whispers.
“You too, Blake,” I reply.
He shifts, getting into his sleeping position. I still don’t know if I am better off disappearing before Blake wakes up because if he tries hard enough, I believe he will be able to convince me to stay.
My life with Max isn’t great; some days are terrible, but he is all I know, at least for the last few years, and I don’t think I can walk away so easily, even if it would be better for me.