Fell In Love With My Roomy Chapter 38

I could have easily drifted off to sleep there because I felt incredibly at ease with him. Surprisingly, after the events of today, I expected Kent to drive me up the wall, but he turned out to be kind. I hadn't noticed it before, but there was a softer side to him that had never been apparent until tonight, especially.

When I felt ready, he released me, and I shook my head before heading back to my room. After taking off my pinnie, I grabbed some warm clothes to change into and then made my way to the bathroom. I undressed in the shower, letting the warm water wash away the chlorine.

I tried to act as though nothing had happened, but my efforts were futile. The sadness crept in while I was in the shower, so I turned up the heat in an attempt to drown it out. After drying off and getting dressed, I left the bathroom wearing cozy socks, a long-sleeved shirt, and sweatpants.

I was surprised at how late it had become, but I had arrived home after seven, spent an hour talking to Kent, and spent almost thirty minutes in the shower, so I shouldn't have been too shocked. I shuffled back across the floor and settled on the other end of the couch, taking a deep breath. I attempted to divert my thoughts from the day's events. Kent was engrossed in a football game, and I pretended to be equally engrossed to distract myself.

"Julianna?" A sound pulled me out of my thoughts. "Hmm?" I responded. "I said, 'You're really into the game, aren't you?'"

"No, I know nothing about football," I admitted. I resisted the urge to bite my hangnails and moved my hand away from my mouth. "Explain it," I mumbled as I pushed my hair away from my face, feeling a dull ache in my eyes.

"Well, there are two teams, and the one in red is on offense, attempting to move the ball to the other end of the field. The blue team is on defense, trying to prevent the red team from scoring," he explained, and I nodded, as if it didn't matter to me, but hearing him talk was comforting. "Julianna, we don't have to watch this—"

"Keep talking." I was stubborn, and he sighed. "Who are the two teams?"

"Blue is Dallas, and red is Kansas City," he said, and I nodded, pretending it didn't mean much to me, but it did help to hear his voice. "If you'd rather not, you don't have to sit all the way over there," he offered, and as I looked at him, he seemed genuinely sad for me, unsure of what to do with this version of me that was so different from my usual self.

I shifted over to sit beside him on the couch, and he pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I mumbled, and he sighed, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Listen, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I'm not all bad," he said, addressing the past. I nodded as he mentioned it. "Julianna, as fellow human beings, I understand you're going through a lot of pain, and I want to help." He spoke softly. "I haven't been a good friend or person to you, and I don't know if I can make up for that, but I want to try."

I didn't ask him any more questions because I could only focus on one thing at a time, and Kent's newfound kindness wasn't my top priority right now.

He allowed me to rest against his shoulder as we watched TV together for a while. I probably should call my parents, but if I do, they'll come to pick me up, and I'd have to leave Kent, who had already helped me so much. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

"I might head to bed," I mentioned. I mumbled, and he simply nodded. "I need some sleep."

"Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Yeah," I replied with a sigh as I got up. He turned off the TV and followed me as I walked down the hall.

"I'll leave my door open in case you need anything," he offered. I gave a quiet nod and leaned against my door frame, arms crossed.

"Goodnight," I whispered, and he nodded.

"Sleep well, Julianna," he says with a comforting smile. I climb into bed and try to ease my tension. I feel incredibly tense and rigid, with my heart racing. I can't seem to calm down enough to fall asleep on my own.

I've been lying in the dark, attempting to sleep for what feels like hours, but every time I close my eyes, the same images flood my mind. I hear the distressing sounds, feel my heart shatter, and then I toss and turn in an attempt to find some peace.

As I lie in the darkness, fresh tears stream down my cheeks. Some are born of anger, while others stem from sorrow. Why is this so difficult?

I sniffle and wipe my cheeks, but it's no use. Without overthinking it, I get out of bed and cross the wooden floor to his room. I've never been so desperate to be close to him, and I've never ventured into his room like this before. I used to be afraid of how he might react if I got too close.

He's fast asleep, emitting soft snores, and I can't help but envy his peaceful slumber. I also feel guilty about having to wake him up.

I approach the edge of his bed and, hesitantly, shake his shoulder with my hand. After a few seconds, he stirs and looks at me with uncertainty.

"I-I'm sorry," I whisper, licking my lips and feeling embarrassed. My cheeks ache, and the tears continue to flow.

"Come lie down here," he whispers back, groggily making room for me, and I comply without hesitation. I can't believe how easily I slip into his bed. I can't believe how quickly I've let myself get close to him, ignoring my usual reservations. I've never acted without thinking when it came to Kent, but now I'm following my heart instead of my mind.

He rolls onto his back, and I attempt to stifle my tears with a deep breath. I move closer, wrapping my arms around his chest and resting my cheek against his T-shirt. He responds by gently embracing me, his hand moving in soothing circles on my back.

"It's okay, just breathe deeply," he whispers into my hair, and I begin to sniffle. "I'm here."

His voice is raspy from just waking up, but it's incredibly comforting. Despite everything that's happening, I feel less alone and less frightened. I underestimated him more than I should have, and that was a mistake.