Page 51 of Under His Protection
I recite the alphabet in my head, like my mom taught me to do when I was little and couldn’t sleep, but that doesn’t help. I don’t think anything could help right now. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as my pulse races.
I can’t go on like this, keeping this to myself. It’s driving me crazy. I need to tell Philip and my parents. I need help.
Chapter 15 – Haley
There’s no point in me trying to go back to sleep, so I get up and get dressed. Melissa returns from her run and takes a quick shower. “Do you want to go grab some breakfast in the cafeteria?” she asks. “We have time before our classes.”
“Sure.” It’ll be good to have company right now because I really don’t want to be alone.
We grab our backpacks and head over to the cafeteria to eat.
“Earth to Haley?” Melissa says as she peers at me from across the dining table. “Your food’s getting cold.”
I realize I’m picking at my cheese omelet, barely making a dent. “Oh, sorry. I guess I’m preoccupied this morning.”
Melissa nods. “I get it. School’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re expected to do well. Failure’s not an option, right? Neither are bad grades. At least, not in my family.”
I nod, smiling half-heartedly as if those are my concerns. They’re not.
Right now, my concern is thatsomeoneis making my life hell.
Philip would be pissed if he knew I was withholding this information from him. My parents would be, too.
My phone chimes with an incoming text from Philip.
Philip – Hey babe how’s it going
His message puts a smile on my face. He’s always so upbeat and supportive. He’s my very own golden retriever.
“Who was that?” Melissa asks, nodding at my phone as she spreads strawberry jam on her toast.
“Philip.”
“He seems like a great guy.”
“He is.” I’m still smiling as I text him back.
Me – Good. You?
Philip – fine just missing you :( whatcha doing
Me – Eating breakfast with Melissa.
Philip – tell her I said hi. Have you got time for dinner one night this week?
Me – Sure. I’d love that. Any night is fine.
Philip – I have to work late tonight, but how about tomorrow?
Me – Yes.??
Philip – pick you up at 6?
Me – Sounds great. See you then.
Philip – I’m counting the hours
Melissa wags her fork at me. “You guys are so cute.” She drinks the last of her coffee. “I’ve got to run now. Have a good day.”
