The walk to the library was quiet.
But the library too quiet.
Auriella sat at a table near the back, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to focus on her Classical Literature assignment. But her mind kept wandering.
Just Auriella Thorne. Nothing special.
The words echoed in her head, making her chest tight.
She shook her head, forcing herself to concentrate on the page in front of her. She didn't come here to wallow. She came here to study. To distract herself.
She was never part of their world.
Just a girl from a little humble home.
She didn't need to feel offended about it .
She tried to focus on her studies when she felt sensation on the back of her neck.
Like someone was watching her.
Auriella looked up slowly, scanning the library.
It was empty.
Well, not completely empty. There were a few students scattered at distant tables, heads buried in books, completely absorbed in their work.
But no one was looking at her.
Still, the feeling didn't go away.
She turned in her seat, checking behind her.
Nothing.
Just rows of tall bookshelves stretching into the dim corners of the library.
But the sensation persisted. Stronger now. Like invisible eyes boring into her.
Auriella's pulse quickened.
She stood abruptly, gathering her books and papers, shoving them into her bag with shaking hands.
The library suddenly felt suffocating. The silence too heavy. Like she was being watched by a predatory.
She didn't like the feeling cause it reminded her of the nightmares.
She needed to leave..
She hurried toward the exit, her footsteps echoing on the hardwood floor, and didn't stop until she was outside in the fading daylight.
She stood there for a moment, catching her breath, her heart still racing.
What was that?
She glanced back at the library entrance.
Nothing. No one following her. No one watching.
But the unease clung to her like a shadow.
******************************************************
That night, Penny knocked on Auriella's door.
"Hey," Penny said when Auriella opened it. "You okay? You kind of rushed out of the cafeteria earlier."
"Yeah, I'm fine," Auriella lied, stepping aside to let her in. "Just needed some space."
Penny studied her face for a moment, then nodded. "Okay. But I'm staying anyway. I brought snacks."
She held up a bag of chips and chocolate.
Auriella smiled . "You're the best."
They settled onto Auriella's bed, leaning against the headboard, sharing the snacks and talking about everything that had happened so far.
"It's been a crazy week""
Yea," do you think she's fine , Auriella asked looking worried .""
Your going to get high blood pressure if you keep up at this ,""don't worry she's fine .
Penny there's something I've been meaning to tell you ,with everything going on I just kinda forgot to.""
Penny sat up ,looking at her friend intensely."okay what's wrong?
Well it's a bit odd ,but I no longer have those nightmares,since the night of the party .
"" Well that's good news right ?
Thank goodness!
I'm so happy your all okay now .
But do you know why they stopped .
No idea."
Just woke up the next day all okay .
Maybe it was indeed a psychological thing.
I told you it was just a passing problem,your good we're all good .I promise .
Auriella smiled .
It felt good..
Finally being able to sleep well , without being afraid.
They spoke for a while .
Eventually, exhaustion caught up with them.
Penny yawned. "I should probably head back to my room."
"Or you could just stay," Auriella said. "It's late anyway."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I don't feel like being alone tonight."
Penny smiled. "Okay"
They changed into pajamas, turned off the lights, and climbed into bed together like they used to do when they were kids during sleepovers.
Within minutes, they were both asleep.