Sleeping with the enemy

Matthew Jones

My head throbbed the first moment I felt partially awake. It felt like a herd of elephants, ten garbage trucks, and twenty more tractors had run over me. I was destroyed in every way imaginable – and even unimaginable. Even breathing was difficult, so I opened my eyes slowly, avoiding making any sudden movements. However, I hadn't counted on the glare from the window, which was the final blow to my writhing on the bed with the sharp twinge in my head.

As I turned to the other side, trying to escape the bright light, I noticed the things around me, and this was definitely not my room. I forced my memory, trying to remember what I had done last night, but I am almost one hundred percent sure that I did not drink a drop of alcohol. For starters, I spent most of the day at Rachel's, rehearsing for the championship. I even left there, but went home and then came back to talk to….

I heard a grunt behind me, which made my whole body go into a state of alertness. I tried not to make any sudden movements as I turned around, so as not to awaken the sleeping woman. As soon as – unfortunately – I was facing the window again, I held my breath at what I saw curled up next to me.

Fuck.

What happened yesterday and why is Anastasia here?

If before my head was aching, now it felt like it wanted to explode. Come on! I didn't drink last night and neither did I…. I blinked a few times and subtly lifted the quilt that covered me from the waist down. Okay, and I'm not naked either. I probably just took my top off because I felt hot. Okay, no panic. I took a deep breath and put my right arm behind my head, staring intently at the ceiling.

How did I get here? I don't remember anything at all. I seem to have suffered a blackout! The last thing I remember was driving to the cemetery yesterday, because it was Rachel's anniversary. I even took Anastasia, believing that she could help me forget all that torment, but seriously. Is she a witch now? She snaps her fingers and poof! She's gone? I rolled my eyes and stared at the sleeping drip.

Anastasia was sleeping serenely beside me, not caring what was going on around her. Her brown hair flowed down her face, so I reached out my free hand and tucked it behind her ear. I noticed that her cheekbones were reddened and wondered if they always woke up like this?

I stared at him for so long that I only realized when my arm started to tingle. The cramps hit me at a supernatural speed, making me jump out of bed. I only remembered that Anastasia was there after I had already woken her up. When she stretched, still with her eyes closed, I don't know what came over me, but my desperation was so great that I turned to the opposite side of the window and pretended that I was still asleep.

There was a silence, and for a minute I believed it was a false alarm, that she was still asleep, but then I heard her gasp in surprise. I don't know exactly what happened, but the mattress moved, and a loud thud could be heard. My curiosity was stronger, so I turned around and faced her with a frown. Anastasia was sitting on the floor, her hands covering her mouth.

“What are you doing there?” I asked. She lowered her hands and stared at me boredly.

“I came to rest, don't you see?” She huffed, standing up.

“Don't you think the bed is more comfortable for that?” I raised my eyebrow and saw her snort with laughter.

I put both arms behind my head, watching her wander around the room. I am a man and, well, catering to all macho stereotypes, I couldn't help but notice what Anastasia was wearing. Surprisingly, it was not a pair of pajamas with teddy bears or anything of the sort, but a navy blue silk set, with thin straps and a short 'short' that emphasized her legs.

They say dancers have shapely legs…

I was distracted by my thoughts, but was awakened by a pillow in the face. I blinked a few times and glared at the culprit, who magically stopped at the side of the bed. When did she leave the dressing table?

“I'm talking to you.” Anastasia said sourly. “Could you pay attention?”

“Of course, mi corazón.” I turned to face her, leaning my head on my left arm, staring intently at her. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Here's the thing: my father can't know you're here.” She said firmly. “He leaves for work soon, so we just have to wait quietly, so he thinks I'm still asleep, and everything will be fine. Okay?”

“That's fine with me.” I shrugged. “I don't even know how I got here.” I said during a yawn.

“You're kidding, right?” Anastasia raised her eyebrow in disbelief. “I brought you here!”

“What?” I rolled my eyes, sitting down on the bed abruptly. “And the truck?”

“I parked across the street.” She said as if it was obvious.

“You drove here!?” I couldn't help but be startled. “So I died, and I'm in heaven?” I started to feel my body, making sure everything was in place.

“My, how funny you are!” She was ironic. “For your information, I have a driver's license, see?”

“Fake, right?” I laughed in mockery.

“Real.” She said curtly.

Anastasia's features were hard, but I couldn't help laughing. How could someone who was five feet tall be so angry? She stomped off to the dressing table, where she picked up her backpack, the one she usually takes to rehearsals, and took out her wallet. Is she really going to show me her license? Wow. I noticed that her sneakers were starting to slip out of the bag, and so, as far as I know, high-top sneakers are as hard as coconuts.

“Anastasia?” I frowned, staring at the thing.

“No, now you'll see.” She said, rummaging through her wallet, trying to get his driver's license.

Just as I said this, she fell to the floor.

And, as expected, it made a noise so loud that it probably woke up the whole neighborhood. Anastasia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and bent down to pick up the one who had caused the scare. Not satisfied with everything, I smiled mischievously and stared at her.

“I told you so.” I said proudly. She glared at me and raised her sneaker to hit me, but as soon as we heard footsteps in the hallway, she froze.

“Anastasia?” The male voice reverberated, in a low, low tone.

“I-I’m changing me, Dad!” She retorted, nervously.

“It's okay, daughter. I'm just dropping by to let you know I'll be right there.” He said, simply.

“Ok, kiss. See you later!” She shot up and remained silent, trying to hear what was happening outside the room. Footsteps, the sound of keys, more footsteps, and finally, a door opening and closing. “That's it. Get out!”

“You heard the sound of a door, and you're confident he's gone?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Do you want to teach me how to run away from my father?” She stared at me boredly.

“Have you done this before?” I raised my eyebrow, surprised.

“Of course.” She laughed puffily.

“Why?” I narrowed my eyes and smiled mischievously, imagining all the possibilities.

“Since when do I owe you an explanation?” She looked at me disdainfully.

“Touché.” I raised my arms in surrender and got out of bed, laughing nasally.

I stretched my arms above my head, stretching to stifle laziness. I take it back. It's not just my head that feels like shit. My whole body is fucked up. When I opened my eyes, I saw Anastasia staring at me. She had her cheeks in the same shade as my underwear, making me laugh.

“I think I see why you brought me here yesterday.” I narrowed my eyes, pointing at her. “Clever girl.”

“Get out.” She said, staring at a random spot beside her.

I noticed that my blouse was on the dressing table, so I walked slowly in that direction. Anastasia stared at me and her entire body tensed up, probably wondering why I was approaching. She took a step back and ended up hitting the dressing table, making me laugh nasally at her nervousness. When I stopped in front of her, I bent down, purposely standing inches from her face. I looked deep into his eyes and smiled, pulling the white garment right in front of him. Anastasia took a deep breath and looked away.

“I'm going.” I said, as I put on the blouse. Anastasia said nothing, so I smiled and left.

It's fun to see her like this.