Chereads / It´s only in your Head / Chapter 4 - Nightmares

Chapter 4 - Nightmares

 ?it was all just a dream "

No ones POV

As the moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow in the living room of the small California apartment complex, Riley and Billie settled in for their movie night. Riley, with her warm smile, setting up Netflix while Billie lounged on the couch, a mischievous glint in her blue eyes.

"Alright, what movie are we watching tonight?" Riley asked, a smile playing on her lips.

Billie smirked, "How about a classic horror film?"

Riley laughed gently, "You know I'm not a fan of horror, but sure, why not. As long as you promise not to scare me too much."Billie chuckled, "I can't make any promises, love."

The opening credits rolled, and as the eerie music filled the room, Riley couldn't help but jump at the sudden sound.Riley squeaked, gripping onto Billie's arm.Billie leaned closer, a low, rumbling laugh escaping her. "Don't worry, I've got you."

Their laughter filled the room, mixing with the sounds of screams from the TV. As the movie progressed, Riley found herself humming along with the suspenseful scenes, her heart racing not only from the movie but also from the closeness she felt to Billie.

Riley shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of Billie's body next to hers. "This movie is so good, right?" Billie murmured, her voice low and inviting.

Riley nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I'm really enjoying it." Billie's hand brushed against Riley's arm, sending a shiver down her spine. "You're so tense, let me help you relax." With a gentle touch, Billie began to massage Riley's shoulders, her fingers kneading away the knots of tension. Riley closed her eyes, letting out a soft moan of appreciation. "That feels amazing." Billie chuckled softly, the sound like a warm purr in the quiet room. 

"I'm glad you like it." As the movie played on, the space between them seemed to shrink until there was no gap left. Riley found herself leaning into Billie, their bodies fitting together like missing puzzle pieces.

As the credits rolled on the horror movie, Riley turned to Billie with a concerned look in her eyes. "Billie, would you mind staying over tonight? I've been having these awful nightmares lately."

 Billie, with a smirk playing on her lips, replied, "Sure, Riley. I'll keep those monsters under your bed in check for you." Riley let out a nervous laugh, appreciating Billie's attempt to lighten the mood. "Thanks, Billie. " With a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes, Billie stood up and stretched. 

"Well, what are friends for, right? Let's head to bed then." The two girls made their way to Riley's cosy bedroom, the dim light casting shadows on the walls. Billie settled in on the floor beside Riley's bed, a playful glint in her eyes. "I call dibs on the left side of the bed." Riley chuckled softly, feeling grateful for Billie's presence.

 "Fine, I'll take the right side then. But no funny business, Billie." Billie put a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Who, me? I'm a perfect angel, Riley." 

 As the room fell into a comfortable silence, Riley closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Billie's presence beside her. Their breathing synced in the quiet room, creating a soothing rhythm that eased Riley's fears. Suddenly, a low hum broke the silence, coming from Billie. It was a soft, melodic sound that seemed to chase away the last remnants of Riley's nightmares. And in that moment, as they lay side by side, Riley felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't felt in a long time. With a contented sigh, Riley drifted off to sleep, safe in the knowledge that Billie was by her side. Little did she know, most of her Nightmares are about Billie. 

"No ones POV:

Sitting on her balcony, the cool breeze ruffling her hair as she stared out into the distance. The familiar feeling of dread crept up on her, knowing that nightfall would bring the nightmares once again.As darkness settled in, Stella retreated to her bed, hoping for a peaceful night's sleep. But as soon as her eyes closed, the nightmares began to take hold. Images of Billie's haunting eyes and enigmatic smile flashed before her, sending shivers down her spine.Stella's screams pierced the quiet night, echoing through the complex. She tossed and turned, trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and confusion. Suddenly, a soft humming filled the room, a gentle melody cutting through the darkness. Stella's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding in her chest. She followed the sound to her balcony, where a figure stood in the shadows."Riley," a voice called out, filled with concern. "I heard your screams. Are you okay?"

Rileý´s heart raced as she opened her eyes, her breath coming in short gasps. She sat up in bed, frantically looking around the darkened room. "Billie?" she called out, her voice trembling. But there was no response, only the soft hum of the air conditioning.Tears welled up in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to calm her racing heart.

A sudden wave of fear washed over her as she heard a faint laughter echoing in the shadows. "Billie, is that you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. But the laughter only grew louder, more sinister.

Riley´s hands shook as she reached for the bedside lamp, flicking it on with a click. The room was bathed in a soft, warm light, but there was no one there. Just the empty space beside her, where Billie was hours ago but now gone. "

 Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the bedroom where Riley lay tangled in her sheets. She blinked awake, her mind still muddled with sleep as she tried to piece together the events of the previous night. With a yawn, she stretched her arms above her head, reaching for her phone on the bedside table. Riley unlocked her phone, her heart sinking at the sight of an empty inbox. Where was Billie's message explaining why she had left so abruptly last night? Pushing back the covers, Riley swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded barefoot to the living room. The soft carpet tickled the soles of her feet as she made her way to the kitchen. She busied herself making a comforting breakfast of poached eggs on toast, the rhythmic clink of cutlery against plates filling the quiet apartment. As she ate, Riley's fingers danced over her phone screen, typing out a message to Billie. 

"Hey, where did you disappear to last night? Everything okay?" Sent. 

Riley hoped for a quick reply, but minutes stretched into an agonising silence that made her fidget in her seat. A buzzing sound broke the stillness, making Riley jump in her chair. She glanced at her phone eagerly, only to see a text from her mum asking how she was doing. Disappointment weighed heavy in Riley's chest as she finished her breakfast, the unanswered question lingering in the air like an unspoken plea. With a heavy sigh, she got up from the table and wandered back to the bedroom, her mind swirling with confusion and worry.

Back in the room, Riley paced back and forth, her steps soft against the carpet as she tried to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach. Another buzz from her phone made her heart leap in hope. This time, it was Billie. "Hey, Riley! What's up?"  Relief flooded through Riley as she quickly typed back, her fingers tapping out her burning question. "Why did you leave last night without saying anything? I woke up and you were gone." 

 It felt like an eternity before Billie's reply came through, a simple "I don't know what you're talking about, Riley. I was here all night." Confusion swept over Riley, her brow furrowing in disbelief. Was Billie playing some kind of prank on her? She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Billie's cheery tone in her messages didn't match the lingering unease that had settled in Riley's bones. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Riley decided to call Billie instead of texting. She pressed the call button with a mix of trepidation and determination. The phone rang once, twice, before Billie's voice came through the earpiece. "Hey, Riley! " 

 "Billie, are you sure you didn't leave last night?" Riley's voice was taut with an edge of desperation. Billie chuckled on the other end of the line, the sound sending shivers down Riley's spine. "Come on, Riley, you must be dreaming. I was with you all night." Riley's breath caught in her throat. Was she losing her mind? She could have sworn she had woken up alone in the dead of night, Billie's side of the bed cold and empty. "But I remember waking up and you were gone," Riley insisted, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Billie's laughter rang out loud and clear through the phone, the sound chilling Riley to the core. 

"You must have had a nightmare, Riley. I'm here with you now, aren't I?" A cold sweat broke out on Riley's skin as she tried to make sense of it all. Had she imagined the whole thing? Or was Billie lying to her?

time skip .. 

The sound of the key turning in the lock echoed through Riley's small apartment, signalling the end of her shift. She sighed, relieved to finally be home after a long day of dealing with demanding customers. As she kicked off her shoes and headed towards the kitchen, her mind wandered back to the unsettling encounter with Billie earlier that day.All she wanted now was to curl up on the sofa, eat some comfort food, and lose herself in a mindless Netflix show before slipping into bed, hoping for a peaceful night's sleep. 

 Just as Riley settled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and her favourite series playing in the background, a loud knock on the door startled her. She froze, her heart racing in her chest. Without hesitation, she tiptoed to the door, her pulse thrumming in her ears. Slowly, she peered through the peephole and saw Billie standing on the other side, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What are you doing here, Billie?" Riley's voice came out in a hushed whisper, a mix of confusion and anxiety. 

 Billie's grin widened, and she leaned in closer to the door. "I couldn't resist the urge to see you again, Riley. Can I come in?"  Riley hesitated, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She knew Billie was unpredictable, with a hint of darkness that both intrigued and scared her. After a moment's pause, she unlocked the door and let Billie inside, the air thick with tension and a hint of anticipation. Billie sauntered into the living room, her presence filling the space with a strange energy. She made herself at home on the couch, patting the seat next to her invitingly. "Join me, Riley." Billie purred, her voice low and enticing. Riley's heart fluttered nervously, unsure of what to make of Billie's sudden appearance. She hesitated for a moment before reluctantly sitting down next to her, keeping a safe distance. The two women sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the faint hum of the TV in the background. 

The air crackled with unspoken words and hidden desires. "Why did you come here, Billie?" Riley finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. Billie turned to look at her, her eyes dark and mysterious. "I told you, Riley. I couldn't stay away. There's something about you that draws me in." Riley's cheeks flushed at the intensity of Billie's gaze, a mix of fear and fascination swirling in her eyes. She couldn't deny the pull she felt towards this enigmatic woman.

 The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension between them palpable. Riley's heart pounded in her chest, torn between the thrill of the unknown and the safety of familiarity. Suddenly, Billie reached out and took Riley's hand in hers, the touch sending an electric jolt through her body. Riley's breath caught in her throat as she stared into Billie's eyes, lost in their depths.

 "Relax, Riley. " Billie whispered, her voice like a siren's call luring Riley into uncharted waters. Riley's heart raced as she felt herself being pulled into Billie's orbit, her mind clouded with a heady mix of desire and trepidation. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but a part of her couldn't resist the pull of the unknown. As the night stretched on, Riley found herself laughing at Billie's witty remarks and playful banter, her guard slowly melting away in the warmth of their shared moments.

 Billie's laughter was infectious, filling the room with a joyous energy that Riley hadn't felt in a long time. She watched as Billie's eyes sparkled with mischief, her free spirit captivating Riley in ways she couldn't explain.