Page 24 of Dark Therapy
“Amelia?” Anna’s voice pulled me back. “Are you even listening?”
“Sorry, I just… zoned out for a second,” I admitted, forcing a smile.
Emily shot me a knowing glance, but thankfully didn’t press further. We talked about lighter things—the menu, Anna’s birthday plans, and the absurdity of life.
Later, as we left the café and stepped into the cool evening air, I took a deep breath, hoping the laughter would chase away the doubts creeping back in. But as we walked toward Anna’s house, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck prickled, and I found myself glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Damien lurking behind a tree or a lamppost.
“Everything okay?” Emily asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing my heart rate to steady. “Just a little paranoid, I guess.”
“Let’s just focus on having a good time tonight. No more nightmares, right? Just birthday cake and fun,” Emily encouraged, trying to lift my spirits.
I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. As we approached the house, I allowed myself to get swept up in the festivities, letting laughter and music fill the void of uncertainty.
As the music pulsed through Anna’s apartment, the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of cake. It felt like the perfect escape. I was chatting with Emily when I spotted Jake across the room. He looked handsome as ever, with that charming smile that always made my heart flutter.
“Hey, Amelia!” he called out, making his way toward me, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “You made it! How’ve you been?”
“I’ve been good,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “Just taking things one day at a time.”
He held out a drink, a vibrant cocktail that glimmered under the soft lighting. “Here, thought you might need this to celebrate. It’s Anna’s special recipe.”
I accepted the drink, the cool glass sending a pleasant shiver up my arm. “Thanks! I could definitely use something festive.”
As I took a sip, I felt the tension in my shoulders start to melt away. The flavors were a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, and I couldn’t help but smile at Jake. “You always know how to pick the best drinks.”
He chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned in. “It’s all about the right ingredients. Just like life, right?”
Before I could respond, he extended his hand toward me. “Want to dance?”
My heart raced at the invitation. I hesitated for just a moment, glancing around the room. But the music was upbeat and lively, and the energy was infectious. I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the dance floor where a few other guests were already swaying to the rhythm.
As we moved to the music, I lost myself in the moment. Jake’s movements were fluid and confident, and I found myself mirroring his rhythm, laughing as we twirled and spun. He was easy to be around, and the carefree atmosphere made it easy to forget the worries that had been weighing on me.
With each passing second, my laughter grew, and I felt lighter than I had in weeks. Jake leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear as he shouted over the music, “See? This is what life’s all about!”
“Yeah! You’re right!” I shouted back, feeling the beat of the music reverberate in my chest.
Our bodies moved together effortlessly, and I couldn’t help but admire how his gaze held a hint of admiration. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room, lost in our own world. As I spun under his arm, I caught sight of Emily smiling from the sidelines, giving me an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Jake’s hands settled on my waist, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me as we swayed together. “I’m really glad you’re here tonight,”
His words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, and I couldn’t help but feel a spark ofsomethingmore between us. Just then, the music shifted to a slower melody, and Jake leaned in closer, his forehead almost touching mine.
“May I?” he asked, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Of course,” I whispered, my breath hitching slightly.
As he pulled me closer, I felt a thrill run through me. The worries of the past week, the haunting memories, all faded into the background as I lost myself in this moment with him. I feltsafe, cherished even, and for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to let go.
Jake’s arms tightened around me as we moved slowly, the world around us becoming a blur. In that moment, I felt a wave of joy wash over me, filling the void that had been left by my nightmares. I laughed softly, resting my head against his shoulder as he hummed along with the music.
Just as the atmosphere felt perfect, a fleeting thought crossed my mind—was this too good to be true? But as Jake’s warmth enveloped me, I pushed the thought aside, savoring the happiness that pulsed between us.
Jake gently guided me to a plush couch nestled in the corner of Anna’s living room, the ambient light casting a warm glowaround us. I sank into the cushions, feeling relaxed and content, the music a distant hum in the background. Jake settled beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body.
“You know,” he began, his voice soft and sincere, “I’ve really missed having you around. It’s been too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up like this.”