Seven

 

Paige

 

 

I'm so tired. I am so, so tired. I can't remember the last time I had any real sleep. I've been taking care of Enzo for over a week now. Helping him with everything he could possibly need. Cooking, cleaning, running errands. He still won't let me help him bathe. But I guess that's a good thing. Plus, he treats me like crap. I should have known nothing would change. But I stay because I'm not the kind of girl to quit on anything

In between helping Enzo with everything he needs, I've been helping my mom plan her wedding. Callie is making my mom's wedding dress. She's brilliant at it, she made Emilee and Della's wedding dresses, and my mom was in love with them. So, of course, when I asked Callie if could find it in her heart to make my moms, just as mom asked, she jumped at the chance.

Aimee, the local bridal boutique owner, and one of my best friends is making Layah's and my bridesmaid dresses. We have dress fittings tomorrow. But I'm not even sure I'll be able to stand up straight. My whole body aches, so much so it's becoming painful.

All I want is one night where I can sleep more than two hours. I don't think I've slept more than twenty-eight hours in two weeks. My mind just will not shut down. I'm constantly on the go, constantly worried that Enzo needs something. In all honesty, I don't even know how I'm still standing.

Not only is my body becoming weaker and weaker, I'm beginning to hallucinate. I keep seeing my father everywhere I turn. Every time I leave the house, I see him. It freaked me out at first, but then I told myself, He's not really there, Paige, he's in prison. It's all in your mind. You're tired and you need to sleep. I blink a couple of times and he's gone. That's how I know he's not really there.

I don't blame Enzo for the way I am right now, but he's been such a bastard to me, won't let me rest more than a few minutes before he needs something else. Of course, he lets me sleep, but like I said, it's hard to do that when my mind won't shut down.

Right now, I'm trying to cook dinner for Enzo, he had a restless night. The pain in his ankle doesn't seem to be easing up. And he kept me up most of the night calling my name to get him painkillers, water, help him out of bed, into bed, etc. He's slept most of the afternoon away while I cleaned the house top to bottom. And I figured that he could do with a decent meal. But standing here chopping salad to go with his lasagna, I'm finding it hard to keep my eyes open.

Just a little longer, Paige, and you can sleep.

“You okay?” Shit, he startled me! “Shit, you're bleeding!” I am?

I can't feel anything, not even when he grabs my hand and pulls me over to the sink.

“You need to be more careful!” Is he really telling me off like I'm some little girl who did something bad?

I snatch my hand away from him and turn off the tap while grabbing a cloth and wrapping it around my index finger. I must have cut into it while dozing off.

“It was an accident. I'm going to clean up my hand. I'll be back in a moment. Dinners almost ready.”

“I'm not into eating blood covered salad.”

I sigh deeply. Why does he always have to be such an ass to me? I'm tired and that's making me emotional. I really could use a friend right now. I can't sleep for shit, and I no longer know what to do about it.

“I didn't mean to ruin...” I swallow past the lump in my throat. I don't need this right now, and I don't need these damn tears threatening to fall from my eyes. “I'll fix it as quick as I can.”

I manage to grab a band-aid and wrap it around my finger. All I've really done is scratch it. Not need for stitches. I then take myself back to the kitchen. Enzo has thrown out the salad and wiped the counters down. I feel bad about that. He doesn't say anything when I serve him up lasagna and garlic bread with a beer. Not that he should be drinking, but he won't listen to my advice so it's really up to him.

He isn't too pleased that I haven't eaten anything. I just sit pushing the food around my plate. I'm trying to ignore the looks he's giving me, but what does he want me to say?

After he's finished eating, I help him up to his room. He said he just wanted to lie down. Once he's settled, I take myself to my room and run a hot bath.

Right now, this bath is just what I need. Lots of scented candles and the lights turned out. I always find that hot water relaxes my muscles better than anything. But then, I guess it's that way for most people.

I tie my hair up in a bun on top of my head. I don't have the energy to wash it right now. I step into the hot water and sink into it with a sigh. Yes, this is exactly what I need right now. I relax deeper into the water. The sound of something hitting the floor should have shocked me but it didn't. This bath is just too relaxing right now.

My eyes shoot open. Damn, I fell asleep in the bath. How typical.

I climb out, dry myself off, and get dressed into one of band tees and panties. I'm suddenly not tired. How fucking typical is that?

A film will help me drop off in no time. I check on Enzo, he's sleeping peacefully. It's all right for some. I then take myself downstairs, drop on the sofa with a thud, and flick through the channels on TV. There's nothing interesting, just some old eighties movie. That will do.

It isn't long before my eyes droop. I lay my head down on a cushion, pulling my legs under me and closing my eyes.

Dear sleep, I know we're not exactly best friends right now, but if you could find it in your heart to become so for a few hours, it would be much appreciated.

No doubt I'll be dreaming about Enzo and all the things I wish he'd do to me. God, his hands, and mouth all over my body. Or the things I want to do to him. Taste him, suck him, fuck him. And I would fuck him so good.

Or maybe he'd hold me down and fuck the ever living shit outta me. Yes, that sounds perfect right now.

A girl can dream, right?