"Am I the only one awake right now?" Ellie whispered to herself.
Time felt like it was dragging.
The room was still dark—no idea what time it was.
Bella was fast asleep beside her.
Meanwhile, Ellie hadn't closed her eyes once.
"I swear, I'm gonna be a zombie tomorrow…"
Her mind wouldn't shut up. Mostly, it kept circling back to Bella.
Tonight, she just hoped she could make it through without losing her mind.
"My back itches…" Ellie muttered, twisting to reach the spot.
But her hand couldn't quite get there.
"Shit," she whispered again, shifting.
Am I gonna wake her up?
She froze, afraid to disturb Bella.
Then, carefully, she rubbed her back against the bed, trying not to make too much noise.
It didn't help.
Bella stirred and mumbled something, still asleep.
Then, suddenly—her hand moved.
Right onto Ellie's chest.
Ellie froze.
"What the—?"
Bella didn't wake up. Eyes closed. Breathing soft.
But her hand stayed there.
Ellie's heart went wild. She didn't know what to do.
Gently, she tried to move Bella's hand.
But instead, Bella's fingers curled around hers. Still unconscious.
Now Ellie was stuck.
Trapped.
And completely panicking.
This can't be happening…
She tried again, slowly.
But Bella pulled her even closer.
And then—click.
The power came back on.
Lights flicked on overhead.
Bella's eyes opened slowly.
Their faces—just inches apart.
She whispered, "What are you—?"
But Ellie didn't wait.
She kissed her.
It just happened.
Quick. Impulsive. Like something inside her snapped.
She had to know. Had to feel it.
And for a moment…
Bella didn't pull away.
Ellie's chest swelled with something warm and overwhelming.
Not just the kiss.
Bella.
Then Bella gasped. "I… I can't breathe…"
Ellie pulled back, heart racing.
"Oh my God, I'm sorry," she stammered. "I—"
Her voice broke. "I don't know what came over me."
"I'm sorry. I think I should go."
She stood, avoiding Bella's eyes, and walked out.
Bella reached for her—but it was too late.
Ellie was already gone, back in her own room.
She didn't sleep. Not even close.
Her mind replayed it all, over and over.
She kissed Bella.
And she liked it.
Way more than she should have.
And now?
She was terrified Bella thought she was disgusting.