The Villain’s Therapist

[Aurora’s POV]

Not again. What's this that I'm feeling on my face?

One thing I've always hated in this life is being disturbed and woken up from sleep. It's like the only place where I can have endless silence, peace, and quality time with myself.

But there just has to be something—or someone—who'll disturb it. I was sleeping peacefully on my own when I suddenly felt something wet on my face. It didn't take long for me to realize who it was.

"Poppy, stop," I mumbled, still lying on my bed and feeling incredibly sleepy. But the licking didn't stop. I grabbed his face and pushed him away before turning over and going back to sleep. Only for the licking to continue. I grabbed my blanket and pulled it over my face. That finally stopped the licking.

Or so I thought. A second later, Poppy jumped on top of me.

“Ahh!” I screamed out. That really hurt. He was just too big and heavy. With a frustrated groan, I sat up reluctantly. On my right was my dog, his tongue hanging out as he wagged his tail happily.

Why was he in such a good mood after disturbing my sleep?

“Why are you so happy?” I asked, my voice coming out irritated. Then I heard someone chuckling behind me. I slowly turned my head and—

“The heck is wrong with you, Ella?” My best friend stood there in all her glory laughing at me. In her hands were dog treats.

Did she really—

No. She didn't.

“Ellaaaaaa!” I screamed in frustration. “And you made him jump on me?” She simply flipped her hair before moving to sit beside me.

“Good morning,” she said casually. “Since some people have bad manners. You look like a war just happened on your head” She brushed off what had just happened as though nothing had occurred, laughing loudly. I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my outburst. It was too early to be angry. I breathed in, then slowly breathed out, repeating the action three times.

“I reject any negativity this morning,” I announced, making sure to keep a smile on my face. I turned toward my dog and began petting him. Ella stared at me, looking really offended.

“Really?” she asked, waiting for a reaction. When I didn't give her one, she continued.

“So I'm the negativity?” I still didn't spare her a single glance. Instead, I continued petting Poppy giving him kisses on his head.

“Poppy, did you sleep well?” He wagged his tail in response. I was too focused on my dog to notice Ella moving closer until she suddenly grabbed my hair from behind putting me off balance.

“Ah!” I fell backward onto the bed. Of course she'd pull this act.

“Arggh! Ella, not this morning!” I tried freeing myself from her hold, but she wouldn't budge.

“I don't have time for this. I've got work to do.”

“We both know I'm not leaving you until you apologize.” She held me down with her other hand, raising her eyebrows at me. I glanced at Poppy, thinking he was about to help me push her away, but he simply rested on top of me. Of course he did.

“Sorry!” I yelled. She shook her head.

“We both know that apology wasn't sincere.” Damn it. She knew me too well.

“I'm sorry. Okay?” She looked at me suspiciously.

“Don't try anything stupid with me after I let you go,” she warned with a smile. I nodded quickly. She waited a few seconds before finally releasing me. I immediately shook her hand off and rubbed my scalp. I hissed.

“Poppy, seriously? You were supposed to help me, not attack me.” But he continued wagging his tail. I pushed him off my body.

“Good boy,” Ella said as she patted Poppy's head before giving him a treat. I glared at the two traitors.

“Seriously, did you have to pull my hair that hard?” I glared at her. “And why did you wake me up this early?” I looked out the window and noticed it was still dark outside.

“What time is it?” I asked, directing the question at her but she didn't reply so I reached underneath my pillow and pulled out my smart phone, I might live in a small town away from the city but there were access to get whatever we wanted that wasn't avaliable1. My eyes widened when I checked the time.

“5:30 a.m. Seriously?” I looked at her, already annoyed. The smile on her face slowly disappeared as realization dawned on her.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot.” She tapped her forehead before her expression turned into a frown.

“You left me with your patient at midnight, saying you'd be back, and then you disappeared!” She threw her hands into the air dramatically while Poppy barked as if he were supporting her. I looked left. Then right. Finally, I ran both hands through my hair.

“Yikes.”

“Yikes?” she repeated incredulously. “That's all you can say?” I gave her an apologetic look. She had really been helpful to me.

“I'm sorry,” I said, trying my best to look cute. It worked. Her angry expression immediately began to crack.

“I was so exhausted from all the endless work,” I added with a sigh. I quickly formed a lie.

“I actually came to get something in my room, but I don't know…" Damn it. I don't even know how to lie properly to her.

“Come here.” I moved closer to her, and she immediately pulled me into a huge hug, dragging Poppy into it too. He wagged his tail happily.

“We both know you're a terrible liar,” she said. We both burst out laughing.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. She tightened the hug in response. I tapped her arm repeatedly, unable to breathe properly.

“Okay, okay! I can't breathe!” She finally loosened her hold, still laughing.

“So, any updates about my patient?”

“Yeah, but I think you should see for yourself." I frowned. I hope it's nothing serious.

What am I even saying? Of course it's nothing serious. I'm excellent at what I do.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself. She pulled me out of bed, and I quickly slipped my feet into my slippers.

“Come on, Poppy,” I called. He didn't move. Ella laughed. I glared at her.

“Let's go, boy,” Ella called. My dog immediately jumped off the bed and followed us toward the door, his tail wagging happily.

“Of course you'd listen to her,” I muttered, shaking my head. Poppy gave a little bark as if he understood me. Ella laughed as we headed out together