ACTIVE SLEEPWALKER

ELENA'S POV

I looked at the time as I woke up, groggy. It was 5:30 am. Still early, but then I remembered my plan as I tried to get up. Suddenly, I heard the thumping of shoes on the hardwood floor of the staircase. It was Damien getting down to his indoor gym. I quickly hid well on the couch, careful not to get caught. He didn't seem to notice, and soon the door to the gym door closed behind him.

Sure that he was inside and wasn't coming out any time soon, I quietly tiptoed to the kitchen, opening the fridge and getting out the frozen spice jars. I returned them to the drawers from which I got them. For extra effects, I turned on the sink tap, knowing by morning the whole kitchen would be flooded, and stealthily returned back to the couch. Lying back down, no sooner had I placed my head on the headrest than I dozed off.

Waking up again, to the bright rays coming into the living room. It was almost 8 am and I yawned, getting up to stretch when I spotted Damien head towards the kitchen. I snickered inwardly as I pretended to be asleep.

I'm such an evil genius, I thought to myself.

I heard him curse, and I held my mouth to stop myself from giving myself away by laughing out loud. He sure went bonkers just by seeing the state of the kitchen, imagine if he checked every other thing. Turning to the other side so I was facing the backrest, I held in a chortle. I heard him stumble towards where I lay down and pull my best sleeping look. 

I guess several years in prison have taught me a few tips on acting, so much so that I can say I've become a pro at it. Old me would be so proud of who I've become.

I heard my name once, but I ignored him, pretending not to hear. Serves him right for ignoring me last night. 

The next thing was a loud, resounding shout of my name, which scared the hell out of me so much that I jumped in fear.

"ELENA CARTERRRRR!!"

I jumped, yelling in fear. Instinctively, he yelled, scared of my yelling. That was when I saw it. His bare chest, toned abs that disappeared into his grey pants, which did little to hide the bulge. A half-naked Damien with very wet hair and a black T-shirt on his shoulder. I yelled in shock, shutting my eyes. He got scared, yelling as he realized that I had seen his half-naked torso.

I jumped off the couch like it was what burned me and not the hotness radiating from Damien's body, turning away from him. Oh Lord, save my eyes from evil. I have to wash my eyes with bleach. Oh dear.

But you gotta admit, his body is foinnnneeee as hell. You could totally jump on this fine specimen that God has created, my subconscious prodded. 

Cut it out, mind. Now's not the time to think PG-18 thoughts. 

Sorry.

"Jeez, you scared me," I shot to him, still looking away and not wanting to desecrate my eyes once more. 

"You scared me, too. Your scream and the bird's nest that is your hair is enough to scare me shitless."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you dressed? Please tell me you're dressed."

"One second," he replied. Then, after a few seconds, "Yes, you can turn around now."

I slowly turned, cautious not to let my eyes see what it's not meant to. When I was sure he was fully dressed, I straightened up, frowning. "Why the hell did you scream my name like that?" I questioned, folding my arms like I have absolutely no idea why. 

When in fact, I most certainly did.

The look of fury was back on his face almost immediately. "What monstrosity did you create? In my kitchen?!" he snapped, pointing in the way of the kitchen. I cackled inwardly, glad that my plan had the desired effect. I played innocent, pretending not to know what was going on.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied. 

I definitely knew what he was talking about.

"The mess in my kitchen. I know it's you, so stop pretending," he spat. In my mind, I was practically rolling on the floor cackling like a banshee. But my exterior was a calm and cool demeanour.

"Well, I was hungry and groggy. I really don't know what I did last night," I shrugged innocently and his nose flared, like a very pissed, very angry dragon. Grabbing my arm, he pulled me to the kitchen despite my protests.

Pointing to the mess and the flooded kitchen, he fumed. "This is the mess you caused, princess," he spat angrily. I faked a gasp and a look of shock. Damn, I was really good at acting. Maybe I should go pro with it.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize I forgot to tell you," I replied with a fake remorse on my face. "I sleepwalk when I'm groggy, and I don't sleep on my bed. I'm an active sleepwalker. I'm so sorry, I think it was while I was sleepwalking," I said.

Feeling very flustered, he cleared his throat. "Well, I should apologize. It was insensitive of me not to make sleeping arrangements for you."

"Oh, it's okay," I smiled, surprised he was really buying my lies. I faked a yawn. "I still feel sleepy," I said, heading back to the couch. He didn't say another word. But I could hear him curse every once in a while as he tried to clean up the mess I made. I snickered when he made a face, cussing loudly when he pulled out the snow-melted water-filled spice jar. I was sure he was going to spend quite some time tidying up the whole disarray.

That'll teach you not to mess with me.

Elena, one