Chapter 48

~Kehlani~

I’ve been up since the sun started to peak. I’m not sure what got me up so early; fear, anxiety, maybe. I felt unusually calm even though I have a possible life-ending event happening in a few hours. I took some time to sit in Brooklyn’s room, just watching her sleep. She’s so sweet and so young, her whole life ahead of her, and I intend to watch that life unfold.

Now, I’m lying next to Jayden, just watching him sleep. Jayden is lying on his back, I on my side, snoring lightly. He looks so boyish and innocent when asleep. It’s almost like the years fall away, and he’s new to the world. I take my finger and lightly trace his jawline from one end to the other. I don’t want to wake him but I can’t help the urge to touch him. “You know, I always thought it would be creepy having someone watch me sleep, but it isn’t bad.” Jayden hasn’t opened his eyes, and his voice is gruff.

“How long have you been awake?”