Page 4 of Nightmare

Summer is silent next to me, letting me get acclimated back into the lushness of the elite. The only sounds to be heard are our heels clicking on the floor as we make the journey through the space.

We slip through the large kitchen – clean and untouched, and Summer leads me to a long hallway.

I’m not particularly surprised that her bedroom is just as exquisite as the rest of the home, but the breath gets caught in my lungs regardless when she pushes the door open and steps in.

Three walls of the bedroom are covered in light mauve paint, the fourth a complete wall of windows, showcasing the city expanse beyond. I drop the hold I have on my suitcase, my heels are loud in my ears as I make my way across the marble floors right up to the clear wall.

I take a deep breath and lay my hand flat against the glass, then lean my forehead against it as well, my eyes slowly tracing New York City in its prime.

The view from this height is phenomenal, and my chest tightens a little as I appreciate the view.

I’m fucking home.

Summer is soundless as she makes her way to the spot next to me, she lays her head on my shoulder but keeps herself wordless. She doesn’t need to say the words – I can read her thoughts from where I stand.

This is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

A few dozen heartbeats pass as we stand in silence, then she’s tugging at my hand to get my attention back. My eyes find hers, I match her toothy smile for a breath then turn to appreciate the rest of her – I guessour– bedroom.

A large Cali King sits centered in the room for us to share, against one of the mauve colored walls, flanked by chrome tables covered in my favorite flowers – Peonies – also light pink in color.

Summer clicks her tongue, “Got you your damn flowers.”

I beam, because her thoughtfulness doesn’t go unnoticed, and she rolls her eyes with a smile. “I prefer sunflowers – but I figured I would change it up now that it’s your room too. We can rotate.”

I chuckle, “How generous of you.”

My dorm in Cali was all dark colors and emotions, so the light colors and whites in this room are a breath of fresh air. Like I’m starting clean.

I toss my purse down on the bed and make my way to the door on the far wall, which I crack open. A lush bathroom opens, white walls and a sitting area with white fur throws and expensive accents. I hum under my breath as I poke my head through the large gap in the wall to find a walk-in closet.

A large white leather sofa sits inside the closet as well, matching ottoman and a coffee table wrapping the whole sitting area together. Because who doesn’t need a mini living room in their closet?

I hum as I step into the space, my eyes scanning the shelves filled with boxes, names like Dior, Versace, Cartier, Chanel, and Prada written in fancy script on them.

“I got you some stuff.” Summer says behind me, “Can’t have you wearing bikinis and all that hipster Cali stuff now that you’re back in the city.”

I sigh, I have more than enough already – but I decide not to argue since giving gifts is her love language.

I make my way to my suitcase and drag it up onto the bed, unzipping it to fish out my toiletries, ready to steam off my day of traveling and get into some fresh clothes.

“I’m going to shower,” I meet Summer’s eyes, “Make a reservation for lunch?”

She nods, “Top?”

I grin, because she’s been going on and on about this bar for years – The Top. I’m excited to finally indulge in her favorites.

She matches my smile with one of her own then plants herself on the bed, fishing her phone out of her pocket and typing away without another word.

Making my way back into the bathroom, I unpack my toiletries case onto the two-person vanity that sits parallel to the giant glass shower.

When the bag is empty, I pop it underneath the counter, turn the shower on the hottest it will go, strip out of my clothes and step under the water, letting it fall over my head and face until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore.

I tip my head back and my mind wanders, thinking about the chapter of my life that’s finally come to a close.

When my parentssuggestedI complete high school on the West Coast instead of here in New York, I was pissed. My life was here, my friends, Summer, everything. But it wasn’t really a suggestion. It was a shun.

My mother is New York City born and raised – shopping on 5thAve since she was a kid. Her parents, their parents and their parents are the Upper East Side’s Elitist.

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