Annabelle was too alive to sleep tonight. Every gust of the cool night air coming through her window, every touch against her skin, felt like a benediction. The moon was full tonight. She gazed out her window, full of passion, embracing the sensation of life.
She sat at her desk, poised to write her university assignment. The assignment was too boring for a night like this.
Leaving the desk without a backward glance, Annabelle stole over to her bedroom door and turned the handle slowly, careful not to make a noise and wake her housemates. She left the hallway light off and closed her door behind her, leaving her engulfed in darkness. She felt her way along the hallway, her hand brushing against the wall. Gradually the blackness turned into different shades of grey and she could sense the familiar objects around her, there the television, there the sofa.
She was headed for the kitchen when she became aware of another presence in the hall with her. It was large, person-sized, and Annabelle stopped in fear.
Her heart was pounding in her throat and she irrationally closed her eyes, a childish resort yes but one that helped. She drew in shallow breaths. Was it a monster? A robber? Was she just letting her imagination get carried away with her yet again? Still keeping her eyes tightly shut she felt the being move towards her, silently.
She had just made up her mind to open her eyes and confront her fears, but then the cool night breeze blew through the hallway, carrying his familiar scent to her and she knew it was him.
"Annabelle?" Jason whispered into the stillness and she almost cried out with relief.
"Jason... god you scared me." She breathed and he chuckled softly. He reached out and held her hand, making her feel safe. He led her through the hallway, out the back door and down into his studio.
She stayed silent as they walked, not wanting to ask questions, enjoying the feel of his hand in hers. Her crush on her friend had never gone away, and on the rare times he touched her, she relished it.
When they were in his studio, surrounded by his canvasses and easels, Jason turned on the lamp, illuminating them in a soft glow. She smiled at him uncertainly and he smiled back. He led her over to his faded green couch and they sat down.
"Now we can talk without worrying about waking everyone else." He said and Annabelle nodded.
"Why are you awake?" She asked him curiously.
"Why are you?" He responded, as usual deflecting her questions. By now Annabelle was used to his evasive nature and only sighed and rolled her eyes at him. He grinned.
"I felt too alive to sleep." She looked him in the eye and knew he would understand what she meant. He was the only one who was ever on her level, the only one she felt understood her.
"That's good, Belle, I love that feeling." He said.
"Yeah, so do I" She said softly, feeling the stillness of the night gathering around them, in their own private world.
They sat in companionable silence for a little while, both enjoying the moment. At last Jason spoke.