Chapter 7: Morning After
Part 7
The warm sunlight streaming through the windows of Liliana's bedroom was a gentle caress, but it was enough to stir her awake. She slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was lying in her bed, and Seth was sprawled beside her, his arm slung over her body. She couldn't remember how they had gotten there, but she vaguely recalled the events of the previous night. As she sat up, Liliana's head spun, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She looked around, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. Her room was a mess, with clothes scattered all over the floor. Her window was open, and she could have sworn that she had locked it before going to bed. Seth stirred, rubbing his eyes. "How did we...?" he muttered, his voice husky from sleep. Liliana shook her head, her mouth dry. "I don't know. I think we must have climbed in through the window." Seth sat up, looking around the room. "I think you're right. I remember we were walking, and then...I don't know...I guess we just decided to come here." Liliana's eyes met Seth's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, both of them unsure of what to say or do next. They had crossed a line, and they both knew it. As they sat there, Seth's eyes roamed over Liliana's face, taking in the flush on her cheeks and the dark circles under her eyes. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Liliana's eyes closed, and she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. She was tired, and she just wanted to sleep. Seth seemed to sense it, too, because he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. As they lay there, Liliana's exhaustion finally caught up with her, and she fell into a deep sleep. Seth followed suit, his arms still wrapped around her. Just as they were both drifting off, Liliana's mom walked into the room, a look of surprise on her face. "Good morning, kids," she said, trying to keep her voice down. "It's time to get up. You've got a big day ahead of you." Liliana groggily opened her eyes, feeling a sense of panic wash over her. She was in her bed, with Seth still wrapped around her. Her mom was standing in the doorway, a look of curiosity on her face. Seth stirred, rubbing his eyes. "Morning," he muttered, his voice husky from sleep. Liliana's mom smiled, but her eyes lingered on the two of them, lying in Liliana's bed. "I see you two are...um...sleeping in," she said, trying to keep her voice light. Liliana felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she sat up, trying to put some distance between her and Seth. "Mom, we...um...we were just studying late," she said, trying to come up with an excuse. Her mom raised an eyebrow, but she didn't push the issue. "Okay, well, you two need to get up and get ready for school. You've got a big day ahead of you." As Liliana's mom turned and walked out of the room, Liliana felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had dodged a bullet, but she knew that this was only the beginning. She glanced over at Seth, who was watching her with a curious expression. "What?" she asked, feeling a sense of self-consciousness. Seth just smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Nothing," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'm just glad we're in this together."