Chapter Two - Caleb!

Caleb

I shot awake, sweating and breathing loudly. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. This was nothing unusual for me; it was a common occurrence for me, has been for the last few years. I checked the time, seeing it was six a.m., nearly time for my alarm for work. I only fell asleep two hours ago. I was used to it by now. I was used to the nightmares and my past haunting me. I sighed, running my fingers through my dark hair. I don’t think these night terrors will ever stop. There was no point in going back to sleep. I may as well get up and get ready for my day ahead.

After having a roasting shower and a strong, sizeable black coffee, I leave for work. I walk there most days as the coffee shop isn’t too far from my house. I cannot wait to open up and have another coffee before I get started. I am used to having a few morning coffees with these late nights and early rises to get my day started.

After a busy morning, I go for my break at eleven a.m., which is earlier than usual, but I just needed to relax. Sitting through the back, I couldn’t stop thinking about the horrible nightmare that woke me. It seemed more realistic than usual, I was sweating, and my heart was racing. Just then, my boss Dave comes through.

“Can you go back from your break a bit early? We are getting busy as it’s nearing lunchtime,” He asked.

“Sure thing, boss, man!” I replied.

We both laughed, and I headed out to the coffee shop floor, quite glad actually as it will stop me thinking so much.

It was most of our regulars in any way, people on lunch from work. It kept me busy, at least for the next couple of hours. I headed over to a table where the suits sat when they were in. There was a law firm close by, so they always came here for lunch. Thankfully they were not those stuck up bastards that think they are better than everyone.

“Good afternoon, guys. How are we all doing?” I smiled.

“Good, but it would be even better if you agreed to let me set you up on a date with my niece,” Harry laughed.

He was always trying to set me up, but I still refused because, trust me, I do not need to get involved with anyone. It is best that way.

“I don’t have time to date,” I chuckled.

“Maybe you should make time. You are still young,” Harry said, “If you change your mind, let me know,” He added.

I laughed, nodding my head before taking their orders. These guys never failed to make me smile. It helped pass the day.

****

It’s nearly four-thirty, which meant it was my home time. I am not ready to be going back to the house yet; I need something to do. 

“Finish up now, Caleb and thanks for coming off your break early. I owe you one,” Dave said with a smile.

“Anytime, Dave, see you tomorrow,” I replied, smiling back at him.

I went through the back, got my stuff, and headed out to the bookshop at the front part of the coffee shop to browse the books. I need something good to go home and read so I don’t overthink. Thrillers and horrors are my go-to book, but I need something light-hearted and funny to read with these nightmares happening more often just now. 

There was many for me to choose from. I don’t mind a good romance from time to time, something I will never tell anyone. I looked around and decided on You Me Everything, which would do. It was light, funny, and a little romantic too. I paid for it before heading out.

I decided I couldn’t be bothered cooking tonight. I stopped by the pizza shop, grabbed a pizza to take home, and grabbed some beers at my local shop on the way back.

Getting home and knowing I can eat pizza, drink beer and relax puts a massive smile on my face. I shut the blinds and settle down on the couch to relax. I put on the T.V and channel flicked, trying to find something to watch as I ate. I was looking for something to watch for a few hours to keep my mind busy.

The book that I bought was sitting on the coffee table just waiting for me to get it and go to bed, but as usual, I am not tired and don’t particularly want to go to bed after last night’s nightmare.  I finally found a movie to watch.

After a while, I check the clock, and it’s eleven-thirty.  I know I need to go to bed as I do have work again tomorrow, and I do not want to be like the walking dead living off coffee again. 

I grab my book, brush my teeth and head to bed. I switch my lamp on, the bedroom having a nice relaxing glow, and I get the book open and start to read. I do begin to yawn instantly, knowing that I will probably fall asleep soon.

It would only be for an hour, though. I will wake multiple times throughout the night. I can’t remember the last time I had a whole night’s sleep. I could feel myself begin to drift, but before I could, I decided to make sure all the doors and windows were locked. I suffer from slight paranoia. You don’t know who is lurking around. Once I knew they all were, I got myself back into bed. I switch the small fan on next to my bed; the coolness helps the hot sweat during the night when I have them. It doesn’t take long for me to settle back down and feel sleep take over.

I wake with a jerk checking the time. It is only two a.m. I have slept for maybe two hours which is quite familiar for me just now. I go and get a drink of water, but I notice my kitchen window is open slightly. Did I not check all of them? Maybe I missed it earlier because I was so tired. My mind didn’t work right when I was exhausted.

I pull it over, lock it, take another drink of my water, and go back to bed. I know that if I go to bed wondering why the window was open slightly or thinking that I need to sleep that I won’t sleep. I switch the lamp back on, and I get my book back out. A few pages in, and I can feel my eyes begin to close. I feel a little content inside, knowing that I will hopefully get some more sleep. If I can sleep for at least five hours at night, I can function pretty well. I don’t need to get up until eight a.m. tomorrow, so I still have a few hours of sleep I can fit it. I double-check my alarm was set, deciding to leave the lamp on as I slept.

I can only hope my nightmares stay at bay tonight, even if only for a few hours.