Gone: The Aftermath – Ch 3

The sun was too bright, as it rudely forced its way through the blinds. I squinted as I pulled myself up and out of the slumber I was so content in.

It was the first time that I had slept since Friday.

I stumbled my way to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. I could feel the ache in my eyes. The ache from the tears and the stress that poured from them just a few short hours ago.

I had not spoken to Luke. His brother called yesterday evening to check on me. He always knew how to talk me off the cliff, and this time was no different.

The rich aroma of my Starbucks brew filled the air. I took a deep breath as I opened my kitchen blinds. I felt like keeping them closed, hiding seemed like a much more realistic solution, but I had to face what was next.

I pulled my favorite mug from the cabinet, placed it on the counter and waited. I dazed off – for what seemed like an eternity. The shrill of the coffee pot pulled me back to reality.

I slowly made my way to the couch. I felt like I was moving in slow motion. Is this what shock feels like?

No doubt the last 48 hours were dramatic, but they were equally traumatic.

Oddly, I felt numb.

Looking at my phone, I wondered if I wanted it to ring. Did I want him to call? Did I want to know where he was or what he was doing?

What I did know was despite what he says, I’m done. I had been screamed for the last time. I spent my last day worrying about him. I would no longer tolerate being ignored and treated like second best. It was done.

3 pm…my phone rang and Luke’s photo popped up on the screen.

I let it ring 3 times and answered, “hello?” I said.

“Hey,” he said quietly. The distance in his voice made it feel like he was a million miles away.

I didn’t respond. I waited. Waited for him to give me the explaination that he owes me.

“So I thought it would be best to discuss everything in person,” he said.

That was the last thing I wanted. Seeing his face would mean that I would have to refrain from strangling him.

“Ok,” was all I could say. My stomach turned again. I could feel a lump of anxiety start to build. My throat felt dry.

“I’m on my way,” Luke said as he hung up the phone.

I had not left the couch since I first sat down at 9 a.m. My empty coffee cup still sat on the coffee table. I had no idea the day had gotten away from me. I couldn’t remember what I watched on TV or if I had even slept.

I stood up and made my way to the bathroom. I barely recognized my reflection. My eyes were swollen, my face was puffy and my hair was standing on end. A ponytail holder was hanging on for dear life at the end of what now looked like a side ponytail.

I just turned the light back off and walked right back out. What was the point. Luke deserved to see the result of his actions.

As I made my way back to the couch, there was a knock at the door.

Next Chapter – Gone: The Final Lie