An Unexpected Proposal

Conclusion

One week later, New York

All Abigail wanted to do was hibernate for as long as she needed to. Invitations to dinners and parties had been ignored. Even Shelly had been kept at a distance so as not to inflict her own misery on her friend. She preferred to stay in her apartment, the realisation of what she had done still too raw inside her. Shelly was right – she hadn't even given Andreas a chance.

It was just after midnight, Abi was still lying on the couch watching some old classic movie, when the door buzzer went off. Probably some drunk idiot downstairs pressing all the buttons, she thought. It buzzed again. She ignored it once more. Then it buzzed again.

Abi sprung from the couch. This was ridiculous. Who the hell would be ringing doorbells at midnight? She pressed the intercom and growled, "Who is it?"

"Abigail, it's me," came the unmistakable accented voice. Abi's insides froze. Andreas. What was he doing at her apartment? And at this time? And just like that, the pain was back big time just hearing his voice.

Abi didn't move for a second. Wasn't sure what to do. Then adrenaline kicked in and she lifted a trembling finger to the button and buzzed him into the building.

Looking down at herself she realised she was in her pink pyjamas, her hair was all messed up and she looked like she hadn't seen sunshine in days, which was actually true. Abi ran a hand through her hair quickly, trying to gain some sort of sense of her old self. But to no avail.

Her doorbell rang now. Andreas was right on the other side of that door. She walked over slowly trying to procrastinate for as long as she could. She opened it, and was knocked for a six. She had never seen him look darker or more forbidding. Heavy stubble lined his jaw and his eyes were wild. Abi couldn't help but gasp.

Without waiting for her to invite him in he moved past her through the door and into her apartment. She closed the door and watched as Andreas surveyed her living space. 'Did you decorate this yourself?' he asked.

Abi knew he was making small talk. He wasn't interested in décor. "Yes," she simply replied.

"You have good taste," he said as he turned around and locked eyes with her.

She swallowed. "How did you know where I live?" she asked.

He huffed slightly. "You work for my charity," was all he said.

Of course, she thought. He'd have all her details. Even if he didn't, she was sure Andreas could find her anyway.

"W...what are you doing here?" she stuttered, cursing her nerves.

"I came for answers, Abigail," he said, not taking his eyes off her. "What happened back in Andros?"

Hearing her name on his lips with his Greek accent made her body come alive once more. And she couldn't afford that.

"I'm not here to hassle you. I just want the truth," he clarified.

Abi inhaled deeply. She wasn't sure how much to tell him. But then, she had messed this up so much she had nothing left to lose.

Her legs began to feel so weak. She wanted to maintain some dignity and not fall to the floor, so she walked over to a chair and sat. Where was she to start? "I got scared," she offered. It was the truth as simple as it was.

Andreas didn't move for a few seconds then he walked over and sat opposite her, but close enough. She looked up, his eyes were searching. "Why didn't you just talk to me, Abigail?" he asked quietly. "Why not tell me what's going on?"

She felt like such a fool. "I behaved like the men I told you I hated," she explained. "And I hate myself for it."

"Hatred is a wasted emotion," he said. "Let's deal with what happened."