Selfless (Sequel to "Left and Right in The Dark") - A Julian Casablancas Fanfic

Chapter 10: Sometimes It's Easier To Cry Then Try To Figure Out Why

Julian's POV:

The evening goes well for me as I practice some songs that I wrote for my solo album. I happily strum my guitar and sit on my couch as I sing the song 'Out of the Blue.' A soft, wonderful breeze sweeps through my hair through the open windows. However, my practice session gets interrupted by a knock at the door. I put my guitar away before jogging towards the door.

I open the door to see a troubled Sophie, immediately making me concerned.

"Hey, Sophie, what's the matter?"

"Hi, um... I'm sorry I just- something happened, and I couldn't think of anywhere else to go-" she tries to speak. I notice her glassy eyes and choked voice; she looks like she might start crying at any moment.

Getting even more concerned, I quickly usher her inside.

"Here, take off your jacket," I say to her as I fill up a glass full of water and hand it over to her.

"Thanks," she smiles a faint smile as she exchanges her jacket for the glass.

She takes small sips as I hang her jacket on my coat rack before we both walk over to the couch.

She sits down with a staggered sigh. Her eyes are downcast, and her hands are around her forehead and cheeks.

"What happened? Why are you so upset?" I ask, sitting close to her and bending down a little so that I can see her face. I slowly bring my hand to her thigh and rub it, trying to make her feel better.

"Um... so remember how I told you about that one night where I had a heated argument with Zach? Well, he's been really upset because I haven't been spending enough time with him," she starts to explain.

I nod, understanding.

"So, because of that, our relationship has been pretty strained. And I did my best to try to make our relationship work, but I guess he didn't feel that. So today, I came home from work to find him in bed with another girl," she explains as small tears start to escape her eyes and roll down her cheeks.

I sigh deeply and shake my head a little.

"And when I confronted him about it, I found out that he's been seeing this girl for four months. So, I broke up with him."

"Oh my god, Soph. I'm so sorry," I say, feeling empathetic.

"You don't need to apologize, Jules."

"No, I get that. It's just that it really hurts me to see you broken like this."

I can tell how incredibly hurt she is from this. I feel some anger start to stir in me, anger towards her ex-boyfriend.

"Where is this asshole right now? Is he at your apartment?" I ask as my voice changes to a firm tone.

"Yeah, why?" she turns to me.

"I have a mind to go over there and teach him a lesson."

Her hands quickly meet my lap as her eyes flash caution.

"No please, Jules, don't. I don't want things to escalate," she pleads. Out of love and respect for her, I try to let go of that thought and calm myself down.

"I'm sorry, but I just have to say that he's a total piece of shit. I mean, how and why would anyone cheat on you?! You're perfect, Sophie."

"I just don't understand how he could do that to me. Like, we weren't even drifting apart four months ago. I thought we were good. I didn't see any problem."

I stay silent as she thinks out loud.

"Hell, it honestly would have been a lot simpler if we decided to mutually break up, but... I don't know... I cared about him so much and he just..." she quietly breaks into a sob.