A Storm Rising

Chapter 20

Oswald

About a week had gone by since the epic dinner failure...I think...I couldn't be quite sure, because I had lost a sense of time.

I fell to my knees, crying into my hands as I watch Nygma speed off in that cab. The next thing I knew, I was being kicked awake by a cop patrolling the area. I picked my sad self up and hobbled to my club.

I saddled up to the bar and Gabe raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask questions, just poured me a drink of whisky on the rocks. I threw it back in one gulp and asked for another. I don't know how long this went on, and I didn't care. I just wanted to forget that the whole damn night had even happened.

Sun was peaking through the doorway of the club as I sat up from the bar stool rubbing the back of my neck with my left hand.

Dear god...what happened? The last thing I remember was Gabe pouring me that  glass of whiskey. After that, it was blur.

I held my pounding head in my right hand.

I was a fool. Nygma is such a kind man, and my cowardice just pushed him out of my life. He won't come back to me. Why would he?

I fled into an open booth and curled up into ball clutching a pieces of my hair, tears cascading down my face.

The routine of the first night at my club continued for the next two. I think I concerned Gabe at my sudden alcoholism and overall depression, but he thankfully didn't ask.

On day four, I got even more pathetic. I called Nygma almost constantly, but always hung up if he answered or got his voicemail.

Day five, I finally got the nerve to leave a voicemail, that simply said I was sorry. I doubted that would do any good, but it helped me feel a bit better.

On day six, I left one more voicemail.

"Hi, Neg...you probably hate my guts right now, which is completely understandable. I would hate me too. My voice is probably the last thing you want to hear. I assure you that if  don't return this call, you will never hear from me. I'll leave you alone...I mean it..."

Keep it together! I told myself mentally as I felt the tears burning in my eyes.

"I just want to leave you with one last riddle: What's the longest word in the dictionary?"

I hung up the phone and collapsed into tears again.

Nygma

I needed time alone, I needed to evaluate the entire situation and even the relationship between Oswald and myself.

I had never been so angry and hurt before and I had been through some rough situations lately.

I answered maybe two of his calls, I quit after figuring out he would just hang up once he heard my voice.

I left him a voicemail telling him to come to my apartment that evening if he wanted to talk.

I think I could have a healthy conversation now. The voice was pleased I had stood up for myself for once.

Oswald

I wasn't sure if that last voicemail had gotten through to Nygma, or he was just the forgiving type, but I'd take what I was given to me.

I headed to his apartment and knocked announcing my presence

"Come in," Nygma responded to the knock. He was standing in his living room ironing a few of his shirts.