PUPPY

CHAPTER 13

It was the next day, and I was already buying liquor. Yesterday wasn't enough. My head hella' hurt this morning, but I don't care. I want to be numb to feel the whole weekend, I want to feel normal.

"What did you get?" Neil asked before starting the engine. I showed him the content of the bag.

"And what're you celebrating?"

"Nothing," I said with a serious tone.

"Then I'll join."

"Yeah, but you won't drink."

"Reasonable."

We got into my apartment, and I immediately opened a bottle and took a sip from it.

"Won't you eat something first," Neil said, concerned.

"I'm not hungry."

He snatched the bottle from my hands and said: "What's up with you?"

I let out an annoying sigh and said: "Nothing! Now give me back my bottle."

His eyebrows perked up in surprise while he was looking down at me. "Talk to me. You have been zoning out a lot lately. And you started drinking like an alcoholic. I can help you, just tell me the truth."

I stayed silent while avoiding his drilling gaze.

"It's about that bimbo, isn't it?"

I threw my hands in the air and shouted: "Yes! Do you have a problem with that!"

His shoulders relaxed as his expression became tender. "You need to talk about it."

"I wanted to kill myself. Are you happy now!!?? Steve told the truth! I'm ugly! I'm stupid! And I should just die! It will be better for everyone!!" I was catching my breath while looking at Neil's shocked face.

"Oh, Amalia." He cupped my cheek with his warm hand.

I pushed his hand away. "Don't 'oh' me! I deserve it! I'm nothing but a disappointment. A burden. A fucking mistake!"

He cupped my cheeks with both hands and made me face him. "Don't do this to yourself. Steve's opinion doesn't matter. He's just an idiot that runs his mouth without ever thinking," he said gently.

Tears started to roll down my cheeks.

"Stop making yourself miserable for a dumbass like him. You're more than good enough, you're perfect."

I grabbed his button-up shirt and pulled him toward me. I slammed my lips on his. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me back.

This kiss feels like a remedy.

We broke the kiss. I finally came to my senses. I gently pushed him away. "I'm sorry ..."

"Don't be." He looked straight into my eyes with such gentleness that I could melt.

Something clicked in me. Maybe it's because I was confused or in too much pain. I just need him to say it one more time. "Say it again," I said with a cracking voice.

Without a second thought, he said: "You're perfect."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into another kiss. Without hesitation, he returned the eagerness.

Our kiss got more and more heated and possessive. He lifted me. I broke our kiss and shouted: "Wait, wait! Put me down. I'm too heavy for-" He pressed his lips on mine, shutting me up. Slowly he started walking.

I don't care where he takes me right now. I don't want this warm sensation to end. Suddenly he broke our kiss by placing me on the bed.

With a shallow breath in my lungs, I watched him take off his shirt to reveal his toned muscles.