Sage

42

Harry.

My entire body is drenched in sweat, and the heavy comforter that sticks to my skin is no help, either.

The overwhelming hot air from the sun has me groaning in annoyance as I kick my way out of the sheets. I peer my eyes open as carefully as I could, knowing they'd be sensitive to the light as a result of the major hangover I have. My head throbbed slowly and painfully behind my left eye and my stomach churned uncomfortably.

I slowly prop myself up on my palms, rubbing a fist over my eye as I tried to recall the night before.

I remember the ride to Gale's party, and how Ellie spent it with her fingers tapping at her phone. I remember Madison luring me to the bathroom only for her to make a complete embarrassment of herself, and I remember...fuck, why does my nose hurt so much?

I bring my hand to my nose and wince at the sore pressure on the bridge of it. When I try to scrunch it up, my eyes widen and I stretch my jaw open to relieve the immediate striking pain that electrifies up to my head.

I delicately massage the side of my nose and look over to the spot next to me.

The empty bed tells me that it's likely Ellie had already gone back home, which doesn't surprise me. It's something I'd expected and prepared myself for all night. It may or may not have been the reason I downed the first martini, which turned into a beer, which eventually ended up as Gale's stash of Heritage Cognac.

Getting shit-faced wasn't my proudest moment. I admit I'm a bit ashamed that I don't remember much of the night. How I got home and in bed is all a blur that consists of Ellie's tired eyes and pouting lips. I hope I didn't do or say anything worth regret.

"What are we doing, Harry?"

I press the heel of my palm to my forehead with a grumble before letting it slide through my stiff hair as Ellie's voice echoes in my head. 

"I don't know,"

I remember her tear-stained cheeks as she tried to convince me she was alright. I remember hugging her, but I don't remember what was said and I don't remember how we got to that moment. I knew she had intentions to leave, and would probably be gone already if my fears were true and she was crying because of me.

Did I say something?

I climb out of bed with the intent to force a start to the day.

I'm heading toward the bathroom to get myself cleaned up when I spot a water bottle on my nightstand. Next to it was a small pill that upon closer inspection, I learn to be aspirin.

I knew it was something Ellie left for me, and the thought of it made me sigh heavily. My body sags as I stare at it for a few seconds, thinking about what must've gone through her head when she'd done the small act of kindness. I always pegged her as a 'handle your own hangover' type of girl.

Forcing myself not to dwell on it, I grab the pill between my thumb and index finger. I roll it around in my hand before tossing it in my mouth. It rests on my tongue while I unscrew the water bottle cap and take a sip to wash it down, telling myself I'll shoot her a small text later. After she's had some time to settle back into her apartment.

The shower I take is a quick and cool one. When I get out, I check the thermostat on my phone. July had done its number on the condo, heating it to 86 degrees.

I get dressed in casual clothes. It was a good day to go grocery shopping as opposed to getting drunk and sulking in the empty apartment. The shower helped me feel a bit better and I'm grateful for that.