Paradise Bound

Chapter 26

I slowly step back and let Isaac into my apartment. He closes the door behind him.

I kick my shoes off and flop down on the sofa. Isaac follows me over to the sofa and sits down.

"So Tessa, are you going to tell me what is wrong with you?"

I shrug my shoulders trying to look unaffected by him.

"What gave you the impression that something was wrong?"

"Maybe the fact that it's barely the afternoon and you are drunk?"

"I don't see why me having a few drinks is any of your business?!"

"Really? A few drinks?"

"Okay Isaac, if you came here to criticise me or lecture me you can leave right now because I'm not in the mood!"

"I'm not criticising you, I'm just concerned, that's all."

"I don't need your concern Isaac!"

"Right.... I can see this was a mistake. Sorry to have bothered you Tessa!"

Isaac gets up and walks towards the door.

"Wait?"

"What?"

"Can I ask you one thing before you go?"

Isaac narrows his eyes as he contemplates his answer.

"I suppose so.... What did you want to ask me?"

"And you will be one hundred percent honest with me?"

"Well I thought that was a given. I have never lied to you before, I don't intend to start now."

I get up from the sofa and walk towards Isaac, as steadily as my feet will take me. I stop a couple of feet away from him.

"Are you getting back with Diane?"

Isaac's eyes shoot wide open with genuine shock at my question.

"What? Why on earth would you think that?"

"Well it's just you guys looked fairly close earlier and.....just answer the question Isaac?"

Isaac shakes his head lightly and let's out a long sigh.

"No Tessa, I am not getting back with Diane!"

A sudden wave of relief washes over me briefly.

"Ever?"

"I believe that would be two questions?"

Isaac says with a small smirk on his lips.

"Isaac, please just answer me. Do you ever want to get back with her?"

"No Tessa.... I thought you of all people would know that!"

I look down to the ground embarrassed of what I was implying.

"I'm sorry."

I sense Isaac coming closer to me but I'm too afraid to look up at him.... If I stare into his eyes he'll have me all over again.

I suddenly feel his thumb on my chin gently lifting my head up so that I'm forced to face him.

"Tessa? Why do you care if I get back with Diane?"

I shrug my shoulders casually.

"It's... Well Mia and Will were worried that you were going to get hurt again."

"Really? Just Mia and Will?"

His eyes delve into mine like they're searching for something.

"Well..... Obviously I don't want to see you get hurt either."