Through Time She Came

Ch.33 No One Else

9:30pm...
The crisp night air did nothing to calm Thomas. He had to get out of there. Being around everyone congratulating Vic on his engagement to the woman Thomas loved was suffocating.

He'd waited in the drugstore across the street from their apartment building. Waited for the "to-be's" to arrive. Waited 'til Vic left. Waited to get alone with An. Afraid it would be the last.

~•~

10:30pm...
Anet allowed Vic to kiss her when they'd reached her apartment. She kissed back with a fake smile, her heart not in it. She needed him gone, knowing somewhere Tommy was waiting for Vic to leave.

Vic's excitement pulsed through him. His hands that held her to him removed her mink for her. Tenderly caressed her cheek before traveling down her shoulder, her waist. His fingers played at her dress —she realized her hem was rising at surprising speed.

She put her hand over his. "Vic, no."

He smiled, "We're engaged now, baby, we're practically married."

"But I promised I was saving myself for marriage. That means I don't want to spoil the wedding night."

Cocked brow, "Spoil the wedding night?"

She smiled coy, "Just imagine me all in white, looking my very best. We've made our vows. And I am then totally and completely yours. And the elation that no one else had a chance when you touch me." She kissed him and whispered in his cheek, "I get tingles just thinking about it."

His eyes lingered on her lips.

"You don't know what it means to a girl to make it to her wedding day, pure as the white dress she wears."

He heaved a deep sigh. "Alright, baby, alright. You win."

She smiled. Kissed him. "You'd better go before temptation tells you to try again."

He heaved another sigh. "You're right. I'm going." Kiss, "I'll see you tomorrow, my dear."

"I'll be seeing you." She walked him to the door. "Goodnight, Vic."

~•~

  
10:37pm...
Thomas sighed relief when he saw Vic step outside the building. He watched Vic enter his car and drive away.

He put out his cigarette. Took care of the check. Crossed the street.

10:49pm...
Thomas knocked on her door.

A mixture of emotions crashed like waves when he saw her face.

"Thomas." Her voice broke as she reached for him.

She pulled him inside, buried herself in his arms as the door shut behind them. Her body trembled in his arms. She held his coat in her fists. Head pressed against his chest.

He held her, struggling inward.

Finally, he decided it was time to talk. "Anet." He held her face between his hands. Wiped away her stray tears.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"This isn't your fault—,"

"But it is. I took the job at L'Angela."

"And I'm the one who got you there!"

"If I hadn't, we wouldn't have to be hiding us from Vic."

He released an exasperated breath.

"Tommy, what're we going to do?"

Her eyes were locked onto his, awaiting his response that would make everything okay again...