Circles - Post Malone

Twenty Eight

Dahlia's eyes sting as she walks down the road on her way to the apartment. She blinks her eyes fast, refusing to let her tears spill over. She knew this day would come. She would be lying if she said she had hoped that Austin's feelings had changed a little and he felt something for her. But she is stupid. She fucking knew this day would come, she had just hoped for a little more time with Austin. They are probably laughing right now about how long it took for Gina to wake the fuck up...but now they are together on a fucking date.

She can hear the trailer park calling her name. She should just go back home - live the life that had already been carved out for her. She was destined for that life and stupid to think she deserved anything else. Especially Austin. She stops at a bottle store and buys a six-pack of bears and a box of cigarettes. Then makes her way to the apartment. "Dahlia! Dahlia!" she hears her name being called as she steps into the elevator. She turns and sees 101 running towards her. She holds the elevator for him and he dashes in with a stupid grin on his face.

"Hey! How are you? I haven't seen you since you have been back. What have you got there? Planning a little private party? Can I join? Just kidding I have book club tonight. Dahlia?" his rapid-fire questions giving her a headache. "Not in the mood to fake being charmed 101," she deadpans and opens one of the beers. "Oh I don't think you can drink in the elevator," he says. Dahlia's eyes flick to his and she frowns. She steps forward in a menacing stance and 101 backs up into the corner of the elevator. Dahlia pushes herself against him and looks up at him, her lips just inches from his. She has to stand on her toes as she is much smaller than him. "It would also be illegal to fuck me on this elevator, but would you if I gave you the chance?" she asks. Then she moves her lips down his neck - not touching but only just hovering over his goosebumped riddled skin. "Would you?" she breathes out, her breath causing him to shiver.

He swallows then nods, "Y-Yesss," he squeaks out. Dahlia hears the elevator door ding and then she steps back as the doors open. "Don't fuck with me, 101," she says pointing at him, and then taking another sip of her beer she steps out of the lift. 101 is still frozen in the corner of the elevator. She despises men with no backbone. She turns and walks down the passage to her front door. "Dahlia!" 101 calls from behind her. Dahlia stops and turns to face him. He is peeping out of the elevator like a scared little boy. "That date...can I take you out on that date still?" he asks. Fuck it, she needs to be on anyway. "Next Friday. Fetch me at seven from work and stop grinning at me like an idiot," she says. 101 drops his smile but gives her a thumbs up. "Ok, see you soon," he says jumping back into the elevator as the doors close.

Dahlia sighs. She does not want to go on a date with spineless 101. But she has no other prospects. Fuck she is so depressing. She opens the apartment door and slams it behind her then climbs onto the ledge. She knows everyone will be looking for her at Austins show. But right now she could not care less. She finishes her beer and then crawls into bed. Goodnight world and fuck you.

She wakes up when she hears Austin and Gina come in and then she feels Gina crawl carefully into bed with her. She looks over and sees Austin curled up with his back to her on his bed on the floor. It's fucked up but all she wants to do is crawl into his bed. Just to have him hold her one last time before she has to hand him over completely to Gina.

She lies there just listing to how Gina's breathing evens out as she falls asleep. The moon is full tonight so it lightens up the room and Dahlia's eyes trail around the room. The half-open window, the dirty pile of dishes in the sink, Austin's boots thrown on the floor next to hers and Gina's, Austin's two guitars in the corner of the room, and then Austin. She does a double take when it comes to Austin as he has turned around and is now facing her and watching her. He says nothing but lifts his blanket - an invite for her to climb in with him. She should not. Not anymore. But it's Austin and she just wants one last moment with him.

She slips out of her bed and into bed with Austin who immediately wraps her up in his arms, circling the blanket around her like a cacoon. "I looked for you in the crowd tonight, baby," he says softly, "I always look for you." Dahlia places her hands on his chest and looks up at him. He is so handsome, so sweet. Maybe she has lost her mind and he never says any of these sweet things - it is all in her head. "I couldn't do the people tonight. I am sorry," she whispers. Austin smiles and shakes his head slightly. "It's ok, baby. I just notice when you are not there that's all...you ok now?" he asks. Dahlia nods, "Yeah, I am ok now," she whispers.

Austin's eyes scan her face. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" he asks with a smirk. Dahlia lets out a little laugh and hides her face in his chest. "And how much I love when you are soft like this," he adds. Dahlia pulls her face out of his chest and looks up at him. It's now or never. "You make me happy. I -" she starts then cuts herself short. She is not good enough for Austin and she should not put him in an uncomfortable position. "What, sweetheart?" Austin asks a little worried. Dahlia gives him her best smile and shakes her head, "Nothing...just...kiss me please," she says. Austin leans down and kisses her. It will be their last kiss and so Dahlia tries to make it last forever.