forced | d.m.

11.burn

February '01 | H E R

Althea wakes up with a pounding headache and a twisting stomach. It's hard to open her eyes even though it's dark. But how can it be dark when it feels like she slept a lifetime. 

Did I sleep a whole day?

Why did I drink so much?

As her eyes slowly adjust, she takes notice of the few rays of light peeking through a slit of the curtains that have been drawn. They never sleep with drawn curtains. The sheets are all empty next to her, meaning Draco must be at work by—wait...

Althea suddenly sits up, holding her head at the following sharp pain. Gritting her teeth, she waits for it to pass.

They kissed.

And she fell asleep in his arms.

Like they actually cuddled.

And he doesn't despise her?

Did last night happen?

Or was it just a dream?

Althea scans the room for any evidence and finds nothing. Everything is as steril as usual, as though no being is living in these confinements.

That is until her gaze settles on the nightstand, a little gasp escaping her. There stands a water glass with presumably an aspirin in it. She always does it for him when Draco has a hangover.

How he goes to work with an hangover like he must have today, she cannot understand.

But she is more focussed on the note standing next to the glass, taking it immediatly and flapping it open.

Althea,

wear something pretty tonight. I'm taking you out. Rest up and drink lots of water like you always tell me to do.

I can't wait to see you.

PS: You look striking when you drool.

Draco

She quickly wipes the corners of her mouth from supposed drool, muttering a very funny.

Last night did happen.

It wasn't a dream, but it feels like one. They are going on a date—their first ever date. Is she dating her husband now? That is a funny thought.

What is also funny is the feeling in her gut, that she deems as butterflies until icky stuff crawls up her throat and she is by the toilet in no time. Falling to her knees, she is heaving up all contents of last night into the bowl and remains there for a longer than needed, just to make sure.

Never again will she drink like that.

But only this time it has a positive. Her mouth was loose enough to finally talk and now they have made some progress.

Let's see how long that will last.

Wiping her mouth, Althea slowly gets back on her feet again, flushing the toilet and closing the lid. A grimace covers her face when she sees herself in the mirror.

All color drained, dark circles, frizzy hair, sweat glistening on the forehead.

Very striking.

Brushing her teeth, she quickly downs the aspirin before hopping into the shower. While doing her usual routine, all she can think about is last night.

She can't quite remember the kiss, only that it made her feel good. Desired. Althea hasn't known how important that could be to your self esteem.

Hopefully there will be more.