Catching Red Eyes - NYC

Chapter 88

I gathered my thoughts after the FaceTime call and wandered into my kitchen. I didn't feel like showering quite yet as I pulled open the fridge. Laurie had it stocked with leftovers from her boyfriend as I sorted through them. I found chicken and veggies and threw the Tupperware into the microwave. My mind was still racing from the conversation with Harry. The past few weeks I had sheltered myself from the feelings I had for him and after seeing him, even on the computer screen, it was as if a dam was opened and the feelings came flooding back. I guess this was happening again, but I knew it needed to be different this time.

I wanted to be able to laugh with Harry and share things with him and not cry or fight anymore. I knew being in a relationship with another person that it is inevitable to fight, but I wanted it to be different now. I promised myself I would relax and not jump to conclusions about things anymore. In my defense, I did try to work on my overreaction when those pictures of me broke but I knew Harry was at his limit. I promised when I activated my new phone tomorrow that I would tell him all these things and more.

The microwave dinged and I pulled out my dinner. I grabbed a book from the living room and sat down at my kitchen table. I forgot how nice it was to just sit in quiet and read. After eating, I grabbed my book and wandered into my living room. I propped myself up and snuggled down to finish reading the chapter I was currently on of a book called after the kiss by Terra Elan McVoy. The pages were frayed and bits were highlighted from my reading it over and over. It was one of my favorites.

I must have dozed off in between the pages because I woke up in the dark. I sat up and my book slide off my chest and onto the floor. My hair was matted on my face as I went into my bathroom and turned on the shower. I peeled off the dirty running shorts and tank top and stepped into the shower. The shower woke my skin up as I finished washing my hair and shut off the water. I checked the oven clock as I pulled open the bathroom door. It was past midnight now as I grabbed a long, white t-shirt and crawled into bed. I set my alarm for 7 AM to give me enough time to fix the mess that my hair would be in the morning. I also needed to call my dad to figure out how to get another phone. I guess it was time to rejoin the world of technology. And talk to Harry.

I pulled back my covers and slid into bed as my shirt got caught and pulled over my head. I was instantly overwhelmed by the scent of a sweet woodsy smell. I jumped out of bed and looked down thinking Harry was going to pop out from under my covers. Of course, I had Harry's white t shirt on as I looked for the cause of the heavenly smell. I tugged at the ends of the shirt and debated on whether to change. I looked back down at my bed and decided to just leave it on. I switched off my bedside light and closed my eyes.

I heard the familiar beeping of my alarm clock when it felt like I had just closed my eyes. I moaned as I pulled the covers back but it was still dark. Why was my alarm going off? I started waking up more and realized it wasn't my alarm, it was knocking. Knocking on my front door. I also realized I didn't even have a phone to call the police or Marsh if someone was trying to break in.

I grabbed the baseball bat that I had hidden under my bed per a promise to my dad when I got accepted to NYU. The knocking got louder as I got closer to the front door. It wasn't so much a knock anymore, as it was a pounding. My left hand gripped the bat as I pulled back the front door.

"Jesus, Rowan!"

I stumbled backwards as a blonde haired male come stampeding into my apartment. I dropped the bat when I realized it was Pryce. "Pryce, what the fuck??"

"Rowan, I've been calling you for weeks. I've been stuck working in LA when I heard about those pictures leaking. Where's your phone?"

"Uh...it's broken. I'm getting a new one tomorrow, well today now because it's 4 AM. You do realize its 4 AM, right?"

"My flight just got back."

"So, the first thing you did was come here?" My mind was still fuzzy from sleep as I tried to figure out what was happening.

"Well...you didn't answer. I just wanted to make sure you were ok."

"Pryce, that's really very sweet but...its 4 AM."

He looked down and took a breath. I watched as his face screwed up then his brown eyes met mine. 

"Rowan...you know how much I care for you...I've been telling you for so long to stay away from Harry and now it seems like you finally listened to me..."

"Look, Pryce, I care about you too but it's 4 AM and I have to work in the morning. I'm fine, really. I promise. I'll call you tomorrow."

I was holding onto my front door, beckoning for him to leave. He looked around the apartment. I watched as he did this and felt the warm NYC air pooling around my feet from the open door.

"Pryce. Please."

He looked at me again and pulled my arm towards him and grabbed my face. His lips smashed into mine as I tried to let out a yelp. His fingers were running through my hair as I tried to push him off. He finally felt my struggle under him and let go.

"Pryce! What the fuck!" I screamed wiping my mouth off with the back of my hand.

His face instantly was red from embarrassment as he mumbled sorry and turned to walk, more like, run out the door. I stood watching him, wondering what the hell just happened.