Love is war - Rafe Cameron

Polaroid 10 - master of distance

I took a deep breath as I opened my eyes. It took me a second to realize where I was, but when Rafe, who was half-naked, growled and turned around, laying his arm around me, I realized where I was. I looked at him, sleeping peacefully.
I was kind of afraid of the moment when we would wake up and the awkward morning-after vibe starts.

My headache punished me for the amount of alcohol I consumed last night, and so did my stomach. I decided to go to the toilet, but when I started to move, Rafe's grip got tighter, and he pulled me close to him. I was feeling way too comfortable in his arms to get up and leave, so I just decided to close my eyes again. I smiled slightly while still breathing in the smell of Rafe Cameron, feeling his strong arms around me.

The next time I opened my eyes, I did not feel anyone next to me. I looked around the room and saw Rafe putting on his shirt. "Good morning," I mumbled, sitting up. "I have to leave. No one is home, so you can just leave when you're ready," Rafe said, grabbing a bag and leaving with the words, "See ya."

Well, that was not the kind of awkward I meant earlier. A bit lost, I was still sitting in his bed. But then I decided to leave before his family gets home again. I stood up and grabbed my pants. After I put them on, I realized that my top from the party was still in Rafe's car. So I decided to just put on Rafe's shirt again. I didn't have another choice, really.

When I left the room, I stopped for a few seconds and listened to make sure that really no one was home. When I heard nothing, I went outside the house and over to ours. I was still thinking about Rafe leaving so quickly when I opened the door.

But then my thoughts got stopped by my mom, who ran up to me and pulled me into a tight hug. "I am so sorry about last night. Of course, we care about you, honey. We'll never fight like that, say something like that, and please never leave like that again," Mom said while still holding me tightly. "I won't, Mom," I said, a bit surprised but still relieved about her saying that. "I am so sorry, Ivy," she repeated herself. My mom only talking about her being sorry got me thinking.
So I asked her, "Dad doesn't have the same opinion, right?" I asked her. "You know your father..." she started while letting go of me. "It's alright, Mom. I didn't expect it to be different," I said, still a bit disappointed. "Where were you overnight?" Mom asked a bit worried. "A friend's place," I said as I walked past her.

As I walked into my room, the first thing I did was plug in my phone. After a short time, it started, and I saw that I got a message from Kiara.

Kiara: Hey Ivy, I know its a bit spontanious but could you take my shift this afternoon at 1 pm? I would be sooo glad.

Me: Sure, I can do that I am free this afternoon.

Kiara: THANKS! I owe you.

I looked at the time and it was 12:30, so i didnt have much time left. I hopped in the shower and changed into new clothes. When I took off Rafes shirt I had to smell it. The smell made me have flashbacks from last night, which caused me to smile, but still left me a bit confused.

After that, i left to go to work.
As I arrived at the restaurant, I could see that it was quite busy. Kiara was waiting for her at the entrance, looking relieved when she saw Ivy. "Thank you so much for coming in today," Kiara said. "I'm really sorry for asking you last minute."

"It's no problem, really," I replied with a smile. "I could use the extra hours anyways." Kiara left with a smile and I got to work,

when i took a look at the tables I noticed that Rafe was sitting at a table with his friends. I felt a pang of nervousness as I was on my way over to take their order. However, when I approached the table, Rafe barely acknowledged my presence. He seemed distant and aloof, unlike the Rafe I had spent the night with, but just like the Rafe i had met this morning.

I tried to act professional and take their orders without showing any sign of discomfort. But it was difficult to ignore the tension between us, and I couldn't help but wonder if Rafe regretted what happened between last night. I tried to shake off those thoughts and focus on my work, but it was hard to ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind.

Throughout the afternoon, I found myself stealing glances at Rafe every now and then, trying to gauge his mood. But he seemed to be avoiding my gaze, and I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

As the day went on, I became more and more preoccupied with thoughts of Rafe. I was grateful when my shift ended, and I could finally go home and clear her head. When I started to walk home i walked over the parking lot. I saw how Rafe and his friends also left. His Friends walked to their cars, and Rafe got on his motorbike.

Some part of me thought or maybe just hoped that Rafe, would show up here in a few seconds and ask me to drive home with him. Just like he used to do it the last couple of times. But this hope got destroyed when Rafe speeded past me. As my eyes followed him I felt how my heart began to feel heavy. I heated my body for that reaction and I hated to admit that i kinda fell for Rafe. But it felt even worse to know that all he wanted to do was to show himself that he could get me. I was just a little fun and then i lost my worth at least it seems like it.

Once I was home, she sat down on her bed and took out her phone. I couldn't help it, so I scrolled through my messages, wondering if Rafe had messaged me. But there was nothing from him. Why would there be.

I tried to push thoughts of Rafe aside and focus on other things, but it was hard to ignore the lingering feelings of uncertainty. I just wanted to talk to him again to clear the air, but I didn't know how to approach him without seeming needy or desperate.