The Warning signs

19 | Sophia

The morning after Liam's night out with his friends, I found myself sitting across from him at our small kitchen table, a cup of coffee in my hands.

The apartment was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator. I watched as Liam scrolled through his phone, a smile playing on his lips. He seemed happy, content. But I felt anything but.

"Did you have fun last night with your friends?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. I had seen the pictures on social media, the videos of their laughter and camaraderie. I had seen the girls, too.

"Of course!" he replied energetically, his eyes lighting up as he recounted the night's events. "They're solid, very much!"

"You didn't tell me that there were girls coming..." I said, my voice trailing off.

I didn't want to sound accusatory, but I couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that coursed through me.

"C'mon, it's automatic. Besides, they're my friends' girlfriends. It's not like I should make them leave for you," he said, dismissing my concerns with a wave of his hand.

"But who's the girl beside you in this video?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

I had seen the video, the way she leaned into him, her hand resting on his lap. It was a sight that had left a sour taste in my mouth.

"Oh, that? She's a friend of my friend's girlfriend," he replied nonchalantly.

"Her hand is on your lap," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my palms getting sweaty.

"She asked me to massage her hands," he said, frowning at my reaction.

"I'm jealous," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a lump in my throat, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

"If somebody asks you to massage their hand, you won't be able to refuse.

Besides, I'd be embarrassed if I didn't accept her request in front of my friends," he said, his voice calm and steady.

"But what about me?" I asked, my voice filled with hurt and frustration.

I felt like I was being pushed aside, my feelings disregarded.

"Do you want to fight? You're making this a big deal," he said, standing up from the table.

He walked away, leaving me sitting alone in the kitchen.

I watched as he disappeared into the bedroom, the door closing behind him with a soft click. I was left alone with my thoughts, my feelings.

I felt a mix of emotions - anger, hurt, jealousy. But most of all, I felt disappointment. I had expected more from Liam, more understanding, more consideration.

As I sat there, staring at the empty chair across from me, I realized that this was not the first time I had felt this way.

There had been other instances, other moments when I had felt sidelined, ignored. I had brushed them off, convincing myself that it was nothing.

But now, I realized that it was something.