Darkness on the Edge of Town

Chapter 4: The Morning After

(Authors note: hey guys! So so sorry for the delay! Life has been wild! I have been inspired to write again. I hope you enjoy! Please share, comment, save!!)

You woke up and stared out of the window from your bed. It must be early morning based on the sunlight peeking in through your curtains. You slept like shit. You didn't dream, but were terrified and paranoid that something terrible was going to happen. You knew you must look as shitty as you slept. You gently and quietly rose from your queen sized bed and tip toed out into the hall. Eddie was asleep still, throw blanket haphazardly across his body. Baseball bat next to him on the couch. You used the restroom to shower. You desperately needed to shower off the night before. You stared at your reflection in the mirror. Wet hair, bags under your eyes, skin pale from sleeping terribly, throat dry. You brushed your teeth and applied your skincare products. Padding quickly back down the hall into your room in just a towel. Eddie seemed to still be asleep. You put some sweats on since it was still so early, and you had no plans other than unpacking some boxes. You put some products in your hair and let it air dry. You sat in bed watching the sun continue to rise. You peeked slightly into the parking lot to make sure his car wasn't sitting there. It wasn't. You breathed a sigh of relief.
You heard stirring in the hall, and a small knock. "Come in." You called softly. Eddie popped his beautiful head inside and gave a small smile. "Hey" he said quietly. He came in and sat on the edge of your bed. "Hi" you said back. "How are you doing?" He asked. You took a deep breath and tried to smile. "I am okay. I really cannot thank you enough for what you did. And for staying with me. You didn't have too, and I'm just so grateful."
Eddie reached for your hand and looked deeply in your eyes, almost like he was searching for something. He finally smiled back, "You are very welcome. I would do it in a heartbeat. We don't have to talk about it right now. But we should talk about it." Eddie breathed. You nodded, squeezing his hand. "Can I make you coffee? I don't have much to eat. I haven't been shopping yet." You offered. Eddie smiled and nodded, "Coffee would be great."
You moved into the kitchen to prepare the coffee pot. It was only 7:30am. You were exhausted, but there was no way you could sleep right now. You were never an early bird, so this was exceptionally early for you. As the coffee brewed you stared off into space, recalling the nights events. Eddie seemed to notice and quickly pulled you back. "Sorry," you muttered. "Really sorry." Eddie nodded and helped grab some coffee cups out from the cupboard. "What are your plans for today?" He asked. "Unpacking some stuff and possibly a grocery store run." You sighed. Eddie nodded as he poured you both a cup of coffee. He sipped it carefully as he studied you. But, you were once again pulled back to last night. "Eddie I'm so sorry," you started. "Billy and I used to hang out. Mess around-whatever. We were never serious. Ever. I did love him, but he couldn't get his act together and I was ready to move forward in life. Work and contribute to society. I left for New York and told him that he needed to clean himself up. Get right. That when I was in town again, I'd reach out to see how he was." You breathed. "I never ever planned on being back in town therefore, never checking on him. I should've ended it like an adult, but I just couldn't muster up enough courage to tell him goodbye forever. I really thought he'd be someone else's problem by now." You searched Eddies face for an expression but he was still waiting for you to finish. "Things got lost in translation and misconstrued. He must've thought I meant we were going to end up together again one day. But it's not what I meant. I don't think he would hurt me. He never lay a hand on me ever. But he did get aggressive, and a bit destructive. But never at me. Never to me. I'm not excusing his behavior. I'm just..." you paused. You weren't sure what you were. Were you repulsed, turned on, mad, sad- you really didn't know. You did have feelings for Billy once upon a time. But those feelings never reared its head until recently. "I don't know. I'm just sorry you got mixed up in it all." You finished, sipping some coffee. Eddie ran his hands through his hair and sighed. "I'm happy I was able to help. It sounds like maybe you have things to work through with yourself. Maybe Billy too. But I'm not mad at you or what happened. I'm happy I was here. Happy to be with you." He gave a small smile. Eddie sat down and blushed. "I'm not sure if you know this, but uh, I've had a huge crush on you since senior year." He looked at you then back at the table, almost fearing rejection. You sighed softly and smiled. "Well, I've had a crush on YOU since sophomore year..."
Eddies eyes widened. "Sophmore year!?" You laughed, "Yes. I was too scared of being rejected so I kept it quiet." You shrugged and sipped your coffee. Eddie stared at you in disbelief and stood up. "Well, if you still have that crush...I'd love to officially take you out." You tried hard to remain calm and cool. "I really would like that." You smiled shyly. Eddie came closer and pulled you in for a hug. He smelled like leather and faint traces of last nights cologne. You breathed deeply. He pulled back smiling ear to ear. "Whenever works for you...I'm free."  You were due to start work Monday. It was Saturday. You really didn't have plans. Those boxes weren't going anywhere fast. "How about tonight?" You asked. Eddie nodded "Tonight's great! I'll call you this afternoon?" You nodded back " That's just fine." Eddie hugged you again before placing his dirty mug into your sink. "Will you be okay today? If I leave that is." Eddie asked seriously. You nodded quickly. "Yes, of course. I'm okay." Eddie studied your body language to make sure you weren't lying. Once he was satisfied he grinned. "Alright. Great. I'll call you around three, okay?" He grabbed his jacket and headed towards the door. You followed, wanting to lock it behind him. As he left you quickly deadbolted the door and drew the curtains. You were okay for now. You'd be better tonight.