Forgetting Tomorrow

Chapter 2

"So, are you going to drive yourself home?" Rayn  asked, his concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, why?" I replied, meeting his gaze as he saw me off.

"Well... aren't you drunk?" Rayn questioned, his worry palpable.

"Not really," I assured him, noticing his expression soften.

"Can I drive you home?" he offered.

"Hm?" I furrowed my eyebrows in surprise.

"Well, since the party isn't over yet, and I don't have anywhere to sleep," he explained.

"Oh... yeah, you can stay at my house for the night," I agreed, glancing at his house, knowing the party would likely continue until morning.

"Let me just grab my things," he said before rushing off to his house.

As he drove us to my house, he hummed a familiar tune.

"Rex Orange County?" I asked, recognizing the melody.

"Yeah, you listen to his music too?" he inquired, turning to look at me.

"Oh... not really anymore," I replied awkwardly.

"Why not?" he pressed, curious.

"I think it just doesn't excite me anymore," I admitted, masking the truth. In reality, I despised every song by that artist because of the memories attached to them. I couldn't bear to hear even one of his songs anymore. For years, I had avoided them at all costs, shutting off the radio or skipping songs on Spotify whenever they played. The trauma had left a deep impact, making everything remind me of her and the painful events. I didn't know how to escape from it anymore; it felt like it was consuming me, bit by bit, day by day.

"Audrey?" Ryan's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Yes? Um... what did you say again?" I responded, trying to focus.

He looked at me with sympathy. "Why do you always seem like you're on the verge of tears, but your eyes never actually tear up? It's like... I know I'm not in the place to say this, but I feel like you're hurting inside."

Was that how he saw me?

"i just .. tired" i smiled bitterly.
-
As we pulled up to my house, I swung open the door, flooding the interior with light. Stepping inside, I gestured for Rayn to follow.

Rayn scanned the surroundings of my sparsely furnished home.

"I... don't really have much furniture, so my place is kind of... empty," I explained sheepishly.

"I don't mind," he assured me with a smile.

"So, um, if you want to take a shower, the bathroom is inside my bedroom. I only have one bathroom, and you can take the bed. I'll sleep on the sofa," I offered.

"What? No. I'll take the sofa, like I said, I don't really care," he insisted.

"But... I do care. You drove me and kept me company tonight, so I don't want to burden you. Can you please listen to me and take the bed instead?" I pleaded.

"Fine," he relented with a smile. I led Rayn to my bedroom and pointed out the bathroom.

"If you need to use my soap or anything, feel free," I offered. He nodded in thanks.

"Don't you want to take a shower too?" he asked.

"Um... I'll... I mean... after you, yeah," I stammered.

-

A few minutes later, after Rayn finished showering, he called out to me.

"Audrey! I'm done," he announced.