Can You Handle the Heat?

Chapter 28

!Mentions of a panic attack, and threats!

When I shifted this morning, I expected to feel Gaege somewhere nearby. This was not true. I sit up and stretch. That's when I hear sizzling from the kitchen. A smell wafts through the air and I recognize it as eggs and bacon. I crawl out of the pillow fort and start taking it down. Folding the blankets as I go. I move them all back upstairs and take the lights with me as well. As I'm up there I remember the box from yesterday. I grab it and return back downstairs with it. I then grab the chairs and move them back to the kitchen. It's then that Gaege notices me,

"What are you doing up?" He sounded almost sad.

"Well, I woke up because you weren't there and smelled this wonderful food, so it was impossible to fall back asleep. I cleaned everything up and wanted to come enjoy breakfast with you and explore this little box." I showed him the box from the attic, and I noticed his brow rise up. He hums and turns back to the eggs that were currently cooking.

"How do you like your eggs by the way?" He questions. I respond and go set the box in the dining room away from the food. I open the lid and notice a small note at the top. The handwriting wasn't mine, but it was so familiar. I closed the box and decided to just wait for Gaege. I walk back to the kitchen and sit at the island.

He looks adorable in his boxers and an apron. Softly swaying back and forth to a song that isn't currently playing. He seems to be in an element. It gives off this domestic vibe that I could get used to. I grabbed my phone and took a picture for Instagram. I look at the date and realize that the other boys and their respective partners are coming tomorrow. I can feel my excitement rise and I start to get the same giddy feeling I had the day before Gaege came.

Before long, Gaege is done cooking and has plated both of our meals. He then sits next to me, and we both start eating. I didn't realize that Gaege was this good of a cook, the eggs are just the right consistency, and the flavor is something I didn't realize I needed until it touched my tongue. I begin to scarf down the food he made.

As I finished, I looked over to see that he was only 3/4ths of the way done. I sat and waited patiently for him to finish. When he does, I grab his plate and mine and go wash them. I then dry them and put them away in the cabinet. While I was there, I washed the dishes he used to cook with and put them away as well.

We both made our way to the dining room where the box was. I opened it and grabbed the note. Gaege sifts through the box pulling out things as I begin to read the note to myself.

'Dearest (Y/N),

If you've found this note, then we have split up.' As I read this, I roll my eyes. It's a note from Justin. I was about to crumple it up before I noticed that as the note goes on the handwriting looks distressed, so I continue reading.

'It truly is a shame. I really loved you. Like really loved you. But you just had to ruin it didn't you. I know it was all your fault whatever the reason for our split was. You always had to pick a fight someway and when you didn't win, you'd complain about it.

Just know though that even if you think you've gotten rid of me. You haven't. I'm always here. I'll always be here. And if you ever get the notion of finding a new boyfriend. I'll make your life a living hell. I won't hesitate to hurt you or him. I have eyes and ears everywhere too, so don't think you can hide.

I'll be waiting and watching. But just know that you will make your way back to me. Eventually, you'll realize that no one wants you. That will be when you come crawling back. So go ahead, have your fun now. Enjoy your new friends and new boyfriend, but know that in the end, I will get what I want.

Justin.'

My hand covers my mouth. I set the note down as I feel tears well up in my eyes. I feel like the walls are closing in. I gain tunnel vision and my breathing picks up. It feels like no matter how fast I breathe I can't catch my breath. I hear a ringing in my ears and the world around me blurs into obscurity. The only thing I can see is the note. The vague threat that was left by my ex-boyfriend ages ago.

Before I realize what is happening Gaege is holding my hands and talking to me in a low volume. I look him in the eyes. He's concerned.

"Hey, baby, I need you to focus on my voice, okay?" I try. I try to make the ringing stop and only hear the soft timbre of his voice. I nod my head. He smiles a bit.

"Can you breathe with me for a bit?" We start going the motions of square breathing. In for four, hold for eight, out for four, hold for eight. I can feel my vision open up and feel the tightness in my chest from earlier finally release it's hold on me. I can breathe easier now. I have no idea how long I was in that state, but it feels much better to be out of it. Gaege seems relieved as well. He looks back at the source of my panic attack.

He picks it up and silently reads it. His brows furrow and I can see the fury start to burn in his eyes. He sets it face down and pulls me into his chest,

"Nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to hurt me, you, or any of your friends. I promise." His voice was so serious. I look up at him and nod weakly. He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead and rocks us from side to side in the chair. The rest of the box was just some of his stuff which Gaege promptly picks up and throws away.

He returns back into the room with me and pulls me back into a hug. He whispers sweet nothings in my ear in an attempt to ground and comfort me.

"Hey, how do you feel about playing some VR games?" He mumbles against my hair. I nod slowly, the idea of doing something that doesn't involve my vile ex. He leads me up to my recording room where my computer was set up. He runs into our room and grabs his headset and a small laptop that he had brought. We both set up to play some Phasmaphobia.

As we played, my mind slowly forgot about the threatening note left in the box. We play for about an hour or two, until Gaege's phone starts ringing. We both hop out of the game as he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

"Hey Eddie! What's up my guy?" It was a facetime call with Eddie. I walked around Gaege into view of the camera. I see Eddie, Gabby, Grant, and Emily all sitting around with luggage packed in the background. I smiled remembering again that our friends were going to be here tomorrow. In fact, Josh, Mully, Margo, and Clarie should be on a plane on the way here now. We all talk for a bit longer discussing times and stuff. Gaege and I will have to get up fairly early in order to pick everyone up at the correct time.

As soon as the phone call ended, I went around the house cleaning again just to make triple sure that my house was in tip top shape. Gaege helped here and there, but mostly kept reminding me that none of them were going to care. After panic cleaning for about 30 minutes, I give into his attempts to stop me from stress cleaning. We both go upstairs and climb into bed fairly early. I set my alarm for early in the morning, excited to see all of my friends again.