Love Games

Four: Mon amour

The next morning, I wake up to the sound of clattering in the kitchen.

"Emma, is that you? What are you doing up so early? ˝ I ask, rubbing my eyes as I come out of my room, hunched over.

I look at the clock above the dining table. It's almost noon. How long have I been asleep? But my head is throbbing, too much alcohol last night, I think to myself.

I need some water.

Emma has her headphones on, so she doesn't hear me making this noise, nor does she know that I'm talking to her. I walk over to her, she is obviously cooking something, fidgeting around in the kitchen.

I grab her shoulder and as I do, she turns and screams and I scream too and jump back to land firmly on my bum.

˝Sorry. ˝ Emma says, visibly covering her mouth.

˝I didn't mean to scare you. But I said something to you and I didn't hear it, so I said I'd fuck you. ˝ I turn away and slowly get to my feet.

˝I'll get used to someone living with me. ˝ Emma says, visibly relaxed and smiling.

˝I didn't mean to startle you. Sorry, I need a glass of water, my head hurts from all that alcohol last night. ˝ I reply.

I walk past her and pour myself a glass of water.

When did Emma get so scared? Since when has she been so upset? She's been different lately.

We've been friends for as long as I can remember.

Since kindergarten.

We've always hung out together, this connection between us and the same thoughts. It's like we're the same person.

But it's changed in the last few months, maybe I haven't paid as much attention because I've been spending too much time with Dave.

But I can tell she is different.

" Is something wrong? Are you worried? ˝ I ask in a flood of thoughts.

" No, nothing is wrong, it's just that lately I have so much to worry about, and so much going on, and my flat and everything, it's exhausting, it makes me nervous. " Emma replies.

I look at her, there is something different in her eyes, even though she tries to hide it.

" Well, take a day off. You've got staff, they'll be fine. They've all been with you for how long? Since you opened. You never said anyone was bad, I think you chose the right team around you. " I say to Emma and hug her.

She hugs me back and relaxes a little.

" I know, I know. Sometimes we forget that you know way too much about me. Thank you for always being there for me and for always being so real. " Emma replies, holding me tighter in her arms.

"Thanks for taking me in. "I reply and stand like this for a while, just hugging her.

" Maybe you should really take today off and we could go clubbing together? " Emma replies. She's only too happy.

And my head hurts again. Why did I sleep so much last night? Why did I have to?

Then I remember that Dave has left me. My heart aches, even though our relationship was not sunny and beautiful, it was ours.

Our story.

I drop my shoulders.

And my face falls.

"Aren't you here for the fun? " Emma replies.

" It's not that, I just remembered that Dave and I finished yesterday. " I reply quietly.