Shadows of enmity

PART 9

As I hobble along the dimly lit streets, the pain in my head throbbing in time with each step, I can't help but feel the weight of my regret pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. The broken heel of my shoe digs into my foot with each faltering stride, a cruel reminder of my foolishness.

Because deep down I knew I was a lot of things

But I wasn't a cheater.

So what was I doing?

As I draw closer to the familiar streets of my neighborhood, my steps become increasingly unsteady, the throbbing pain in my head threatening to overwhelm me. Each passing moment feels like an eternity, the distance between myself and the safety of home stretching out before me like an endless expanse.

Dizziness washes over me in dizzying waves, threatening to send me sprawling to the ground with each faltering step.

As i finally reach my doorstep my vision swimming with tears and exhaustion, and relief washes over me in a wave of emotion. I collapse against the door.

it must've been loud because when I looked up.despite my vision being blurry .i could see a figure with a black vest and loose-tracking bottoms.

''Mohammed''?

'he replied  ''What happened to you-?'' 

His words hang in the air, heavy with worry and confusion. I struggle to find the right words, to explain the mess I've made without unraveling completely.

His eyes search mine as if trying to decipher my thoughts. But Without a word, he understands, lifting me effortlessly into his arms. The warmth of his embrace was a relief and then suddenly my vision went black.

My vision slowly clears as I wake up in our bedroom, the soft light filtering through the curtains  casting a warm glow over the room. my hair felt wet like i just came out of the shower. he must've washed me and put fresh pj's on me.....I shift slightly, feeling the gentle pressure of the bandage on my forehead, As my fingers brush against the cool fabric a faint throb of pain pulses beneath the surface, a stark reminder of the events that led me here. But as I glance up, my gaze meeting Mohammed's, the ache fades into the background, overshadowed by the warmth and concern mirrored in his eyes. He watches me with a mixture of relief and apprehension, his brow furrowed with worry.

But there was something different about his expression...Almost like he was trying to figure me out like he knew I was hiding something 

was that my paranoia talking or was there a hint of suspicion lurking beneath his concern?

I push the thought aside, not wanting to dwell on the possibility that Mohammed could see through the facade I've carefully constructed. Instead, I focus on the warmth of his hand as he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle yet probing.

"You okay"?  he asks again, his voice soft but insistent.

''Yeah I'm fine'' I respond gently.

His face twists and I'm met with a stern expression when he asks

''Where were you''?

There were a thousand ways I could answer this so why was the question so hard to comprehend ?

Was it because I was afraid of what his reaction might be if I told him the truth? Or was it because I couldn't bear to admit to myself the extent of my own deception?  

As Mohammed's gaze bore into mine, searching for answers I wasn't sure I could give, I felt the weight of my deception pressing down on me like a leaden cloak. In that moment, the question seemed more daunting than ever, its implications stretching out before me like an endless abyss.

But despite my uncertainty, despite my fear, I knew that I couldn't keep hiding forever. So with a deep breath and a silent prayer for strength, I squared my shoulders and met his gaze head-on.

"I just crashed the car after losing track of time....but I'm okay now I promise" I finally admitted, the words coming out in a rush. 

Mohammed's brows furrowed in concern, his gaze searching mine..

"How did you manage to crash the car?" he asked

I shifted uncomfortably "It's... it's a long story," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I got distracted, and before I knew it, I was heading straight for a lamp post. I didn't have time to react..."

''Okay,'' he replied his dark eyes mirrored ink pools I used to call them human lie detectors in my head. Because I knew that there was a small part of him that  knew i was bullshiting.

he just always knows. 

usually, he would look at me and any signs of deception would peel away easily because I loved him. and I never wanted to hurt him I've always wanted our relationship to stay afloat and that's why we both relied on honesty.

So when he didn't question my story I knew there was a part of me that was relying on the foundation of honesty that I always told him about. 

And it made me feel even worse. 

Without a word, he leaned in and kissed the top of my head, His warmth and presence offered a small measure of comfort. 

Then he slipped into bed beside me, wrapping his arm around me protectively. His warmth and presence offered a small measure of comfort

Exhaustion hit me like a truck and before I knew it my eyes shut.