From Her Perspective (BWWM)

XV

Auriella Devereaux

3 years ago

I was sitting in my living room when I heard a knock at the door. My nerves, which I had been trying to calm, suddenly went into overdrive. I had a sinking feeling that I knew who it was before I opened the door. It had to be Billy.

I opened the door and was met with his bright smile and my favorite flowers—blue Baptisia.

"Hi," I managed to say through my anxiousness.

"Hey. These are for you," he said as he handed me the bouquet. I held them against my chest as I looked up at him.

"Come in," I stepped aside and allowed him inside. He looked around as he walked through the foyer.

"Are all of these yours?" he asked, gesturing to the paintings that lined the walls. I nodded as I led him to the living area. I laid the flowers on the table and sat on the armchair. He looked around before sitting down on the couch across from me.

"Your home is beautiful, Ella,"

"Thank you," I said. He looked at me and smirked.

"Why do you look so nervous? It's just me, love,"

"I know, it's just... I never thought you'd be here. In my house. On my couch. I didn't think I'd see you again, but you're right here,"

"I should've been here sooner,"

"Billy, I didn't mean—"

"No, I need to say it. I fucked up, Ella. I lost the most precious thing in my life. I was miserable in France. I have been miserable every single day I spent without you. I should've stayed or just brought you with me. You deserved so much better. This could've been our house. There should be a ring on your finger and a spoiled kid running around here,"

"Billy, we can't dwell on the mistakes of the past. I didn't get on that plane, but my life didn't end at that airport. I moved on, and I like my life. I get to work with my brother, and I get to do art whenever I want. I'm happy, Billy,"

"I'm glad you're happy, Ella,"

"I want you to be happy too. You said that you would like me in your life even if it is nothing like before,"

"I did—I do. I'll pretty much take anything I can get with you at this point,"

"We can be friends," I said. His eyes immediately lit up as a smile broke across his face.

"Really?" he asked as he scooted to the edge of his seat.

"Just friends, Billy," I warned. He shook his head with a smirk.

"Deal,"

Present

"Mrs. Devereaux, you've hardly touched your breakfast. Would you like me to make something else?" Cecil asked. I looked down at the plate of kale, tomatoes, and poached eggs on toast that I barely touched.

"No, it's not the food, Cecil. It's delicious. I just have a lot on my mind," I explained. He nodded and placed his towel on the counter before walking around the island to sit with me.

"Have I ever told you about my husband?" he asked. I shook my head. I didn't even know Cecil was married.

"We met in high school. I've always been out and proud of who I am. Unfortunately, Harrison wasn't. He was on the basketball team. The team was notorious for hazing all of the queer kids in our school. One day, his teammates dared him to steal my clothes while I was in the shower after gym class. I was the last one in the shower, and I heard his footsteps approaching my stall,"