Is This True Love? (DNF)

Chapter 72: Bathroom

George POV.

“Are the rumours true that you are going to be pressing charges against the biggest actor on the planet?” A smug grin was on her face as she said that.
“Biggest actor?” I looked over at him, yet he continued to watch without making eye contact towards me. In fact it felt like a brick wall alongside me, causing a shiver.

“No. He is a long time friend of mine and a big supporter of the show, and I am certain that he’s just grown a close attachment to George, as many of us have.”
“If there is a chance that George is watching right now, is there anything that you want to say to him?” The woman asked, the smile disappearing as she looked straight into the camera.

“Well just that I hope he knows that we want what’s best for him.” The man began, and then he continued, not that I was listening. All that I could think about was what he said about Clay, the man who was sitting beside me.

The blond still was staring at the screen as I began to panic. He was a friend of the guy who kidnapped me and had held me hostage, and he was a supporter of the show. I could feel my heart rate begin to pick up as I began getting paranoid, biting my lip to avoid my unstable breathing from being heard.

In front of me the conversation continued to play out. Clay was focusing on it with a bitter look clear on his face directed towards the screen. He didn’t pay any attention to me as I muttered about needing the bathroom and slipping out of the bed. As I walked past him I picked up some of my clothes from the floor.

When I was in the bathroom I shut the door, taking my time to lock it and listening to the faint murmur of the television on the other side of the wall. When I was alone I walked over to the sink, washing my face and just taking a few moments to fuss around before allowing all of my thoughts to pour over and cause a panic.

Part of me had thought about it, the idea that he had some connection to the show. After all, how else would he have ended up on the show in the first place to find me. I had liked to think that he was a rogue, sneaking on the show so that he could win my trust and get me out of there, but it was clear that wasn’t correct.

Yet I couldn’t believe that he would be connected to the man who had held me hostage. Clay had loved me, I had thought that I had loved him, but the idea that for weeks or even months he had been lying to me was a deep betrayal.

Part of me wanted to cry about what it was that I had just discovered, seeing that he hated me and supported the show, at least at one point or another. I took a few deep breaths, continuing to let out a few sobs. It was difficult for me to shed a tear after all of the tears I had already shed today.

With my entire body feeling ached and pained I slowly managed to pull on the clothes. I took a while to do this, with my fingers twitching enough to make me eventually give up and continue to sob and whimper out. Honestly I felt pathetic, even when something good happened to me it was only at surface level.

I had found out that my whole life was a lie; my friends, my family, everything I had worked towards; my whole town. All of it was part of a fake reality to entertain people. Then when I thought I found someone who actually cared, who would actually love and protect me, it turns out that he also had a part in this false reality.

Over the sound of my rampant thoughts I barely heard the sound of a gentle fist knocking against the door. It was only when Clay’s voice joined in, just as quiet and calm as his hand had been. “George?” I didn’t respond, and he took a few moments before trying again. “Are you alright? You’ve been in there for a few minutes.”

“I’m fine Clay.” I answered, managing a smile despite knowing that he wasn’t able to see it. “I was just thinking.” Slowly I made my way over to the door, continuing to fidget with my pants before unlocking it with my shaky hands.

When it was open he was standing right there. He took a few steps forward and embraced me in an uninvited hug. Both of us were shirtless and his warm skin pressed against mine creating an uncomfortable feeling which made me cringe. It didn’t seem as though he realised the way I tensed beneath him.

“Are you feeling okay?” He asked me, and I thought for a moment that he had actually realised my reaction to his touches. When I spared a glance up at him I noticed the care that was in his eyes. Yet I wasn’t able to feel any of that care and just shrugged. I didn’t want to be near him right now.

He led me out of the room, back over to the bed and I walked almost as though I was in a trance, having minimal resistance towards him. The TV had been turned off, with the remote right beside me as I sat awkwardly. “Do you want to find a movie?” He asked, tilting his head as he looked at me.

“No thanks.” I responded, managing some half-hearted enthusiasm. My gaze was on the door, would it be dumb of me to attempt to make a run for it?
“How about we order something? It is still quite early in the morning but there will be a few places open twenty-four hours.”

I mean it wasn’t like he kidnapped me. I had chosen to go with him, and he loved me, surely he loved me. That could mean that I could go and he wouldn’t stop me, although I didn’t know where I would go. “George? You are staring off into space.” He noted, and once again I blinked to focus back on the blond.

“Are you feeling okay?” He continued to question, with me continuing to remain silent without giving him even a hint of emotion. Clay’s hand was ghosting over my body; through my hair, along my back, seemingly trying to bring me comfort and continuing to fail.

Eventually he gave up and stood up, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other. “I’m going to-um… go make something to eat.” The blond’s hands continued to fidget, going up to his own hair to brush through it and backing towards the door. “I’ll make you something and… then I’ll be right back.” He slipped out of the room and shut the door.

I let out a breath of relief as I was alone, and after taking a few moments I stood up, attempting to walk towards the door when I was certain he was gone, but as I turned the handle I found the door not budging, shut and locked tightly.
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1249 words

Around a week before the next story, Cupid begins being uploaded. Feels soon, and it is. 🤷‍♀️