I hate you | B.E.

16

I'm not sentimental,
But there's somethin' bout the way you look tonight.

___

One week later.

___

Billie lay in bed, scrolling through her phone, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the screen. The covers were nearly pulled up over her head in comfort. She listened to the sound of water running in the bathroom, knowing Aurelia was taking a shower. They were having a sleepover, but this time it wasn't under any pretense or obligation. Billie simply wanted to spend time with Aurelia. The school was giving students a two-week mental break, only online classes available after the tragic events. Billie found herself cherishing these quiet moments. She felt a sense of relief, enjoying the break from the usual routine.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Aurelia stepped out, wrapped in a towel. Billie's eyes darted up from her phone, her breath catching for a moment. She met Aurelia's gaze, and they exchanged soft smiles. The warmth in Aurelia's eyes made Billie's heart flutter, and she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to be engrossed in her phone, not wanting to seem like she was staring.

Aurelia moved with a graceful, natural elegance as she walked to the dresser. She turned her back to Billie and let the towel slip from her body. Billie couldn't resist glancing up, her eyes catching sight of Aurelia's bare back. Her heart sank as she noticed the array of purple bruises marring the otherwise smooth skin. The sight of the injuries hit her like a punch to the gut. She felt a wave of guilt and regret wash over her, her chest tightening. Billie tried to swallow the lump forming in her throat, lost in the sight of the bruises. She barely noticed Aurelia slipping into her satin nightgown, the soft fabric gliding over her skin.

Aurelia, now dressed, turned back to Billie with a gentle smile, completely unaware of the turmoil brewing inside Billie. As she approached the bed, ready to snuggle under the covers, Billie abruptly sat up.

"Wait," Billie blurted out, her voice trembling slightly.

Aurelia stopped, a look of concern crossing her face as she turned to face Billie. "What's wrong?"

Billie hesitated, her fingers nervously gripping the edge of the blanket. "Can I... Can I touch you?"

Aurelia's expression softened, and she nodded, appreciating the vulnerability in Billie's request. She could see the effort Billie was making to be gentle and considerate over this last week, unlike before. Billie reached out, her hands trembling slightly as she gently grasped Aurelia's waist, guiding her to turn around. With a hesitant breath, she lifted the hem of Aurelia's nightgown, revealing the bruises more clearly. Up close, the purple and blue splotches stood out starkly against Aurelia's caramel skin.

"Billie? Baby, what are you doing?" Aurelia asked, her voice filled with confusion.

Billie's eyes were wide, her fingers tracing the bruises with the lightest touch. She felt a wave of nausea, the reality of the harm she'd caused hitting her all over again. She gently pulled Aurelia onto her lap, needing to see more, to fully grasp the extent of her actions.

"Aurelia... oh my God," Billie murmured, her voice breaking.

As Billie continued to trace the bruises, Aurelia felt a swell of emotion. She had almost forgotten about the marks, pushing them out of her mind as best she could. But now, seeing Billie's reaction, she felt a lump in her throat. Tears welled in Billie's eyes, spilling over and trailing down her cheeks. Aurelia looked over her shoulder, watching the way Billie stared at her back, her expression a mix of sorrow and guilt. Despite the situation, Aurelia felt a strange sense of tenderness seeing Billie so affected.