My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 31

As I stir from sleep, the space beside me feels unnervingly empty. I blindly feel around for Luke but he's gone. With a resigned sigh, I push myself out of bed and shuffle into the bathroom. The morning light filtering through the window, cast a soft glow that did little to ease the knot of anxiety in my stomach. The soreness in my muscles makes it feel a tad bit worse.

At the sink I brush my teeth with a sense of mechanical detachment as my mind races with all that had happened yesterday. Shit. I have to get a morning-after pill tomorrow 'cause I'm pretty sure the pharmacies aren't open now. Seeing that it's Sunday, it's very unlikely. Though I enjoy the feeling of Luke inside me, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious.

The fact that our situation is not truly absolute should knock some sense into me but nooo. Heaving a sigh, I avoid looking into the mirror as wash away the cleanser from my face. I know I look like hell and God damn it, I feel like it too.

After using the toilet, I step into the shower letting the warm and soothing water wash over me. It only it could clean away the mounting worry. As I lather and rinse, I think about how much I need clarity in my life. I am tired of the ambiguity, of trying to piece together a future that seem as elusive as it is unpredictable.

Wrapped in a fluffy towel, I shuffle back into the bedroom. My eyes fall on a note and a box that Luke apparently had left. It looks almost identical to the ones I had left at his place weeks ago. Was he carrying this around and why? For a moment, I just stood there, lost in thought. Sometime later I force myself to focus on the present and decide to deal with the gift before my mind can wander any further.

I hastily slip into cotton shorts and an oversized t-shirt, the fabric drapes over me like a protective shield. I pick up the note first and unfold it carefully. Luke's handwriting is as familiar as his voice, and his Texan drawl is evident in the note's excited tone.

Hey,

Good morning! I'm really sorry for leaving so early this morning. I didn't want to wake ya up. I hope you're not too upset. I left you a little something that I hope you'll like--- it reminded me of our time together and how much fun we've had.

I really care about you and can't wait to see you again soon.

- Luke

His excitement and affection is palpable, and it make me feel a mix of warmth and melancholy. His genuine expression makes me feel really bad that I am still grappling with uncertainty.

Shaking off the feeling, I open the box next. Inside is a delicate platinum bracelet that sits on a deep velvet cushion. It's adorned with charms of an outline of the Texas state, a horse, the statue of Liberty and the initial A. These symbols perfectly tells a story of our time together. This is so thoughtful. A flicker of affection washes over me as I run my fingers over it. Despite my reservations, the gift is a testament to the connection we share, however complicated it might seem to me.

Taking up my phone, I excitedly go to our chat. He had sent a message apologizing again. He explained that he didn't want to wake me up and expressed concern about the situation we managed to place ourselves in once again.

Lu 🥰

I know. I'm going to the pharmacy tomorrow because the Bay is closed today... well I'm almost certain it is. Anyways thanks for gift, I love it! ❤

As I finish composing my reply, there is a knock on the door. Sion after my mom's head peek in, her face is a mix of curiosity and concern. "Morning, love. What's this I see here? Something special?"