Angela sat on her bed, the weight of the world pressing down on her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. The memories of her moments with Patrick flooded her mind—the laughter they shared, the quiet whispers in the dark, and the electric connection that had sparked between them. Each recollection was a bittersweet reminder of what she had lost, of the bond that felt so fragile now.
She buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by the loneliness that wrapped around her like a suffocating blanket. Why can’t things go back to how they were? she thought, feeling the ache in her heart grow sharper with each passing moment. The sound of the door creaking open barely registered as Patrick stepped inside, his expression instantly shifting from uncertainty to concern.
“Angela?” he said softly, stepping closer. “What’s wrong?”
She couldn’t meet his eyes, the shame of her vulnerability holding her captive. “Nothing,” she mumbled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
“Don’t lie to me,” he said, kneeling beside her. “I can see you’re upset. Did something happen with Stephanie?” His voice was gentle, but Angela could hear an edge of irritation beneath it.
Angela’s emotions erupted like a volcano. “It’s not just about her! It’s everything, Patrick! You seem to care more about her than about what we went through together!” Her voice broke with the weight of her accusation.
Patrick recoiled slightly, surprise etching across his features. “That’s not true, Angela. You know I’m here for you. I just—”
“You just what? Want to play house with your ex?” Angela spat, her anger mixing with pain. “I thought I mattered to you, but you’re just going back to what’s familiar. You don’t care about me; you care about her!”
“Don’t say that!” he shot back, frustration spilling over. “Stephanie came to check on me, and I appreciate it. You can’t blame me for wanting support, especially after everything that’s happened!”
“Support? Is that what you call it? Because it looks like you’re flirting with her!” Angela yelled, her voice cracking.
“Flirting? Come on, Angela, it’s not like that,” he defended, shaking his head. “You’re just being jealous.”
“Jealous? Is that what you think this is? I’m not just jealous; I feel like I’m losing you! You’re pushing me away, and you don’t even realize it!” Her voice grew louder, the hurt spilling out like a torrent.
Patrick stood up, running a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. “You think I want this? You think I wanted Will to die? I didn’t ask for any of this, Angela! I’m just trying to cope the best way I know how!”
The mention of her father sent a shockwave of pain through her. “You’re blaming me for that? How could you?” she gasped, her heart breaking anew.
“I’m not blaming you!” he replied, his voice rising. “But you need to understand that we all have our ways of dealing with loss. You’re not the only one hurting here. I lost my father, too, and I’m trying to find a way through it!”
Angela stood up, feeling the fire of anger and despair consume her. “But you don’t get to take your anger out on me! I was there, Patrick! I was the one who had to watch him suffer! I thought we were supposed to support each other, but all you care about is Stephanie!”
“Maybe if you had been there for me instead of running away, I wouldn’t need her!” Patrick shot back, his words cutting deep.
Angela’s heart sank at his accusation. “I was there! I stayed when it mattered! But now, it feels like you’ve replaced me with her!” She could barely contain her tears, her voice trembling with emotion.
Patrick's expression shifted from anger to confusion, and for a moment, she thought he might understand. But then, the distance returned, and he turned away, his fists clenched at his sides. “I don’t know what you want from me, Angela. I’m trying to navigate this mess, and I need to do it my way. You can’t just dictate how I feel.”
As he walked toward the door, Angela called out, her voice breaking. “Patrick, please don’t go. I can’t do this alone. I need you.”
He paused, his back still turned to her, and for a moment, she thought he might come back. But then he shook his head and walked out, leaving her alone in the suffocating silence of her room.
As the door clicked shut, Angela sank back onto her bed, the tears flowing freely now. She felt shattered, isolated in a world where everything was falling apart. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing for the warmth of his presence, the connection they once shared.
But that warmth was gone, replaced by an emptiness that echoed through her heart. Alone with her thoughts, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were drifting further apart, caught in a storm that neither of them could navigate.
YOU ARE READING
Fated Encounters
FantasyIn a world where humans coexist with supernatural beings, Patrick possesses extraordinary powers, including the ability to control gravity and molecules, and move as fast as lightning. His father, Will, has been kidnapped by their nemesis, and the o...
