HEAT |OMEGAVERSE|

Apologies aren't that bad 🔞

I've been talking with Sam on and off, making sure to check in. Turns out he wasn't wrong when he said he could take a hit, he sent me a picture of his face a day after, and there was barely a bruise on it.

It's been over a week, and still Alex has been complaining about his hand, maybe he should have got it checked out. It also makes me wonder: is Sam's face the only thing Alex punched that night? After landing just one blow and being unable to properly use his hand since, it seems likely he took out his frustration on other things before reaching Sam.

I told Sam that Alex hopes he can get the chance to apologize to him, and to some extent is a lie. I know Alex feels terrible for upsetting me, and for hitting my friend, but I'm honestly not sure he feels bad for actually hitting him—personally.

Anyway, I've set up dinner plans for the three of us at a local restaurant tonight, after Alex gets out of work. I'm hoping things go well, and that this ordeal can be settled and put behind us.

A part of me fears though that when Alex decides to drink like that—it might not be the one I know that I'm facing. The thought makes me uneasy, remembering how angry he was, and how belligerent he began to act without asking a single question. But, I've also thought some more on that topic, how much Veronica lives in his head rent free, and how much she can crawl right under his skin.

Alex has been a bit distant more than usual, but that's probably because he had to see his daughter off at the airport two days ago. From what he tells me, he's not sure when he will be able to see her again, and will have to go back to court to see if he can get summer-time custody of her as well as school vacations.

My heart aches for him. I couldn't imagine having a daughter with such a venomous woman to begin with. And top of it have my child used against me with every open opportunity by their mother. It's like waving a bone in front of a dog, knowing you'll never give it to them.

I'm pulled away from my thoughts at the sound of my phone ringing in the distance. I walk out of the living room and to my room, grabbing my phone off the edge of my bed.

INCOMING CALL:
UNKNOWN CALLER

Anxiety eats at the pit of my stomach, and I slide my finger against the screen, declining the call. I've heard nothing from the stranger that texted me through my social media; but, if it was them... how could they get my number? This phone number isn't even the one I technically have linked into my socials, my old one is, and that one sits in the junk drawer of my kitchen—no service on it.

I notice that I have an unread notification from Sam and click on his text.

Sam: All set for dinner in a bit, made sure the wifey won't come out and hunt me down

I chuckle quietly at my screen.

Jasper: That's a relief, I'm not sure I'd win a fight with her if it came down to it

Sam: Definitely not, lol ... she even scares me sometimes

Jasper: haha, I'll see you at Gords Place then at 5:30?

Sam: I'll be there 🫡

I leave my phone on my bed and walk out of the room, turning around the corner and entering my bathroom. I walk over to my shower and turn the nob, stripping myself of my clothes.

I walk back towards the sink, and examine myself in the mirror that sits above. My naked body reflects back at me, and I stare at my belly, turning to my side. I haven't paid much attention to the growing roundness of it until recently, hiding it beneath baggy shirts and sweaters. A wide smile takes over my face, and I run my hand gently down my skin settling it beneath my stomach.