Motivation of Memories: The Second Book of the Labors of Love Series

Hidden Past

A/N

Trigger Warning

This chapter contains themes of depression and suicidal ideation. These topics may be distressing for some readers. Please take care while reading, and step away if you need to.

-NG494
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Genevieve's POV

I lie in bed somewhere between asleep and awake. Trying not to move, I scan the inside of my eyelids, praying I'll find sleep somewhere in the darkness.

Ring. Ring.

I reach for the phone and pull it to my ear.

"Hello?" My voice is small and my throat is dry.

"Hey, gorgeous. Getting your beauty sleep early tonight?"

"What the fuck? How did you get this number?"

"I got it from Link. I know you two have been coordinating."

"If you weren't so damn insufferable you would've been my contact."

"Look at us. It's like you never left."

"Alejandro what do you want?"

"I wanted to know if your group wanted to perform anything."

"It's not my group but Prince and The Revolution don't work for free and I pay you so I know you can't afford it."

"Prince... he seems uh... interesting."

"I'm not doing this with you. Do you want to talk to me? Or do you want to stress me out at 3 am?"

"I'm just saying that's a different genre for you. Where are your ballads, songbird?"

"You know I hate that name."

"What it's the truth? We sang duets every weekend for a year and a half! You did The Supremes, Aretha, all the heavy hitters and he's got you singing background and stroking his ego."

"Prince lets me dance. That's all I've ever wanted."

"That's not what you told me."

"What are you talking about?"

"That night. In my apartment. Maybe a month after your grandma died." My heart sinks.

I can't believe I forgot.

His creaky bed. His hands in my hair. Mine on his chest. I was so drunk.

If I had not been sad he would've broken my vow. I just wanted to feel something. My heart was so empty. He found me on the top of the fire escape, contemplating. He knew I'd do it. He knew I'd jump. He carried me down and drove me to his place. His apartment was practically underground. He thought I'd be safe there and could use a change of scenery. I took a shower and he gave me one of his shirts to wear. We sat there talking a long while.

"Don't you want more to life?"

"More to life than what?"

"Than New York?" I asked as we lie next to each other.

"I think I want to move. Be a local singer and mechanic." He shrugs.

"I want to be seen. I want to be happy. I want to be the best me I can be. I want..." My words slurring as a cold chill ran up my body. I moved closer to Alejandro without even thinking. Then, my body became aware of his presence in the room. I could smell his cologne and the pomade in his hair. His arms took me in. Our lips are an inch apart and a tear streams down my face. He sees it, wipes it away and pulls me into a hug. Instead of choosing to take advantage of my vulnerability he comforted me. And I'll always appreciate him for that.