Forbidden Literature

19| Confrontations

When they finally announced that the buses were here and ready to go, Sara and I grabbed our things and headed downstairs. I wasn't really in the mood to talk and she didn't push any further. She was the type of friend that knew when I was ready I would explain everything. And for that, I am grateful.

"Here, you might want to wear these," Sara offered a pair of black sunglasses with bright pink polka dots. Not really my style, but they weren't meant to be a fashion statement.

With a small smile I reached out to take them, "That bad?"

She shrugged. "Nobody looks good after they cry. Unless you're Beyoncé."

I really wanted to laugh at her joke but I wasn't in the mood. There was just something about sobbing for hours that takes away your sense of humor. Maybe after we are home and away from this hell hole I will come back to life.

When we approached the elevator I immediately made a sharp turn to head for the stairs. She looked at me odd but didn't question it and just followed behind dragging her baggage down all five flights of stairs. It was a difficult task, but I'd rather jump out a window than go back on that damn elevator.

Once in the main lobby we paused to catch our breath before handing over our key cards to the front desk. She frowned down at the silver and red plastic.

"I can't believe it's over," she mumbled sadly.

I can, but I didn't say it aloud. I was already ruining her last moments here as it was. With a sad smile she handed the guy at the front desk our cards and signed our names on the check out sheet.

Before walking outside to the buses I turned around to get one last look at the hotel. Despite it holding my most painful memories, it really is beautiful. Too bad I can never come back to it without thinking of him. And because of that, I will never return.

"Allison?" came a familiar voice.

It wasn't husky so I know it wasn't the man invading my thoughts, but at the same time it wasn't a source of comfort either. Regardless I turned around to see a tanned guy with blue eyes slowly walking towards me looking uncomfortable-- Aaron.

"Hey," he spoke an edge to his voice, "I thought that was you. Almost couldn't tell because of the sunglasses. Nice look by the way," the corner of his mouth lifted. I was too annoyed at him to answer so we awkwardly stood there in silence. I figured he would drop the conversation but instead he places his hands in his pocket before continuing, "Do you mind if I talk to you before you go? Privately?" His eyes drifted behind me to Sara and back.

Sara still had no idea what happened between Aaron and I so she looked completely lost. However, like with my freak out earlier, she didn't question it . . .yet.

Getting the message, she grabbed her luggage and turned towards the door. "I'm going to put my stuff away, Allison. I'll save you a seat?" I gave her a nod and she turned to Aaron with a smile. "It was great meeting you. I wish you the best of luck at Harrington Publishing."

He looked uneasy at her words but still flashed his dazzling smile. "Uh yeah, thanks Sara. Good luck with your work, too."

She gave a quick thanks and one final look at me before turning to haul her luggage to the bus. I watched her tiny frame walk out of the hotel and away from earshot when I turned to face Aaron. "What do you want?"

He looked a little taken aback by my bluntness. He had no idea that he chose the wrong day to mess with me. "Look, I just wanted to reach you before you left and I never got the chance to talk to you again. But . . . about last night--"