Last to Know |Bastian Schweinsteiger|

Somebody I Used To Know

Claudia's POV

-Good morning- Palace's porter greeted me with an irritatingly positive attitude when I entered the hotel's corridor.

-Morning- I mumbled back without looking at the decent old man. I walked quickly to the elevator still squinting my eyes because of the way too bright light.

When I entered the elevator, I had the doubtful pleasure of seeing my reflection for the first time today. My hair was shaggily, my complexion was drawn and my eyes were adorned by dark circles. Not to the mention the guilt which was written all over my face.

I left the lift and lumbered to the room Lars, Alex and I were supposed to spend the night in.

I knocked on the door hoping nobody would open them so I could simply sneak in and avoid the walk of shame.

I was about to pull the handle when the door started opening. When they fully opened, I saw Lars standing with the typical omniscient look on his face.

-Look who my dear eyes see? I though I've seen the last of you but...- Lars suddenly stopped. The sceptical look on his face was replaced by the "Sweet lord, what have you done again?" one- What happened?

-Not now Lars, please not now- I mumbled as I entered the suite. I knew he needed only one glimpse to figure out I wasn't in the best shape but I did not have the strength to explain everything. Strength and courage...- Where's Alex?

-He's sleeping like a new born in the smaller bedroom- Lars answered as he leaded me to the sofa and handed me a bottle of sparkling water- He literally collapsed when we came back and he's been sleeping ever since.

-Good, at least that went well- I groaned back as I took off the black stilettos which were pure hell to wear- How did you sleep?

-Definitely better than you- Lars said calmly as he took my feet and started massaging them.

-Good- I muttered back and cringed when another flashback from last night decided to haunt me.

-Oh dear- Lars whispered as he embraced me and pulled me closer to him. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my tired eyes. I knew I should just forget about everything and fall asleep but somehow all I could do was replay the scene that was stuck in my brain.

***

When I heard the sound of somebody bustling around I could swear in my head that innocent noise turned a loud, running herd of elephants.

A big yawn escaped my mouth as I opened my eyes and got blinded by the daylight. I look through the window and saw hundreds drops of rain falling down from the sky. It was one of these strange days when there was no sun but somehow even the color of the sky was so light that it blinded you.

I hesitantly stood up despite the fact that my legs were shaking and stretched my aching arms. I looked around to find my dress and luckily it was lying on the closest chair. I quickle threw the item on and started searching for my shoes. Just when I thought I would be actually able to sneak out before Bastian finished showering I heard the bathroom door opening.

-Good morning-Bastian mumbled.

-I'm not sure if it is a good one- I mumbled back and turned around. Through all the years that I had known this man this was certainly the first time he looked this awful. Well maybe the second time.

He face was even paler than usually and that made the dark circles under his eyes more visible. His eyes were narrowed but when he widened them at my words I noticed they were bleary and full of sadness. Well not only sadness. There was a massive amount of guilt too.

-I definitely had better ones- he replied quietly as he dried his hair with the white towel he was carrying- You were about to sneak out, weren't you?

He looked straight at me and I did not have enough balls to last out of his beady look.

-What else was I supposed to do?- I asked as I looked down at my own feet- Have another chat which would lead us straight to that bed? I don't think so.

-Why does it sound like you blame me for everything?- Bastian's hoarse voice had a little strain of anger. Well maybe it wasn't that little.

-Maybe because you were supposed to stay away from me and yet you kept popping up, you kept pretending that you and I can be just proper, neutral friends - I raised my voice before I even realized I was in a fighting mood- And then you invited me for that damn party and now we're in your hotel room. Not to mention the fact that out of us two you're the one who's engaged so I guess I do have the right to blame you, don't you think?

-That's what you always do. You find someone to blame so you don't have to think about your own actions.

-Excuse me?- I hissed and glared at him.

-You always blame everyone else and somehow you're the pure one who never did anything wrong. Ever thought that's because bad things happen to you? That maybe it's actually your fault? No, because you're way to proud to admit that- he shouted as his face turned from deathly pale to fierce red.

-Are you talking bout a certain event?

-Do I have to talk about a certain one? Just look around Claudia and wake up. You were not cursed by the above and you're not a victim of some kinda plot.

-When have I ever said one of these things? I think I missed that conversation- I snapped in response.

-Oh come on! You did not get a job? Because the interviewer was a male chauvinist not because you didn't do well. You didn't get into your dreamed school? Maybe you weren't good enough. You ended up with me in one bed? Not because I tied you to the freaking bed but because you wanted to. Even that thing with Alex's father. Maybe he didn't leave you because he was a dick maybe it was your fault!

Bastian's last sentence seemed to settle over us and it remained there till we both realized what he actually said. His expression transformed from mad to apologetic. But it was a little too late.

-I've made thousands bad decisions- I started as I put on my heels- but I can assure you that leaving this freaking room will not be one of them- I finished, I grabbed my back and headed towards the door.

Subconsciously I hoped he would ran after me, apologize and try to stop me but when I heard the door slammed after me I knew he wasn't going to do that. That was it. Period.

Now he was just somebody I used to know.