Letting Go

Eleven

Bonus POV! Song is You Should Be Here by Kehlani.

Vivian.

I lied in bed with Tanner. The plasma screen displayed the newest episode of Orange Is The New Black, my favorite show. Tanner hated it but he still made time to catch the newest episodes with me, which I greatly appreciated.

Tanner's arm was around me and my head was snuggled against the crook of his neck. I could smell his aftershave and the gum he chewed earlier. The sky outside was misty and the sun was setting, creating an awfully romantic ambience. If he'd gotten me roses and candles then it would've been even more perfect.

My mother was out again at one of her charity galas. My older sisters were at college in the other side of the country and Tanner's football practices always ran late, so I've been lonely lately. People ask me where my father is, but I could never answer because I don't even know myself.

That was why I felt so safe and sound with Tanner around. He always drove me to places whenever I couldn't take my car and did little yet meaningful gestures like randomly getting me a cupcake or plucking a rose from his mother's garden for me. He made me feel loved.

"You smell so good," I complimented, nuzzling my head against Tanner's jaw.

"Nah, I don't."

"You really do!"

"I really don't," he repeated with a small smile. "I barely put on perfume."

"Hey, have I told you about my mom's upcoming trip to Venice?" I asked, changing the subject. It seemed that he wasn't in the mood to talk but it had been a week since we properly conversed and I wanted to make the most of it.

"No, you haven't."

"Well, the housekeeper is taking an unpaid leave during the same time, so I'll have the house all to myself," I said softly into his ear, tickling his chest gently. I really wanted to do it with Tanner and I had to do everything in my will to make it happen. There was no one else I'd rather lose my virginity to.

Tanner fidgeted with a subconscious grimace on his face. My good mood faltered and I pulled my hand away. "Sure, I can come over sometime and we can watch Netflix again."

"Fine," I replied curtly.

"Baby," he cooed. "Promise I'll make time. Speaking of making things... What do you say we head to the pantry and fix some food?"

"Stay put, I'll do it," I quickly said. I wanted to get to his good side. The only way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?

I headed to the pantry and prepared some expensive wheat bread I bought at a health food store, along with some gourmet salami and organic lettuce that Mom only used for dinner parties. I wanted to serve only the best for Tanner.

I carried the sandwich along with a glass of fresh OJ to my bedroom with a pleasant smile on my face. The corners of my mouth dropped when I saw Tanner putting on his jacket and getting his things.

"What the hell?" I blurted out.

"I just got a text," Tanner replied, waving his phone at me. "Coach calls for an emergency Death Round."

"It's like, eight PM," I scoffed. "Didn't you get off practice like four hours ago?"

"Come on, babe, the big game is coming up," he argued. "Besides, it's Saturday tomorrow. I promise I'll pick you up for coffee in the morning."

I looked into his eyes, as if urging him to stay with me, but I'm met with emptiness. Blue, cold, emptiness.

"But I made you food," I meekly said.

"I am so sorry. Next time, yeah?"

I simply nodded.

Tanner walked over and kissed my temple, barely pressing his lips on my skin. He glanced at the open door and exclaimed behind his back, "Goodbye."

Goodbye.

That's one thing I hoped will never happen.

***