Lights (P.F.T Sequel)

Chapter nineteen

- Lux Halloway -

The coolness of the marble, breakfast bar top slightly soothed my excruciating headache that pierced my skull as smoothly as a hatchet cutting cheese. The kitchen was silent and slowly being lit up with the rising sun as the vintage clock struck six-am. I exhaled a deep sigh and closed my red raw eyes, feeling the headache increase dramatically even with two tablets in my system. My body screamed exhaustion from the restless night, begging for my brain to shut off and my eyes to close but it seemed like they were on red alert for any life from the guest bedroom.

Justin's side of the bed remained untouched in a hope that he would return during the night. I waited and waited, and waited, and waited but there was no sign. No attempt - nothing. Raising my head and grabbing my mug in front, I sipped at the now cold coffee and wrinkled my nose in disgust. Hopping from the stool, a shiver ran down my spine as my feet hit against the cold tiles. As I rinsed out my favourite 'No.1 teacher' mug that was chipped and glued, and honestly ready for the trash, I heard steps approach from behind me.

Shirtless, with his chiseled upper body bare on show in all it's glory and a designer pair of Calvin Klein boxers covering his package, Justin sleepily entered the kitchen with a hand running through his untamed hair. Not acknowledging my presence, my reached inside the fridge and pulled out the carton of milk, screwing of the cap and preparing to drink until I voiced quietly.

"Use a glass please." I murmured. One of my ultimate pet peeves was people drinking from the cartons and Justin knew. He glanced my way, a faint heartbroken look swirling in his lifeless orbs as he nudged the door shut with his foot and walked to the cabinet. I folded my arms, nibbling quietly on my lower lip as I debated to speak again; only this time something about last night instead. "Did you sleep well?"

Mentally, I slapped myself and shook my head. He grunted lowly in response and I sighed, watching as he poured half a glass of white liquid and drank it in one gulp, the glass being slammed down as he finished. My heart cracking a little further, his anger practically radiating onto my own body from across the spacious, modern kitchen.

"I was thinking we could take Scarlett to the park today? Maybe have a picnic or something, just the three of us?" I suggested quietly, my voice barely hindering above a whisper as I rubbed my shoulder. My eyes followed him, watching the way his back muscles were tensing with every movement. I understood why his fans got so wracked up over a shirtless picture of him - he was sensational.

"I'm busy." He gruffed angrily, putting the carton back inside the refrigerator.

"Can you not take a few hours off?" I timidly asked, peering warily from beneath my lashes. Still with his back turned, I restrained myself from walking closer and enveloping him in a morning hug, kissing his beloved shoulder tattoo and whispering an 'I love you' in his ear. My heart cracked further but I remained silent, sucking both lips between my teeth and clamping them together.

"Why? So we can go play happy family and act like nothing happened? I'm sorry Lux but I can't pretend." He snapped, finally turning on his heel and facing me. He clutched tightly onto the countertop, his fingertips and knuckles turning ghostly white with pressure. I gulped, shifting uncomfortably under his intense gaze. I rubbed my arms and nipped at my inner cheek, feeling my prickled heart sinking deeper into my empty stomach.

"But you won't let me explain.."

"What's there to explain? Your douchebag of an ex-boyfriend, whom you claim to have no or want no emotional attachment too, is more important than your friends, your boyfriend and your own daughter. What I can't even begin to fathom is how on earth you could blatantly lie to my face? How could you tell me one thing and do the complete opposite?"