Phenomenal

40 ~ Ugly Heart

Clarissa took a breath. Long and slow, giving herself time. She needed to keep her heart steady. She needed to feel strong to sound strong. This was where things could take a turn for the worse. She needed to remain steady physically so she was steady mentally.

"Brett," she said slowly, "This isn't a suggestion. We're going to break up."

"We're not breaking up," Brett cut in, looking up, "Are you stupid? We can't break up. Your dad will never allow it."

"My dad will allow it. Why do you think I spoke to him this morning? I told him, he agreed."

"You're bluffing. You're too scared of your father to speak to him."

"Do you want to call him?"

"Alright, I will," Brett said, yanking out his phone. He paused, looking at her and Clarissa didn't move. She didn't panic or rush to stop him from making the call. He hesitated. He was no longer sure if she was bluffing or not. He didn't know if she was holding a poker face or an honest one.

He put his phone down.

"Even if your dad allows it for some reason, my dad won't."

Clarissa shrugged. "That's not my problem. I've dealt with my side, you have to face your father and—"

Brett slammed his fist down on the counter making her jump as he glared at her.

"Damn it, Clarissa, it's not that simple to simply explain things to that man!" he snarled, "You think I can just tell him we're ending things? You want me disowned like my brother?"

"He won't disown you just because we broke up," Clarissa said, "He has no other children, he can't afford to get rid of another son... you're not replaceable remember."

Brett shook his head, turning away, pressing his hands to his face.

"Fuck," he hissed through his teeth, "Fuck! You can't do this to me!"

"You can't cheat on me or leave bruises, you did it anyway."

"Oh get over yourself, damn it, I didn't break anything or leave scars!" Brett snarled, looking back at her, "A woman of your status should be able to play a bit of hard ball sometimes! How do you ever expect to be equal to me otherwise?"

Clarissa stared at him for a moment, opened her mouth to contradict him, to explain what he had just said to her, before stopping. This wasn't the time. Arguing with him about such things would only rile him up more. She needed him as calm as possible.

"Regardless," she said slowly, "I still intend to end this relationship. And I am willing to do it without you agreeing. We won't remain a couple if one of us says we're not."

"I said I was sorry!" Brett cried, "And I really am! I get that I haven't been great to you over the last few months! Work is tiring and Damien being around stresses me out! We can work through this though! Rather than me, why don't you end things with Damien?"

"Because there's nothing to end, Brett! This has nothing to do with him! This is about me and you! Only us!"

He suddenly stood up. "Ok, that's fine then. Only us, why don't we try moving it to the next stage. Rather than pulling us apart we should get closer together, spend more time with each other, rediscover ourselves or whatever."

"What?"

"Why don't you live with me? My place is too big for just one person. Why don't we make it our place?"

"Oh my God, Brett, no. Are you listening to a word I'm saying?"

"I am and everything you're saying is ridiculous."