Vapor (unedited)

2.2

Elis sat quietly on the couch, her eyes admiring the view of the city from their apartment. The city lights flickered like candles in the dark, they looked like stars scattered on the ground, with a range of colours and bright spots. It was a pretty view once you come to appreciate it, not to lament the lack of actual stars in the sky because of the city lights that gave artificial vibrance for the sky. There was no moon that night, just blank dark sky, although it was actually dark like the colour black.

The tiny evaporated water cluttered into clouds seeming to reflect light that even in the palest light it didn't get too dark, thus preventing the stars to share their sparkles with the night.

Elis sipped her hot chocolate, bringing her legs closer to her chest. She leaned on the couch, every second her heart grew fonder of the man in front of her and every minute made her found comfort in their silence. But she wasn't at ease, she wasn't really feel relaxed. The tugging in her heart bothered her, the churning knots in her stomach suffocate her chest.

Her head fell to the other side, admiring the features of the man in front of her. The way the lights shone on him on the other side, illuminating his sculpted face and defined body, he was the perfect man in the eyes of the others. Some even told her how they were envious of them, so fitting with each other, complement each other in all ways possible.

Oh, only if they knew...

They were older, they were in their late thirties. But their looks didn't change that much, and he always keep his figure in check.

He was always afraid.

Terrified.

Terrified of losing her.

They have always liked to sit in the dark in their lounge area which has this long glass windows that they let it bare at night, just to enjoy the panoramic view. Usually they would cuddle, Elis being the bigger spoon as he would snuggled up close to Elis, getting comfortable in Elis' arms.

They would talk about anything, small talks, soothing words, misadventures at their work place. Most of the times, they just let the silence engulf them. Maybe they would watch movies and giving dumb comments, criticising relentlessly, crying when the movie just messed up their heads. Sharing popcorns and snacks. Just usual Friday nights thing.

But this Friday night was a bit unusual.

They had been keeping up with the movie thing since forever, but tonight was a bit different.

Elis thoughts wandered far. She wasn't exactly on earth even her eyes were glued on the man she called husband after 15 years of marriage. She loved the man. She chose to love him.

But where did it go wrong?

She could never put a finger on it.

It was like walking through a fogged pathway, her vision weren't clear enough to see what was wrong.

Oh dear, what was she thinking?

Who was she fooling?

She knew what was wrong.

Both of them knew.

Maybe this was what all the warning signs were. Or maybe this was another warning sign for something inevitable.

His mistake was falling in love.

Her mistake was choosing to fall with him.

...and to stay.

Nevertheless, she always convinced herself that what she was doing was the right thing.

Oh god. Seriously? Elis didn't know anymore.

She was 17 years old when she decided to fall in love with Colton.

She was 24 years old when she purposed to Colton.

(Yes, Elis purposed)

She was 31 years old when she had fell out of love.

She was 33 years old when she decided to stay.

She was 36 years old when the memories (dreams) of her past lives came crashing back to her.

And she was 38 years old when Zach appeared back into her life after 20 years (not exactly) he had disappeared from her life.

She remembered clearly enough what happened the day before. When Zach slept in their house, except he slept with Colton and Elis slept alone in the king sized bed. Not that she was complaining not that she even cared that much, she got all the pillows and the covers for herself.

But she did not like to listen her husband and her soulmate doing their business on this exact couch she was sitting at the moment. It wasn't that she despised it, no, she rather have them making love instead Colton having sex with some woman he picked up on the streets.

Elis did not like and she actually found it heart wrenching to listen Colton cried. His sobs have always torn her heart to shreds. Sometimes the chest pain was like a flaming fire, burning wildly in the chest that she would be left into ashes. It hurt so bad.

Elis did not know what more to do.

On this moment, Elis was sitting on the same L shaped couch, across Colton who was quiet ever since he got home from work.

It was eight pm when Colton got home from work. Gladly he didn't have alcohol in his veins. He didn't even smell like one. He only smelt like him, after a day in the office, his perfume was faint on his skin. He was exhausted, from work and his emotions drained him.

Elis had gone home early and she had told Sammy she wanted to finish early. Elis made dinner, a simple Olio seafood and she even made dessert. Peach cobbler, Colton's favourite. He loves them so much.

It had been normal, so normal that Elis couldn't really believe that things that happened yesterday had actually happened.

Colton kissed her on the lips, announcing his presence with "I'm home," while he puts his shoes on the shoe rack. He had showered and ate dinner with Elis, sharing his day at work with Elis. Elis did not fake her smiles, she actually had them genuinely plastered on her face because she just hoped things that had happened weren't real.

Until Elis cleaned the kitchen with the help of Colton.

He slumped on the couch, staring at the windows. He didn't even ask her hat movie to watch. He didn't even bother to switch on the television. He just sat where he was, not doing anything. It was like he was in a trance, his mind locking him up somewhere.

Elis took a deep breath, taking a huge gulp of her now lukewarm chocolate. She put the mug on the coffee table, stretching her limbs, popping out her bones in the process and relaxed back on the cushion behind her.

Elis missed Colton.

Her heart was aching.

"...you are pushing me away now." She stated, putting her arm on the couch and leaned her head on it. It came out with a shuddered breath as she observed him in the dark.

Colton shifted a bit in his seat. He didn't say a word.

Then there was a knock on the door.

*