Breaking Walls (A Doug Baldwin Story)

Chapter Six

Hurt and betrayal.

That's all I'm feeling as I lay on my bed, tears streaming down my face. I just can't believe it. I trusted him. I told him my life story, the reason I hated certain things of my past. I let him in. And it turned out that he was the one thing I hated most.

I should have known. The signs were all there. I just chose to ignore them.

"Krista?"

I turn over, seeing my best friend standing at the door, concern written all over her face. When Soph sees my expression, she runs over, folding me into her arms, consoling me. I burst out in tears again. I tell her everything. Finding out that Doug was an NFL athlete took us both by surprise.

She's the only one, first hand, who knows what I've been through. Only she can understand how I really feel. She stays with me until I've settled down.

"Kris, you go ahead and take the week off. I've got everything covered at the café. Now, can I get you anything? A cup of tea? A glass of wine? Something to eat?"

I don't know what I'd do without this girl. "Anything would be fine," my lips reluctantly pull up into a small smile.

She smiles back. "Alright. You know, he wasn't doing so well out there today," she quietly says.

My smile disappears, and sudden anger courses through me. "I don't care."

Soph nods and then leaves me be, going down to make something. I sit on my bed, calming down, staring out my window. Its late afternoon now, and I've spent the day wallowing.

Somehow, I lost track of time, and I jolt awake. When did I fall asleep? I look over to my nightstand, and there's a glass of water with Soph's famous snickerdoodle cookies. I sit up and stretch, taking a cookie. It's now darker in my room, and the light coming from the crack of my door is the only thing lighting up my room.

I hear talking downstairs, and I get up, curious. It's probably Paul, coming to see Soph. When I open the door, the voices become louder, and more distinct. I freeze. Soph's voice isn't the only one I recognize. The other is Doug, and it sounds like they're at the front door.

I crawl down on the floor, hiding. I stop when I get close to the top of the stairs, so that I can hear, but I stay out of sight.

"She was a wreck when I got home. I haven't seen Krista like this in years," Sophia tells Doug.

"I know. But please, let me talk to her. I didn't intend for any of this to happen. I need to explain," he sounds frustrated. I can tell he's holding his temper.

"Sorry, but I don't think she wants to see you anytime soon." Soph sounds firm with her decision. Thank goodness.

"Sophia, please. It wasn't my intention to hurt Krista. I care for her. Deeply."

"If you cared for her, then you wouldn't have lied to her!" She raises her voice. "Look, Doug. I think you're a good guy, but my best friend is hurting because of you. She needs time. Whenever she's ready, I'll let you see her. But not now, so please leave." The door shuts shortly.

Standing up, I see Doug walking away from the side window. His head is hanging, looking defeated. I then look at Soph, smiling up at me. I can count on her for anything. And she's right, I'm not ready to see Doug anytime soon, and I need a lot of time.

I walk down, hugging her when I get to the bottom of the stairs. "Thank you."

"Hey, what are friends for?" We walk to the kitchen to go eat. "Just so you know, he told me his side. And I know you don't want to hear this from me, but I suggest to listen to him. Only when you're ready, okay? It's complicated. I hate him for hurting you, but I can't be mad at him."