The Mighty Fall In Love

Chapter Fifteen

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A little while later, I hear soft knocks at the door.

I'm still lying on the bunkroom floor, lost in my own thoughts, pondering every questionable decision I've made up to date.

"Trick," I hear Andy coo from the outside the door. "We're at the hotel now. Come on out."

I ignore him, realizing that the bus is now quiet. I had blocked out any sounds from the front of the bus while I was sobbing, but now there's nothing to block out. It must just be me and Andy left; the other guys must've already gone in.

"Patrick, c'mon on," Andy tries to convince me, knocking at the door again. "We might as well take advantage of the hotel."

Abruptly, I realize crying and regretting everything won't change a fucking thing. Admitting that Pete's broken me won't fix a thing.

If anything, staying here and continuing to sob would give Pete even more satisfaction; him knowing how easily it is to make me suffer. He might try to use it to his advantage someday, and I could never have that.

No, if Pete's going to act fine and like this is the right thing to do, so will I. If he really doesn't love me, I'll show him that I don't either. If he thinks that he's the only one who can play it nonchalantly, like nothing we ever did matters, he's wrong.

Fuck Pete, who needs the guy? He's a whore and deserves the pain he'll get someday when he slips up and Meagan learns about our 'affair' or whatever the hell we had. He'll get what he deserves someday. He'll hate himself in the morning light when he realizes he fucked up every good thing he had in the world. What goes around comes around, so I'll just wait and let karma take its toll.

I won't admit to him leaving me bruised and broken; instead, I'll make him think I don't want or need him. That I'm perfectly capable without him. That I'm fine.

A muffled chuckle comes from within my stomach, sounding strangled.

Oh yes, I'll beat Pete at his own game. Not only that, but I'll serve him a side of revenge.

The tables have turned. Like a card dealer, I control the cards.

I smile at the thought of making Pete pay, and realize the first piece I have to play in this game.

"Patrick," Andy continues in hopes to persuade me, still banging on the door. "C'mon dude..."

"Yeah, I'm coming," I call eventually. "Just lemme get changed."

Andy lets out a sigh of relief.

"Alright, I'll be outside."

I pull myself up from the floor, turn to the wardrobe and change into a pair of boxers, black skinny jeans, a grey t-shirt, and black cardigan. I run a hand through my messy hair and put on a fedora. I push up my glasses, button up my cardigan, and throw a couple items from the wardrobe into a backpack.

I finally emerge from the bunkroom and walk towards the front of the bus. I check out my reflection in the full length mirror behind the kitchen door and am pleased with what I see.

I look composed; my pressed clothes tight against my skin, tousled hair beneath my fedora, cheeks blushed a little red, but not splotchy. My eyes have an odd sparkle and the smile I wear seems sinister.

I pause, wondering if this is worth it, scared of myself.

"Fuck it," I curse under my breath, readjusting my backpack on my shoulder.

I start towards the front door, but stop at the sink. I open the cupboard underneath it and pull out a huge bottle of whiskey, throwing it into my bag.