Here's One From the Heart

III

Oct. 20th, 2017

I woke up the next morning, having trouble getting myself up. I didn't want to get out of bed today, or ever again, for that matter. Not only was it the massive hangover I was experiencing, but after the events of last night, I was not ready to face reality again.

I looked over at the clock, it read 7:01 AM. Half an hour before I normally got up.

I slipped out of bed slowly, only to realize my boyfriend wasn't next to me.

I threw on my slippers and housecoat, then headed down the hall. There was a noise coming from the kitchen, I crept towards it slowly, until I realized it was Max, making breakfast.

He turned towards me briskly, a pan of eggs in his hand. He tossed them back onto the burner and rushed over to me, wrapping his strong arms around my torso. "Good morning, love," he whispered between the kisses he placed on top of my head.

"Good morning," I mumbled through my yawn. "Is this breakfast?"

He nodded, placing two more pieces of toast into the toaster. "Just for you. I figured since I'm going on that business trip tomorrow, I'd do something special for you."

I smiled softly, "I'm just gonna head to the bathroom and wash up quick."

I shuffled down the hall, pulling off my pyjamas and running the shower until the water was bearable. I climbed in, letting the water pour down upon me. And after a mere five minutes, I was washed and began to get ready for the day.

I headed to my bedroom, where I tossed on a Capitals t-shirt, and a pair of hip-hugging blue jeans with holes in the knees. I quickly set my hair in light waves, and applied my usual makeup; simple eyeliner, and a light layer of blush an mascara. A mere twenty minutes later, I was ready.

I headed back into the kitchen, where I caught Max looking through my phone. He glanced up at me, and immediately slammed my phone onto the countertop.

"What the HELL is all that bullshit about you and Sydney going to some bar to hook up with hockey players?" He shouted, backing me up into a wall.

"Whoa, the conversation said nothing about a 'hook up'," I defended myself, "Plus, what's it to you? I went out for a few drinks with Sydney, and at the end of the night, you were the one I came home to, were you not?"

"That's not the point-" he growled, clenching his fist tighter and tighter after every word I spoke.

"My whole job practically revolves around being in the presence of millionaire hockey players," I retorted, "You didn't seem to have a problem with that until now."

His eyes narrowed at me, shooting daggers. His normally soft brown eyes, turned to stone in .2 seconds.

"If you say another word, I swear I'm gonna..." He muttered under his breath, approaching me silently until we were only centemetres apart.

"What? You're gonna do what?" I raised a brow, egging him on, "Is Max upset because he feels emasculated compared to all the strong, attractive hockey players I deal with on a daily basis?"

I could see it in his eyes now. He was beyond rage, and at that point, I knew I had pushed him to the edge.

"Go ahead," I said quietly, removing the space between us, "Do it."

-

I pulled into my usual parking space at the Verizon Center, at the usual time. Pulling down the sun visor from above me, I touched my eye gently.

"This time, no amount of makeup can cover it..." I sighed. I pulled out my sunglasses from their compartment, and put them on, taking the key out of the ignition and opening the door.

Locking the car behind me, I headed towards the arena, hoping I wouldn't run into anyone I knew on the way.

There was no way I could explain this. It wasn't the first time, and it wasn't going to be the last.

I rushed into the building, heading directly for the employees' room in the Gear Store. I pulled off my glasses and put them in my cubby, hoping my makeup job would do the work well enough, so no one would notice.

It was then, that the door behind me flew open. It was my good friend, Blayze.

"On time and punctual, why am I not surprised?" He chuckled, coming closer to me. I refused to turn around, until he spun me to face him.

"Again..?" He sighed.

I headed off into the store, pricing and placing new merchandise on their proper shelves. Blayze was following me around like a lost puppy.

"Is it really that noticeable?" I asked quietly, hanging jerseys up.

"You've had worse, I suppose..." He replied, "What happened this time?"

I pulled him off to the side, "Will you let this go if I tell you."

"I can't make any promises," he answered honestly, "But, I won't leave you alone until I know."

"All right. It was my fault, we got into an argument, and I pushed him too far." I confessed, looking down at the ground.

"It's never your fault, hun," he placed his hands on my shoulders, comforting me, "No one deserves to be-"

Suddenly, the first costumer of the day arrived. I looked over at Blayze with sad, apologetic eyes before tending to the shopper.

-

So far, no one had acknowledged the bruise except Blayze. And as my work day finally came to a close, I figured I was in the clear.

I grabbed my things from the back room, and said goodbye to Blayze. He had a few choice words for me, but I never really payed attention to his advice, anyways.

I was on my way to the parking lot, checking my phone and minding my own business, when someone bumped into me.

"I'm so sorry," he spoke in his accented voice. My body froze as soon as I recognized it.

We were face-to-face when he spoke again, his eyes sincere, "What happened..?"