Others Like It Ruthless

IX: Merger

I can't love someone you're forcing into my life.

Then don't.

No one's forcing you to love me.

I don't need your love.

I don't need you.

Downing my last shot, Shaira joined my table while her brother started mopping the floors.

"It's late, how come you're sill here princess?" She teased earning a glare from me.

"I don't want to go home." I slurred my words. "I'm drunk," I laughed.

"That you are captain obvious. Should I call Harvey?" Shy asked her brother who signalled something back to her. "Her husband? Oh my dear brother, he's the reason why she's here."

"Harvey's in the hospital." I said. Placing my head against the table, I got ready to sleep.

"He was discharged this morning in case you forgot. Now get up, I'm taking you to my room. Shayne help me here." Shaira called her brother and they carried me to their humble home.

Really I'm not that drunk. Just a little bit but I don't want to go back home.

Maybe I should just move out somewhere. I don't think I can continue living with my faux husband. It's not like its written in the clause or in the law for us to live together.

My grandfather's gone, sadly, but now nothing is stopping me from doing what I want. 

Just then my phone rang and I ignored it. But then it kept ringing so without checking who it was, I picked up the call.

"What?" I said irritated at whoever it is.

"Where are you?" the voice replied. He sounded pissed, that husband of mine.

"Oh hi husband, so nice of you to call me." I said sarcastically provoking the beast even more.

"Margaret where are you?" He asked again and I couldn't fight the giggle that erupted from me. How could I when this is all so funny. "Are you drunk?" 

"Ding, ding, ding. Bingo! Give the boy a prize." 

"Margaret it's not funny. Tell me where you are and I'll get you." He commanded but as usual, I refused to yield. 

"Stop!" I yelled over the phone and laughter bubbled up inside me. Soon I was laughing again. "It's late Cole, I'm going. Good night." 

"Marga-" and the line went dead. 

Closing my eyes, I sighed as tears wet my side of my face. They kept coming endlessly and the more I fight to gain control over my emotions, the faster they fall. My room door creaked open revealing Shayne. 

I stared at him and was met with his unwavering  gaze. Somehow Shaira knew I needed Shayne's silent presence more than hers and I couldn't be more thankful for having these two in my life. 

As we continued to stare at each other, more tears ran down my cheeks alarming him but it looks like he's used to comforting women having Shaira as his sister. Silently, he sat down next to me and patted my back empathetically. 

I cried and cried and cried like I never had. I cried for my loss, for Harvey and for my heart. What a fool I had been. 

I was too engrossed in my grief that I didn't realize Shaira joined us and was hugging me. "Shh, it's going to be okay hun." 

I sobbed in her arms vowing to myself never to touch another drop of alcohol. "He doesn't love me Shy. He can't."

"Shh," Shaira simply replied and hold me until I was fast asleep.