Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 23: Amnesty Hour

<LOUIS' POV>

This shower was just what I needed. I must've been sweating during the night because I reeked of B.O. and booze. The streaming droplets pelted my skin mercilessly and with every sting, burned the odor away. Luckily there was soap in here as well. I didn't even think to bring any my self. It was a quaint floral scent but was a step up from mine in comparison. When I got out, I wrapped a towel around my waist and tried to wring out the remaining water in my hair. I hissed as something stung my hand and searched for the cause. I had some minor scrapes on the top, probably from when I got it caught in the bed frame last night. While in my drunk endeavor, I'd somehow slipped my phone through there. The liquor clouded my judgement and I ignored the jagged wood that laid in-between when I lunged for it. No real harm done.

I was relieved to see I had brought my other toiletries in here already. The chance of another awkward silence with Eliza was something I wanted to avoid. First she makes herself comfy in the middle of the night, then she became some zombie and didn't want to leave my room- not to mention her mini episode some minutes prior. I don't know what's gotten into her this morning but I don't want any part of it. I've had my fill of Eliza for a lifetime and I'm getting to the point where I've reached my limit. Eliza insists she wants to apologize, that it was only a small jibe at me. But even if that was the case, that doesn't change anything. You can't reverse the damage that's been done; she couldn't have gone any lower than last night. And if she still has the potential to sink below that, I might as well be completely done now. What she did couldn't be more inconsiderate and conniving. Literally the one person I hated, she wanted to have adorn her for a night to spite me. That's like me calling Eleanor and fucking her senseless just to get a rise lot of Eliza. Probably not as drastic but it'd feel just the same. And even then, it still can't compare. At least I have an actual relationship; she's just steadily playing games.

I'm fully dressed and starved now that I've fully awakened. My throat feels like sand paper and my thirst is more monstrous than my appetite. Making my way to the kitchen, I glance around for anyone else but find myself alone. I welcome the peace and eerie silence. The only noise is the clambering of cabinets as I maneuver around and get acquainted with the food hiding inside and the endless rows of glasses waiting to be used. I draw some water from the tap and indulge immediately, repeating the process a couple times. The water refreshes my throat and leaves me all but sufficiently satisfied. Now for food.

Alas, I hear the padding of feet down the hall. From around the corner appears Eliza, slumped over and quiet. She's sure to keep her eyes caste to the floor and doesn't mouth a word in my direction. I'd pity her if she hadn't  brought this on herself. We're too old for games and I will not put my self through the same stress I felt as a teenager. I carry on preparing my sandwich and ignore the hollow ghost in the room.

"Lou.. I know you don't want to talk. So just listen to me, yeah?" Her voice is scratchy, no doubt from crying. I want to inquire about it but restrain my curiosity to hear what's coming next.

"I'm tryin' okay. It may not seem like it from the shit I pulled last night; but I'm tryin' my best 'ere and I'm not sure what to do when it comes to you. I want you so bad that I loose my senses- I obviously can't think straight. It's just so maddening. Never having control gets old and I thought this was the one thing I actually had a say over." She laughs out of irony, ruffling her short hair and releasing a deep exhale. "Truth is, I'm totally clueless on what to do."

Despite my earlier objection, I respond. "Just what are you trying to accomplish with me, Eliza?"

She shifts around in her spot, glossed eyes focused on me. "Don't mock me Louis, you alr'dy know the answer." Her tone dramatically shifts from weak to irritable. "And if you claim otherwise, then I'm definitely not the only idiot in the room."