Boundaries

Part II

*Reoccurring flashbacks occur throughout the chapter, read at your own preferences/risks*

Song Recommendation:

Unsteady - X Ambassadors

(William)

"I remember when went on our first date" I chuckled, "It was pouring, and my car died on us. Somehow, we found this small diner not far from where we were." I looked into her eyes, smiling to myself. "That- That's when I realized you were the one for me".

The atmosphere of the tavern suddenly felt cold, almost unwanted. I took another swing of my drink, wincing at the familiar sting at the back of my throat.

"Sophia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I asked, hopeful on one knee. She carefully wiped a tear threatening to fall, before nodding endlessly. I stood up, sliding the ring upon her finger and kissing her once doing so.

I've been here for hours in the same tavern, on the same stool, sipping the same drink. Mindlessly staring at the wall, at my drink, I didn't know what to do with myself. There weren't many people here on this bitter night, then again it was a late hour on a Wednesday. I'm not sure when I left Oliver's, or how I got here but heck, I don't even know what I'm drinking.

"Around a year ago, you proposed to me at our favorite diner, one of the best days of my life" She squeezed my hands, "Right next to the one we are living right now, our wedding. I've loved you a very long time, William Chapman, and I will continue loving you till the day I die" Her voice cracking at the end.

I ran a hand down my face and sighed. Every time I thought about Sophia, I felt as if I was being hit in the heart. Over and over until the point the pain was numb. I didn't want to think about her anymore, the pain was taking over not just me, but my life as well. All I've been doing is drinking until I forgot almost everything. Everything except Sophia.

"I, William Chapman, vow to love you forever. Through bad times and good, or when you're on that time of the month." I make a grossed out face as she laughs. "I thank god everyday for bringing you to me, and will show that gratitude towards you every day we wake, soon-to-be Mrs.Chapman" I smile.

Hit.

"Do you, Sophia Fuller, take William as your lawfully wedded husband? Through sickness and through health, through good times and through bad, for as long as you both shall live?" The aged priest asks. Sophia bites her lip as she looks deep into eyes, "I do".

Hit.

"And do you, William Chapman, take Sophia as your lawfully wedded wife? Through sickness and through health, through good times and bad, for as long as you both shall live?" I licked my lips before smiling, "I do".

I groan, standing up. I grip the bar tightly to steady my drunken self. My entire body was aching, nothing physical had even happened to me. The emotional pain had screwed me up so bad in the head, that I was beginning to feel physical pain. What's wrong with me? I sit here night after night, drinking away my sorrows. And to what expense? I'm losing myself. Scratch that, I've lost not only myself, but also the stranger I've come to know.

I knew exactly what to do.

I started running, far from the tavern, as fast as my legs would take me. My legs felt mechanical, the pain had dispersed throughout my entire body. Sometimes I forgot I was even running, until I looked at my change of scenery.

"Will? I'm home" I heard a voice that was music to my ears. "In here!" I called out, hoping she'd find her way to the kitchen. There she was, standing in the doorway, watching me pour the final ingredients into the pot. "Hey, babe, how was work?" I asked. She sighed, placing her bag on the counter.

I was gasping for air, but I could hardly care. I kept moving, my destination coming closer and closer. My legs were on fire, my mouth was dry, but I was almost there, and that was all that mattered.

"It was quite fine, meetings here and there. Mostly thinking about you." I smiled, "oh yeah? I find that funny, my day happened to be the same". I turned around to look at her. Suddenly, it felt as the wind was knocked out of me. She's gorgeous.

I was now face to face with the front door. I didn't need to knock, I barged right in. She was the same as I had left her, on the couch reading. I took painfully slow steps towards her. Had she noticed my presence? Perhaps, but she showed no sign of it. Soon, I was in front of her, only an arm's length away. I pulled the book from her hands, yet she still did not make an effort to acknowledge me. I reached for her hands, which she tried to dodge of course, but I managed. Pulling her up, I backed her up against the wall. She looked down at the ground, biting her lip.

I then began to cry. Why was I crying you might ask? I haven't had her this close to me in so long, I could feel goosebumps rise on her skin as I touched her face, her arms, anything. After all the months of distance, emotional fatigue, and suffering, here she was, Sophia, my Sophia was in my arms. No words were exchanged, there was nothing to say. However, I leaned in so close that I could feel her breathe on my face. "Oh how long it's been." I thought. Finally, I pressed my lips against her as tears slid down my cheeks. I moved my lips praying for something, and then -

She kissed me back.

____________________

Well, there you have it everyone. William has been struggling with alcohol and has not been thinking straight. However , he took the risk.

Do you think it was a good decision or a bad one?

The next chapter will be the last and final part of this short story.

Thank you for all the support, please like + comment.

-Kyra