Never Again

Chapter Sixteen

I apologize for the wait, life has been complicated-- what else is new? Anyways, I hope you enjoy..! <3

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Yup. Today's gonna suck.

Before I even open my eyes, I can sense the pain. I try to stretch but my tight muscles cry out; my taut skin caused by the bruises feels like there are a thousand fire ants crawling all over me. Trying not to itch, I throw off my sheets to get out of bed, but just moving my legs to sit up is painful. Taking a deep breath, I push myself up and manage to stand. I let out a grunt of pain but grab my towel and make my way into the bathroom, and turn on the shower; undressing is hell but I eventually get there, and I step in. I let the burning water cascade down my screaming body and breathe in the steam-filled air. Pooling some body wash into my palm, I scrub my body, only occasionally hissing in pain along the way. Not bothering with my hair, I rinse and shut the water off; with the towel tied around my waist, I shuffle back into my room, water droplets sliding down the nape of my neck.

Man, I do not want to have to deal with anyone today.

Grabbing my phone, I shoot off a text to work and tell them I'm not coming in. Despite how often I call in "sick", they still keep me around. Maybe it's because I keep the place full or they feel sorry for me, but either way I am grateful, even if I don't always act like it. I get a text back and let out a sigh: my shift is covered and I have a free day.

After an hour of watching mind-numbing Youtube videos, I decide that I shouldn't just lie around— that will just give my body the opportunity to tense up. Getting up off my ass, I did a little stretch and grab my keys. Sliding my phone into my back pocket, I walk out to my car only to realize that I have nowhere to go. Not really in the mind to see any of the guys, I decide to give Octavia a surprise visit.

Oh, she's just gonna love that, I chuckle.

Pulling up to the flat fifteen minutes later, I punch in the code that Eleanor gave me that night and stroll on in. I park in her driveway and take my time walking up her sidewalk. I leisurely knock on the door and am shocked to see not a grumpy Octavia, but instead I am greeted with Eleanor. And she's covered in paint.

"You're covered in paint," I say. She cracks a small smile.

"Yes, I am." We stand there for a moment, not making eye contact. "Would you like to come in?" I pop up and see her still smiling, but her eyes hold wariness. Nodding my head maybe too eagerly, she opens the door and gives me a look that says "are you coming?" as she walks away. It takes me a moment to snap back, but once I do I run in after her, only slightly getting lost as to where she went.

"Hello?" Hearing no response, I run around, thinking, "This is the largest fucking flat ever" just as I crash into Eleanor.

"Hey!" We both fall to the ground, surprised. Blinking a few times, I shake my head and look at her. She is in a pair of leggings and an old t-shirt, her eyes a little wide, and those extra pink-looking lips parted in shock.

God, she's beautiful.

I jump up and offer my hand; she hesitantly takes it and I effortlessly help her stand again. "I'm Emerson, by the way." She slightly tilts her head, her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"Yes, I know." I close my eyes and internally sigh.

Penn, you dumbass. Of course she knows who you are! You've already met and spent time together.

I open my eyes and try again. "Is Octavia home?" She shakes her head no. "Do you know when she will be?"

"She said that she's out with Wil, and that she's not entirely sure when she'll be home. She told me to not wait up for her for supper, so..." She breaks the eye contact and looks away bashfully. She looks as me briefly and then turns, walking away.