Tragic

Chapter Four: House Guest

Hunter

Ollie and I have been going hard the past few weeks. I think he's trying to bank it all up before school starts in a couple days. Being a teacher and a rational adult is hard for him. Alcohol and pussy seem to get him through his struggle.

It's not helping me very much. I've barely spoken to Regan in four days and haven't been home for longer than a few minutes in over a week. Our relationship is casual, but even I know this is a problem. That thought is immediately confirmed when I step inside the small apartment we share. My luggage is stacked by the door with my mail neatly piled on top. I drop my keys to the side table with a clang.

"Regan?"

I take a few steps into the living room as she is walking out from the bedroom down the short hallway. Her blonde hair is twisted in a messy bun and she has a look of irritation on her face. She stops a few feet from me and crosses her arms. "Here for a change of clothes?"

When I open my mouth to respond, she beats me to it and motions to the front door. "I figured I'd help you out."

I sigh. "I'm sorry I've been shitty at communicating lately, but—"

She scoffs loudly. "Shitty at communicating. Is that what you call it?" Her blue eyes narrow. "You've been gone since last Sunday."

"I was with Ollie."

"Well, I think you should staywith Ollie," she counters.

I release a long breath and run a hand through my hair. "Wow. Okay, you're pissed."

"I'm not pissed, Hunter. I'm over it. You were all out about it when we first started dating, but the moment it started to turn into something real you've been distancing yourself from me." She laughs bitterly, stepping around me. "You don't even bother to come home anymore."

Home. To be honest it never felt like a home with her. I barely know her. We rushed into this because we were both searching for something that neither one of us could provide the other. Regan longs for security and someone to take care of her, and I—well, I'm not sure what I'm searching for, but this isn't it.

"I'm sorry," I say again. It seems stupid, but I don't know what else tosay. I don't want to lie to the girl or drag something out that was never going to be anything. All of those things considered, it still puts me in a predicament. I'm basically homeless now. Fucking amazing.

She's staring at me and she must see the panic on my face because she sighs. "Look, you can stay here until you find a place. I'm not going to be a total bitch even though you kind of deserve it."

"I really am sorry," I say sincerely. I take a step towards her and surprisingly she doesn't pull back from me. She lets me hug her and I start to feel a little bit better. "I'll be out as soon as I can."

***

Oliver convinced me to stay with him while I figure out my new living situation. He excitedly offered up the guest house and refused to take no for an answer. We've also been day drinking since about ten in the morning. By the time I start moving my belongings in from my truck, it's already getting dark outside.

It's basically an entire house if you ask me. It has a large master bedroom with an attached bathroom that has the biggest Jacuzzi tub I've ever seen. I've spent quite a few memorable nights in there. I cringe a little at the memory. I hope they clean it regularly.