Falling

Walks of Shame

Sunlight beamed through the shades and filled the room with an unwelcomed brightness. My head was killing me and it took all I had to peel my eyes open. That's when I realized I wasn't in my bed.

I started to sit up when I felt the weight of an arm across my waist. I followed it up to see Ben's face peacefully sleeping next to me.

Oh no. Looks like drunk me decided it was best not to go home. Maybe I can sneak out before he wakes up. I slowly peeled his arm off of me and watched cautiously as he moved his arm above his head. He groaned a little but thankfully didn't open his eyes. I peered over the side of the bed and found my clothes neatly folded. Confused, I picked them up and tip toed out of the room quietly shutting the door behind me.

I found my purse on the kitchen counter and threw my clothes on as quickly and silently as possible, then made my way to the door. I took one last glance at the bedroom door to make sure he hadn't woken up yet. Silence. Now's my chance.

I pulled my hair into a ponytail as I made my way down the stairs. Buzz Buzz Buzz. I looked through my purse to see Julie's name pop up on my phone.

"Jules?"

"Kate, where are you? You didn't come home last night. You left without saying a word. We make rules for a reason!" I could hear the frustration in her voice.

"Sorry, mom. I'll be home in a few minutes. Want coffee?"

She paused for a minute and then I could hear the tension easing up. "Yes, but bribery gets you no where. Suck up."

"See you soon." I hung up with a smile. We could never stay mad at each other for long. And who wouldn't want coffee after how much we drank last night? She stayed out later than I did. Who knows what happened after I left.

I stepped into a small cafe for coffee and a few bagels. She definitely couldn't stay mad at me now. I placed my order and started the walk home. Thank goodness I am only a block away. Nothing screams "walk of shame" more than coffee and last night's clothes.

Standing in front of our door I fumbled around with my keys trying to balance everything while reaching to unlock the door. Before I could get the key into the lock the doorknob turned and the door swung open right in front of me.

"Jesus, Kate!" Patrick jumped.

Looks like I'm not the only one with a story to tell.

"Leaving so soon?" I mused. He ran his fingers through his unkempt hair and smiled. "Mind if I squeeze by you? Hot coffee." I nodded at the drinks in my hand and he immediately took a step back from the doorway. I could see Julie behind him walking out of her bedroom in a silky robe yawning. She pulled her hair up into a bun and finally looked my way.

"Mmmm. Don't think those bagels are getting you off the hook. You're still on my bad side," she quipped. "Patrick, I thought you left."

I sat the bagels on the counter and began sipping my coffee while Julie walked over to say goodbye to Patrick.

"I sort of bumped into Kate on my way out and well I haven't made it out the door yet." He reached out for Julie and she pulled back. Poor guy. Jules isn't a relationship kinda gal.

"Well, enjoy your day. I hear it's supposed to be nice weather." She grabbed the door hoping he would let himself out. He still wasn't taking the hint as he leaned over to kiss her. She quickly turned to give him her cheek and faked a smile.

Feeling defeated he finally started to walk out the door. "Last night was fun. I'll see you around?"

"Sure. See ya." And with that she shut and locked the door behind her. "I didn't think he'd ever leave."