Broken (Sequel to Keeping Secrets)

Chapter 16.

"Where were you! I've been calling your phone for the past two hours! I was worried!" I toss my shoes and purse to the side. I gently set the keys on the bar and lean against the sink. 

"I've made my decision," I don't dare to make eye contact with him. "I'm leaving," I here him take a deep breath and soon the sound of something hitting the wall makes me jump. He's angry now. I don't want him to be angry. The last thing I need is to argue with him.   "Norm, you can't be angry with me. You wanted an answer, so I gave you one,"

"I'm not angry with you, Danielle. I just, I'm just angry in general," He sighs and tugs harshly at his hair. he doesn't want this. I don't want this. "I tried all day to ready myself for the decision you made, but when comes down to it, you're never really ready for anything," I nod and make my way towards him. "Where did you go?"

"I was looking for places to stay," I lie. "I found one, finally," I give a faint smile and he nods. 

"That's good," 

"Yeah," My voice turns into a whisper. "I'm sorry, Norman," 

"Why are you sorry? I'm, I'm happy for you," He bit his lip and nods. 

"No you're not." 

"Yes I am." I turn my head to the side and smirk. "I lied. I'm sorry. Deep, deep, down I am happy for you."

"I know," I give a small smile and nod. "I'll start packing tomorrow. Come. Lets go to bed," I stretch out my hand and he slowly takes it. 

"I have courses tomorrow, Danielle," I close my eyes tightly and take a deep breath. 

"I know that, too. I'll be here when you wake up, but I won't be here when you get back. I have someone who can help me pack. It'll be easier for us to let go of one another if we aren't around to see each other before I leave," I swallow hard. This sin't going to be easy either way.

"But, I want to help," 

"I don't want your help, Norman." I stand my ground. He can't know that I'm staying with Ryan or that I would have Ryan in the house. He'd kill him and then kill me. "Now, drop it. You're not helping. I have someone."

"Who?" Shit. Why does he have to ask so many questions? 

"Um, Jeremy," 

Jeremy? Really Danielle? You haven't talk to Jeremy in years but now, all of a sudden, he's back? You're a really bad liar.

God, I hate lying. 

"Jeremy? Since when do you talk to him?" His eyebrows come together and he crosses his arms. 

"I, um, I ran into him, at work the other night," I bite my lip and my eyes start to roam for anything but his. 

He's not stupid.

"He's gay, Danielle. Why would he be in a strip club?" 

"He's changed, I guess." I shrug my shoulders and quickly turn on my heel towards the bedroom. 

"You don't just change being gay, you do know that?" 

He knows you're lying. He can probably taste it since you're a horrible liar. 

Oh, shut up. Okay, give me a break. 

"Maybe he's bisexual now. Either way he was there and we caught up on everything, okay?" 

"Okay,"

*