Finding The 10

16 - Jealousy

Frankie's POV

Morning comes before I have even made it to my bed. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up to an empty house. I was expecting to wake up to a snoring Eli but the house is eerily quiet.

I check my phone and see that it's just after 7am.

The appartment feels so still and empty so I decide to search for a sign of life.

I make my way to Eli's room and open it slowly to find his bed made and empty. I even check my room but it's the exact same as I left it; messy.

I check my phone for any messages from Eli stating that he won't be home but there is nothing. No word from him at all.

Dread begins to set in as my mind wanders to all of the worst case scenarios that could have happened. What if he got beaten up on the way home from the bar? What if he is in the hospital? What is he is dead?

So many what if's and no answers in sight.

I take a large breath of air and try to think logically for a moment. I can't think of anything but the worst case scenarios right now.

He probably stayed after work and had a few drinks and slept in the bar with Marco. It's not the first time any of us has ever done that. I've done it myself a few times when I didn't want to go home to Dex.

Maybe I should text Marco and check with him? The thought crosses my mind and I reach for my phone but quickly stop. No. I'm not Eli's girlfriend. I'm not even a friend. Well kinda but still. I'm just his roommate and roommates don't need to check in with each other all the time.

But I still want to know what's going on.

I scroll through the contacts on my phone and find Eli's name. I open a message and begin typing a simple 'where are you?' but am quick to delete.

This is so frustrating!

I decide to channel my frustrations into something productive.

After gathering cleaning supplies from under the kitchen sink I set to work on my bathroom. I scrub every inch of the room from head to toe and soon find myself rearranging my bedroom. I clean out my wardrobe and put aside a huge garbage bag full of clothes to donate to the homeless. But when I check my phone and see that it's now 10am and still no word from Eli, the worry sets in double time.

Where the hell is he? Is he ok?

I grab my phone and open up his contact information. I let my finger hover over the icon that lets me dial his number for what feels like an hour before I hear the telltale sound of keys in the front door. I quickly head to the lounge room where I can see the front door clearly.

My eyes widen in an instant as Eli steps inside with his hair and clothes a mess and smelling like the inside of brewery. Stale cigarettes also accompany his odour and it's clear that he barely slept.

Our eyes meet and guilt flashes across his face. For a second, he looks like a repentant child. But he quickly shakes off his saddened face and gives me a slight smile.

"Hey." His says in a husky tone.

"Hey." I reply emotionless. "You look like you haven't slept."

"I didnt really. And I definitely need a shower." He says with a laugh before walking towards his room and straight past me.

As he does I see the distinct smudge if dark red lipstick on his neck and collar of his shirt along with the sweet smell of ladies perfume. I close my eyes not wanting to see more but I can't stop my mouth from wanting to know more.