The Lies That Bind

Chapter 23 : An Ultimatum

It seems Kazmir has kept his word and gave me space as I hadn't heard from him since the last text message was sent a few days ago. Though I'm a little worried, I will retain a poker face for however long I'm working at Norton and this relationship lasts. I'm going to give him one opportunity to explain or it's over. I've come to the painful conclusion that I can no longer be in a seemingly one-sided relationship. As much as it hurts, I'd rather be alone.

The sky is a cheery mix of blues and pinks by the time I reach the vintage building where the clinic resides. The parking lot's still alight by the golden hue of the street lights, hanging solemnly above. I scan the area in search of his Volga, but I don't see it. I shrug casually; either he's not here yet or he parked elsewhere. No matter, I'll talk to him before my shift ends at 3. I chuckle lightly; it's been so long since I worked a regular 8 hour job. Even at the clinic, I had to do more hours just like at a hospital, but I love my work so I didn't mind.

I adjust the skirt of my black and white pencil dress before checking to make sure the plunging neckline isn't revealing too much. When satisfied enough, I climb out of my Lincoln only to spot the man in question pull in on the opposite end of the parking lot. My heart rate begins to pick up, but I'm not sure if it's out of relief that he's still alive, or anger upon realizing I have to spend 8 hours with him. I'll go with anger; I'm still upset, and not only over our text-based argument.

His expression is a blank slate. Those icy blue eyes seem even colder against the contrast of his dark suit as they stare back at me through black hornrim glasses. We stay quiet for what seems like the longest time; it feels eerie given the fact the city itself has not yet woken to the hustle and bustle of the morning commute.

"Edith." Kazmir's voice is a quiet rumble, and I can't tell what he's feeling.

"Doctor," I mutter, choosing to remain formal. "I haven't heard from you in a few days."

"I am giving you your space. I do not want conflict, especially at work."

I press my red lips together for a moment; okay, that makes sense I suppose. "I feel the same way."

"Good," He quickly cuts me off, "then I will be seeing you later inside."

Kazmir makes an attempt at leaving but I quickly step in front of him; we're not done here. "We need to talk."

His expression remains unchanged, "We can talk another time."

He tries to leave again and once more I block his path. "No, we're talking now because I refuse to let this go on." I wait for him to settle, leaning against his car as he waits for me to continue.

"I can't take this anymore, Kazmir." I admit, "I can't take the secrecy, you needing to have some sort of will over me. I can't - - won't be in a relationship where the other person can't give me 100 percent. And I certainly won't marry someone like that. You know as much as I do that cannot work. So..." I pause, taking a deep breath before adding, "So, if you can't give me your all, then let me go." My voice is quiet, but I do not tear myself away from his blue gaze.

Kazmir's eyes leave mine, frowning as if in thought. Seconds later, he lets out a heavy sigh of defeat and looks back at me. "I cannot talk to you about this now." There's a miniscule twang of sadness in his tone.

"Why not? There's no one here."

"You never know who is listening in, and where."

As if on cue, a dark colored sedan similar to Kazmir's M1 rolls by slowly. It's probably just a Ford, but Kazmir stares at it long and hard before it moves out of sight.