End of the World

9

10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... !!!!

Teresa closed her eyes. She stood among the crowd of elegant people in a long, backless dress tied around the neck and brand new high heels. Beside her, Travis Green was standing in a black tuxedo and a snow-white shirt. He looked phenomenal. A real Conan-Elegant. Powerful, muscular like a gladiator in a perfectly cut outfit, he aroused respect among men and dreamy sighs among women. She felt very uncomfortable. Such sumptuous places made her intimidated. She used to like elegant restaurants and clubs once, but since she had a simple life, she saw a huge gap between life in Chicago and Idaho Falls.

"There will be a New Year in a moment," she thought.

It had been a year since my mother's death, she had no family anymore. This New Year's Eve filled her with sadness, so at first she did not want to hear about any party. Travis, however, was more stubborn than she was. He took her to the biggest New Year's Eve party in the city, introduced her to friends and made sure she had fun. He was really charming, and if she could overcome her sadness, she would be the best party in her life.

... .3 ... 2 ... 1 .... !! Happy New Year!!!

The roar of happy and impressed guests spread across the entire ballroom. Travis took Tess in half and pulled to him. He leaned and whispered in her ear:

- Happy New Year, Tess.

A murmuring, dark voice touched the string that held lust. She felt a pleasant shudder, feeling her breath on her neck. For a week, she had struggled to throw herself at the giant and free from the frustrating feeling of unfulfillment. Earlier, she had been deluded that Vincent would call, that the trip might work in her favor, but nothing like that happened.

And apparently it will not happen - the subconscious has maliciously prompted

- Where is your fucking bell - She muttered softly, leading a dialogue with her own head - Suddenly, are you on the other side?

- Travis? Take me home ... - She told the man in the ear before he could straighten out.
- Something happened? Are you having a bad time? - He asked with concern
- Just take me away from here - She grabbed his hand

When he looked into her eyes, he understood. They were filled with sadness and pain. He did not notice this before. All the way he wondered what could have caused such sadness in a woman who, usually, was joyous. When the taxi stood in front of her house, he helped her out.

- I'm sorry that I broke you New Year's Eve.

- You did not ruin it, it was the best New Year's Eve for a long time ...

- My mother died just before the midnight, ... - She explained - Just a year has passed ... - She thought
Travis embraced her and hugged her. He kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair.
- Will you go upstairs?

He stiffened. He tensed each muscle completely unknowingly. At first he thought he heard wrong, but when looked into her eyes ...

He turned and gave the driver a twenty-dollar bill.

- Keep the change. Happy New Year - He said - Come Tess - He grabbed her hand and headed towards the entrance.

He took the keys from her and opened the apartment door. They barely stepped over the door, Tess put her arms around him and climbed on to her fingers. He clenched his eyes and jaw to pain, collecting the remains of a strong will. He barely took a step back. He felt as if someone had kicked him in the underbelly. He did not want to stay away from this woman, but he had to do it. Now she needed some comfort and company, and what would happen in the morning? He would not bear the thought that Tess would regret anything.