Winter's Sunshine

20. Storm after the Sunrise

Sun rays beamed down on Jen's face, making her cringe. An unfamiliar pain made her forehead throb

"Argh", she said stirring a bit. She opened her eyes and her hand reflexively rose up to shield her eyes from the sun. She noticed the ceiling. "What the fuck?", Where am I?

"Hmm?", a voice came from her right. It was Bucky sleeping, murmuring softly in his sleep.

Jen jerked back from him instinctively and noticed that she was wearing no clothes. No, fuck no. This can't be happening. She hurriedly stood up, regretting her decision as she groaned in pain. She was never a heavy drinker, in fact, she drank rarely but last night had been insane.

She looked at Bucky who was looking  as handsome as usual. She wanted to stay beside him, wake up with him but she knew she shouldn't. She remembered their last night together. Home that's how she remembered feeling with him.  She smiled at this thought but immediately dismissed it shaking her head. I can't do this. I can't risk it.

She gathered all her clothes and put them on quickly. She looked over at Bucky who was still sleeping peacefully. She grabbed her shoes and made her way to the door. Flashes from last night raced through her throbbing head as she saw Bucky's hoodie hanging by the doorknob.

Biting her lower lip she contemplated hard whether to stay in this bliss or to leave. She sighed and chose to do the latter. I can't. I am sorry Bucky.

She closed the door behind her and  hurridely made her way to her room. Need to get ready for work.

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Bucky woke up feeling better than usual. He smiled with his eyes still closed remembering the last night he had spent with Jen. Jen he whispered and he smiled again.

He searched the bed for her with his hand roaming over it but looked over  to find no one beside him. He opened his eyes,sitting up adjusting his gaze to look around his room. "Jen?", he called out, to which he heard no response.  He wore his pants which were lying on the ground and walked to his bathroom in the hopes of finding Jen in there but much to his dismay, couldn't find her.

He then grabbed his mobile and called her. He called her twice and then for the sixth time in a row but she didn't answer. He found it odd, he knew last night had been great for him and her as well. So why the hell is she avoiding me, he wondered.

He looked around to see if Jen had left a note as he was starting to get anxious. He knew something was off. He could feel it. He had to find her and talk to her. What happened suddenly? Why did she leave like this? Was I not good enough for her? Did I do something? Not that I remember of- I need to find it out.

With these train of thoughts, he picked up his T-shirt and exited his room. Sam was walking towards him, whistling teasingly at him.

"Someone had a great night", Sam chirped at him.

"Not now Sam", Bucky said with a stern face making his way straight to the lift. He was waiting for the lift when he suddenly turned to Sam who was now sitting by the counter sipping his coffee. "Sam?", he called out. "Have you by any chance see Jen today?"

"You guys spent the night together and she left in the morning without telling you?"

Bucky just rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by Sam's conclusion, which was, in fact, the truth but it did bruise his ego. "Did you see her?", he asked again.

"So she kind of used you and just walked away?"

Bucky charged at Sam hearing his comment but Sam was quick enough to retreat from him.

Bucky backed off but the comment stuck with him. Used me? Did she really? Negative thoughts started clouding his head. He tried brushing them off but just couldn't. She wouldn't, he was convincing himself. But then why did she left?

Angrier than ever Bucky got in the lift and made his way to Jen's room. It was still 7 o'clock, he could still find her in her room. He needed some answers.

How could she just use me?