Good at Games, Bad at Love (18+)

Chapter 40 - The Truth

I'm sitting on the windowsill watching people go by on their bikes, walking on the sidewalk, and driving their cars. The icy air from the night makes me feel better.

I've smoked almost a pack since I got home, because was a nervous wreck.

Now, I'm trying to pick up all the pieces of this story.

Becky wasn't pregnant after all. That's a fact. So Peter didn't cheat on me. Another fact. He loves me. Fact. So is the Becky and Arto's story real? Probably.

The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is why Peter didn't tell the truth right away. Why didn't he look for me and tell me it was all a lie?

There's gotta be a reason. Did Becky blackmail him? Is this just him trying to protect her?

All I know is that I was playing games with Hardin, and Peter was always faithful to me. I touch my chest to relieve the pressure I feel here. Why do I feel guilty?

I see Peter arrive on his bike. He comes up to me by the window when he sees me.

"Aren't you cold?" he asks, looking a lot more relaxed than he did earlier.

"The cold helps me to think and relax." I smile at him. "Let me open the door for you." I get up.

I go open the building door and then the studio door. Peter comes inside.

"Can I sit?" he asks.

"Of course."

Peter sits at the edge of my bed and I close the window and sit on the arm of the couch.

"You wanted to talk to me. Sorry, I wasn't feeling well earlier. When David kicked you out, I should have said something."

"It's okay. I was pissed and it wouldn't have been a good idea to talk, anyway."

I feel uncomfortable with everything that happened, but much calmer because he is here in front of me. 

We are both looking at each other, so I start this conversation, "First of all, I want you to know that I lied to you. I didn't have sex with Hardin." I see the relief in Peter's eyes and a light smile, but before he says something I add, "I didn't have sex with him, but we were together and made out. Twice since we broke up. I told you about the first time, and the second time was last night." 

Peter looks serious again, "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Do you like him?"

"No. Not the way I like you."

"Then why were you with him?"

"Because you let me believe a lie and I had to move on. And because I felt like it. Because I could. Because we weren't together. Because you wanted it this way." I notice my tone of voice getting louder.

"I didn't want anything!" he shouts.

"Then why did you let this Becky lie go as far as it did? Explain that to me. She made up this stupid story, and you didn't look for me to tell me the truth. Why?"

"Becky didn't come up with anything." I get up and sit next to him.

"Stop sticking up for that bitch."

"I'm not. I wanted to protect you, I didn't want to hurt you and take away the only person you trust and who you lean on. Because you don't have anyone else, but honestly I can't take much more of this whole story."

"You too? Wanting to make me believe that Júlia's the one who did this?" 

I can't believe this! Peter comes closer and looks me in the eye.