Destined

Forty Three

Ah Wednesday. My most hated day. It started with a brutal Calculus class. Having Matt right next to me to help out with the senseless equations didn't do me much good. And then after that, I had my Religious Studies class that felt like it didn't want to end. Even lunch with Talia seemed exhausting, despite the fact that she and Tyler tried to keep me in the loop of conversation.

I had my three hour Social Science class afterwards. And Miss Flemmings was not a person you wanted talking your ear off for any length of time. Safe to say, I was not enjoying my day. In truth, I was just irritable because I missed Vince. He'd been gone just over twenty four hours and I felt like the addict that I was, having withdraws.

The only thing I had to look forward to was a special edit draft of his new book. He'd sent it to me earlier in the day and I was more than excited to read it. Already having planned out how I was going to end my day. A box of takeout, a hot shower, and the draft on my laptop as I curled myself in Vince's bed. I missed him so much, I hoped being in his place would soothe me. And I had a key.

I stepped into Vince's apartment, exhausted and ready to shower and order food  and read. Except, the moment I stepped in, Vince was standing in the lounge. And in his arms was no other than Reese Erleene. I froze.

Vince glanced at me, looking almost guilty as he released the girl in his arms.

"Kristina," he spoke.

Reese turned and gasped at me. She looked... horrible. Tear stained, with mascara smudges and puffy eyes.

"Oh wow, I'm so sorry," Reese wiped at her face.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"I was just leaving," Reese said. "I'm sorry," she repeated grabbing her bag off the sofa. "May I use your bathroom to freshen up?"
"Of course," Vince answered.

She walked passed him leaving us alone.

"I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow,"

I tried to keep the seething hatred out of my voice but even I could hear it lacing every word I spoke.

"I came early," he responded. "Nick was discharged,"
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I wanted to come home and surprise you,"
"Well consider me surprised," I folded my arms in front of me.
"When I got here, Reese was crying at my door, so I let her in and she told me that her dad had been hospitalized, she just wanted someone to talk to,"
"And it had to be you?" I asked.

We both shut up when we heard the bathroom door open and shut. Seconds later, Reese appeared in the lounge again looking her usual composed self.

"Vee, I mean Vince, sorry, that's going to take a while to get used to, thank you so much. I feel a lot better now," she said to him.
He turned to her and nodded, "I'm glad,"

He was about to turn back to me when she launched herself at him, hugging him. He looked momentarily unsure before he simply hugged her back. She smiled at me over his shoulder, briefly reminding me of the same act I'd pulled on her a few weeks ago at dinner. I rolled my eyes as Vince stepped back away from her, as though afraid she'd grab him again.

"Goodbye Kristina, you better hold onto him, he's a good one," and out the door she went.

I stared at Vince.

"Are you mad at me?" He asked tentatively.
"Should I be?"
"I couldn't just ignore her, Kristina,"
"You realize she's using that fact to get to me, get to us,"
"I love you, she means nothing to me,"
"Oh she means something alright," I walked passed him.

I heard him sigh in frustration as he followed me to the kitchen. I was pouring myself a glass of water as he stood watching me, not saying a thing. Fine, we'll play that game.