Promise?

Chapter 5

(present)

Chloe wasnt exactly pleasant in the mornings, and the fact that she couldnt sleep at night due to her ever active thoughts about a particular jerk, made her even more grumpy that morning.

She was sure she'd snap at anyone attempting to make conversation with her.

Reece had been calling and texting her non-stop since the last time they talked; and she wasnt really that keen on talking to him any time soon; but knowing how he was, she knew that if she didnt talk to him in the next half hour or so, she'd definitely see him pulling in his car in her driveway just to make sure that she was fine.

Cute, right?

She loathed herself for not being able to like him, how-much-ever she tried.

So she sent him a quick text :

"Had some work last night and I'll be busy since I have a presentation today. Will call you once free. Sorry and Morning! :)

She let out a groan as she realised she had to get ready in order to get to her workplace.

It was still wednesday, and she knew she still had two more days of torture before her weekend holiday.

Showering quickly, she put a crisp white shirt and a black pencil skirt, applied minimal make-up and went down grabbing her handbag and jacket.

She prepared tea for herself and grabbed some cookies for breakfast.

Her friends had always been jealous because of the fact that whatever Chloe ate, she'd barely put on some weight.

She wasnt exactly an exercise person; the only exercise being a quick run on weekends.

Hurrying towards her car after locking her door; she left for work, with numerous thoughts floating in her mind and slightly dry eyes due to the lack of sleep.

*******

Not only was work tiring today, but the thoughts of a certain someone irritated her the entire day and now here she was, with a takeout in her hand and one of her most shitty moods, standing at her doorstep.

On top of that, she was shocked to say the least when she saw the lights on in her house.

She tried to think if her mum had told her that they'd be visiting her, soon realising they were out of town. So that wasnt possible.

However drained she was, her thoughts started running wildly. What if its a thief?

With the takeout placed safely in her bag and armed with her nail filer and deodrant; she decided to attack the intruder.

In this mood, the thief was at risk, because Chloe was so damn frustrated that she'd punch him squarely or wont even hesitate to stab him with the filer.

Moving stealthily, as she opened the door, ready to hit anyone in sight, she froze in her place.

She couldnt process the image in her eyes, let alone believe it.

She saw Alan sat on the couch in her living room, his back facing her, tapping furiously on his cellphone.

She blinked. Once. Twice. Still there.

And for once she contemplated actually going there and attacking him.

He was an intruder actually.

She took a deep breath and went to stand behind him, then suddenly voicing out her thoughts.

" What are you doing here?" she asked slowly but menacingly.

He jumped in surprise with the sudden intrusion and then smile - really wide.

He looked at her in awe.

"Hello to you too!" he said.

" What in hell are you doing here?"

"What do you think I was doing? I was waiting for you."

"Did you break in?" She asked incredulously.

" Into your heart you mean? " he teased.

He saw her jaw tensed, trying to hold in the anger. Perfect! He thought.

" Did you break into my house?" she asked angrily.

" Well it isnt exactly called breaking in if you use a key right?"

" And how is that possible?"

He took a few steps towards her.

" I got your house keys from Erica's sister."

He shrugged stating simply.

Couldnt Erica keep the damn keys safe???

" Whatever. Give me the keys and leave."

"I wasnt here to keep your house safe while you were out you know? "

" What do you want?" she asked suddenly irritated. Somehow, his presence ticked her off.

" Just wanted to catch up a bit you know? Over tea and snacks."

" I am not in a mood to talk. So 'catching up' as you say it, isnt a good idea"

" Did I hear it right? You" he pointed in her direction to make his point " You arent in a mood to talk?" he asked hysterically.

" Dont act like you know me okay?"

" But maybe I do. And maybe thats what you're afraid of."

" Why would I be afraid, huh?"

" Because I know better to see past this facade that you like to put on." he came closer with each word he said.

" Because you're afraid that someone knows you better than you do. And because you're too afraid to trust anyone anymore."

He was right in front of her; and Chloe knew better than to look at him. She could hear her heartbeat grow real loud and wondered if he could too.

She took a step back instantly, all the anger coming back to her in full force. She had to be strong.

" I dont think its good to be so delusional you know? You might get hurt someday when you realise not everything is about you."

" Too bad your facade makes you a coward. I thought you were better than this."

"What??!" she practically shouted in annoyance.

" Or wait, let me guess. Maybe it isnt a facade. Maybe you're back to how you used to be before we met. Running from the problems? "

And this is why, she didnt want to face him. He knew all too well about her.

" Says who? " she said.

He stiffened at this. He knew he had ran away from her, and he knew what a coward he had been.

Getting poised again, he defended.

" Why? Are you angry that I left? Did you miss me that much?"

She snorted, disgusted.

" You know, for once, try not to think from your dick. And realise for once that it isnt always about you. And I think we had enough 'catching up' she air-qouted with her fingers, so I'd appreciate if you leave."

" What? You wont ask me for tea? I'm your guest, come in now." he mocked hurt.

" Help yourself. And it would be great if you act like a ghost. I cant see you, cant talk to you and am unaware of your existence. And once you're done, you can leave." she finished haughtily and went to her room before he could answer.

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