The Brokenhearted [Ongoing]

Chapter 33

Chad's POV

Raul breathed heavily at the edge of the bed. The alarm clock was surrounded with shards of white plastic on the floor.

"I'll pay for it. I didn't know you were up," I said as I handed him a strong cup of black coffee.

Walking to the bedroom window, I gazed out the Chrysler building and its iconic crown.

"Did you know," I broke the silence, "The Chrysler building was the tallest in the world for 11 months until the Empire State building surpassed it?"

Sitting with his back to me, Raul maintained his silence.

"Then there's Jersey over there," I gestured past the Hudson towards the neighboring state, "Which is considered the armpit of America in spite of being known as the Golden State. Tragic!" I continued, "Just tragic."

He turned towards me, squinting as the sunlight hit his face

"Are you talking about last night or Jersey?" croaked Raul.

I was dreading this moment, but we couldn't ignore the elephant in the room any longer. My anger and hatred for him persisted, and was clawing its way out.

"Both," I looked down at the swirling coffee in my mug.

Silence ensued and neither of us moved. My disdain for him wouldn't allow me to look him in the eye.

"It just feels like nightmare. It feels like it happened to someone else but I know it didn't," he began, "I just want to erase it."

"I'm sure," I stated as I took another sip.

"I don't know what came over me, I was just so angry and didn't stop drinking and then..." Raul leaned forward placing his head on his hands. "My head," he mumbled.

I had some Tylenol in my hand, but I couldn't bring myself to give it to him. I wanted him to be hurt. I wanted him to pay for what he had done to Micah, for what Sophia had done to me.

"Chad, what am I going to do?" he finally asked.

I struggled with the same question during the hours I'd been awake. My loyalties as a friend lay with Raul but at the same time, I cared dearly for Micah.

"Chad, help me," his voice cracked, "Please help me I don't know what to do."

Listening to him breakdown and reach out for my help weakened the rage that had filled me within.

"I don't know who else to turn to, please Chad, I'm begging you."

I handed him the pills and sat down silently as he continued to weep.

"Last night, while you were sleeping, I almost called Micah." I confessed.

Raul stopped crying and turned towards me in horror.

"Why? Why would you do that?"

"I didn't call her. I said I ALMOST did, 'Tanga'," I replied

"But why would you even think of calling her?"

"Because you're no different from Sophia," the words escaped without hesitation and released a heavy weight within.

Stunned, Raul was dumbfounded.

"Tell her the truth and I hope she forgives you," I continued, "That's the only reason I didn't call her. She needs to hear it from you."

"Chad, I can't. I'd lose her."

"That's true, she'll probably leave you, but at least you do the right thing," I made my way towards the door.

"I can't do that, it's just not an option," his voice more coarse now.

At those words I stopped and turned towards him.

"Raul, the truth always comes out. Eventually, one way or another, she will find out." With that, I shut the door behind me.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

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Thank you for reading my story hope you enjoy..
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