Someone Else

Chapter 28

My room was significantly darker when I peeled my swollen eyes open. I could see through my balcony window, the sun was setting over the horizon. How long had I been asleep?

I frown as I force myself to sit up in bed. My body feeling fragile and drained, my face stained with tears from crying myself to sleep.

Searching for my phone, I find it hidden beneath the blankets in bed with me. I check the time first, realizing a couple hours have passed since I'd fallen asleep. Next, I notice the several text messages from Adam. The sight of his name makes my stomach drop.

I'm aching for him, wishing to be in his arms, telling him everything, but then Noah's words repeat themselves over and over in my mind.

Stay away from him or this video will be on the internet for all to see.

I can't risk it. We've already risked so much just doing what we've done. This would be the end of his marriage; the end of his career.

I can feel the tears forming in my eyes once again, but before I can wallow in self pity for too long, a knock at my door startles me. I swallow the lump in my throat, blinking my eyes in an attempt to clear my emotions.

I stand to make my way toward the door, catching a glimpse of my appearance in the mirror. I cringe at the sight. My eyes are puffy from crying, dark bags taking residence beneath them. My hair is matted and sticking in different directions. I'm quite a sight.

I take a deep breath as my hand connects with the cool metal of the door knob, opening it. The thing- or rather the person, I was most afraid of seeing, is standing on the other side.

He doesn't even wait for me to invite him, he gently brushes past me, walking further into my room without saying a word. I sigh, closing the door behind him. I stand idly next to it, not saying a word and barely able to look at him.

"Adam..." I begin quietly, my voice coming out weaker than I anticipated. His eyes meet mine and a frown flashes across his perfect features as he takes in the sight of me. I'd be frowning at the appearance of disappointment too.

"You shouldn't be here." Is all I'm able to say.

He ignores my statement. "You've been avoiding me. Why?"

He's standing by my bed while my feet are still glued near the door. Perhaps to keep space between us, or maybe in case I need a speedy exit. Who knows?

"I wasn't feeling good today. I didn't answer your call because I was napping." I chew on my lip. Well, it wasn't a complete lie.

He sees through my bullshit though. It's not enough of an excuse for him.

"Is it because I told you I love you?"

My eyes finally snap toward his at those words. The emotion displayed across his face is enough to make me want to cry again. His eyes are glossy though I can tell he's holding himself together well. Concern is etched across his face. I swallow the urge down before I'm able to speak.

"What? No! This-" I'm flustered he'd even think that,
"Adam, this has nothing to do with that." I shake my head.

"Then tell me what's going on." He begs, taking a step toward me and I retaliate back. In my mind, maintaining the distance will make this easier. Maybe.

"I just-" my voice cracks. Nope. It doesn't make it easier. "I don't think we... should do this anymore."

A thick silence falls between us at those words, it's deafening, almost awkward as I fidget with my fingers. I'm looking anywhere but him, knowing he's staring at only me. This time he closes the gap between us, moving inches in front of me and I don't retreat.