Beyond Denver

Chapter 42

 Maroney and I sit by the lake at James Madison Park. "I can believe classes start on Tuesday."

Maroney doesn't say anything, and I'm wondering whether he is having a bad day. He is quiet, not talkative as usual. This is going on since he arrived at my place this afternoon. I suggest him to go to the lake and get some fresh air. This time he doesn't drive, so we walk to James Park. The sun is out, and the lake is peaceful, just like I wish my mood to be. It's hard to guess what's inside Maroney's mind. I don't know what's is in inside his head.

I don't know how long with sit there saying nothing to each other.

I can no longer hold what's inside of me. I'm feeling Maroney is not the right person for me, and I don't know how to tell him that.

"I have to tell you something." I cock my head to the side. "I know I should have told you this before, but you never called this week. This is not something I wanted to tell you through text message."

My words don't seem to affect Maroney. He stares at the lake, his expression completely spaced out.

"Maroney?" 

"I heard what you said. Go ahead," He says, looking at the lake.  A few ducks approach the shore, expecting us to feed them with bread crumbs—instead, Maroney light up his cigarette. The smoke comes straight on my face, and I try to remove it with my hands. 

"Your ex showed up at my door at five-thirty on Sunday."

"I know." It is all he has to say.

 Realy? It is all he has to say?

"Why didn't you tell me?" I sound frustrated. I'm not here to play any games.

"Because this is how she is. Do you think it is the first time she has done something like that?"

"Wow. And you don't even text me to say sorry? Nothing?"

"I can't apologize for something that is out of my control, Cassidy. I can't put a leash on this girl."

"Yeah, right. But I don't feel safe with her coming over here to harass me. What can you do to stop her?"

Maroney doesn't have an answer. I barely can recognize who he is. "All I can say is that this is all my fault."

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

He ignores me, "Do you mind if I go upstairs and I use your bathroom?" he asks.

I shake my head. "Here is the key to the apartment. Please don't smoke inside." Maroney quickly finishes his cigarette. "Okay, I throw the bud on the garbage can upstairs," he says before going to my apartment.

Next, I wait for Maroney, but he never returns to the shore. I'm waiting for over twenty minutes. Is he okay? Is there something else going on? I grab my purse and head toward my building. I hope Maroney didn't go home with my key. I hope he didn't go home without saying good-bye. 

The apartment appears empty, and I don't hear any noise or commotion that tells me Maroney is there. The bathroom door is left open. Great! I open my purse to geta hold of my phone to call him. I need him to bring me back my key. I'm pissed.

I dialed his number as I enter my bedroom. I jump and disconnect when I see him lying on my bed. I'm not sure whether Maroney is taking a nap, but I'm relieved he is breathing. I come closer.

"Are you okay?" I shake him slowly. His body is lying on the side, his face toward the wall.

He mumbles the words with his lips and opens both eyes. "I don't feel well."