Spotlight |h.s|

Thirty Five

Aubrey Hart

I open my eyes and feel my head pounding, my eyes squinting as the sunlight invades them through the crack in my curtains. I look around to observe where I am, last night feeling a bit hazy. I remember everything, but it feels more like a distant memory than something that happened only 12 hours ago.

I'm in my bed now. How did I get here?

I could've sworn I fell asleep in the guest bed. Did Harry move me?

I groggily get up and take off yesterday's clothes. I take a quick shower, then try to find something to wear. I end up putting on some leopard print wide-legged pants that flare out at the ankles a bit with a cropped white zip up. The material of the pants is very soft snd cozy, almost like yoga pants. I brush my hair and teeth, take some ibuprofen for my head, and leave my room.

I tiptoe my way down the hall and peek into the guest bedroom, seeing Harry still asleep with Charlie at his feet. I know he likes him. He just won't admit it. He would've shooed him away by now if he was bothered by his presence.

I then head down the stairs, Jade helping herself to some of my cereal at the dining room table. I smile at her as I enter, grabbing my usual bowl full of washed strawberries and a glass of water.

"Is asshole still here?" She refers to Harry.

"He's sleeping. He can't just leave. We have to at least post something on social media today to prove that we're still together. I think I'm just gonna make him sit around while I decorate." I shrug.

It's December first, meaning it's time for my Christmas decorations to come out. I almost forgot with everything else I have going on, but gladly, I remembered last minute. It also saves me from having to actually go out today, so I'm happy.

"You're gonna give him the opportunity to ruin Christmas?" She asks like I'd be committing a crime.

"He won't ruin it," I roll my eyes at her exaggeration, "He'll probably just sit there and do nothing."

"Does he even celebrate Christmas?"

"His sister is visiting him for it, so I'd assume so." I shrug.

"Okay..." She trails off before shoving the last spoonful of her Cinnamon Toast Crunch into her mouth before standing to rinse the bowl and put it in the dishwasher.

"Stop giving me doubts before I even start." I frown at her.

"Fine, fine," she holds her hands up in surrender, "Well, I'm gonna go. I have to prep for a shoot. I love you!" She waves goodbye as she walks to the door to put on her shoes.

"I love you!" I reply with a smile before taking a bite out of the red fruit in my hand.

I watch as she leaves, grabbing her purse and shutting the door behind her. I'm then left alone, just me and my strawberries. I eat a few as I wait for the pain meds to kick in, the throbbing in my head slowly becoming less prominent.

Last night replays in my mind, embarrassment coning over me as I remember some of the shit I was doing. The singing, being all touchy, saying what I said, all of it. I'm still surprised he didn't lose his temper, especially since he was on edge from a lack of drugs in his system all night.

I really told him he's "not that bad". I can think that all I want, but I shouldn't admit it to him. All that does is show him that he has room to wiggle his way in and hurt me more than he already has in the past.

I try to stop myself from thinking about it, shaking my head and taking a long drink from my glass of water. I see Charlie trot down the stairs, walking toward me to climb into my lap. Once he does so, I smile and pet him as he calmly sits with me.