Sting » Louis

seven

I can still remember that night. I can remember the sound of my heels on the concrete, as I was running towards my flat. The pounding on my head, the dizziness, the taste of vomit in my mouth. It was surprisingly cold that night. I was wet from sweat and I was almost a hundred percent sure that I would probably get sick the next day. But I wasn't really worried about that. What really bothered me was Louis' comeback to my life. His  scent, his warm touch, his taste...

I am not really sure how I managed to reach my appartment's building. I mean, in the situation that I was I could probably have fallen on the street, hurting myself or being raped or kidnapped. Many scenarios passed my mind, but luckily for me none of them came true. I staggered to the building's entrance and took out my keys to unlock. Finding the elevator and gathering my things took me some time...

                                                                         ***

The fact that Louis was following me did pass my mind. He couldn't leave anything happen to me, plus he would want to know where I lived and with who I lived, if he hadn't already known. My head was spinning uncontrollably when the elevator's door opened, signalling me to step out. I took a few steps to reach my door and collapsed at the wall next to it, crying my heart out. No, it mustn't have been the alcohol I had consumed. I was unsteady. Psychologically. Just when I thought that everything in my life was intact, after Louis, he came back and wrecked everything once more. The shield that I had been building all of these years to protect me and most importantly, me. I knew that if I ever saw him again I would buckle. I knew deep down that I was in love with him, but it was wrong. Any relationship with him would be catastrophic for both of us. I had to move on. He had to do that too...

I balanced myself on the wall behind me and stood up. My feet were killing me from the heels that I was wearing, my breasts were feeling like they were going to burst out of the tiny dress that I was wearing in any minute. I shuffled my bag once more to find the door's key and wiped my eyes and nose with the back of my hand. If I didn't want to wake Max up, I had to keep quiet.

I took a deep breath and unlocked the door as slowly as I could. After seeing that it was all dark and no one was there, I moved to the bathroom, to get the alcohol and Louis' scent off me. I knew I was going insane. I couldn't get him out of my head. I couldn't stop my memories from flooding my mind. When I met him, when he kissed me, when we made love for the first time...  

I looked myself in the mirror and a terrified gasp left my lips. My hair was tangled up, my dress creased, my makeup smashed under my eyes, my green orbs seemed lost. That's what he had done to me. He had ruined me, both physically and psychologically. So I had to stay away. I opened a cupboard next to the mirror and took out my tranquilizers. I swallowed one quickly and kicked my shoes and dress off to have a relaxing shower.

                                                                        ***

The hot water was hitting my back, a veil of steam was surrounding me. It was like I was in a different world, where nothing and no one could bother me. A vanilla aroma was filling my nostrils. My eyes were closed and my mind was uncontrollably going to the one person I was supposed to hate. I wanted him with me in there. In that bathroom, with his strong arms around my waist, his bare chest pressed to my back. I wanted him to kiss my neck and tell me he loved me. And deep down I wanted him to take me there as the water was soaking our bodies. I craved to feel him again. All of him. And my late night fantasy in the shower reminded me of our moments on that island four years ago. I bit my lip. How stupid are you, Gemma?

I was quick to get out of my steaming shower and wear some fresh clothes that I had grabbed and tiptoed to my bedroom. Max would have been there, so I really didn't really want to wake him up and start a four o'clock in the morning interrogation. I was too worn out to do anything. I saw Max's bare chest at the other side of the bed when I neared it. I laid down carefully on the edge of the bed and closed my eyes. A burr in my ears was making it hard to sleep and so did a headache.

I tried to think. And everything came back to earlier this evening. "He's completely eye-fucking you, since he stepped foot in here.",  ''I can't let you go again."  Voices in my head were haunting me, his turqoise eyes were behind mine every time that I closed them.

Soon enough, I fell into a dreamless sleep.

                                                                     ***

Max wasn't in bed when I woke up. He was probably at work. I had absolutely no idea what time it was and a massive headache was making me dizzy. I hadn't drunk that much, had I? I looked outside the window at London's sky. Grey clouds had hid the sun behind them selfishly. I groaned. Typical British weather. Unconsciously I looked at my bedside table and saw an aspirin and a glass of water. How did he-

I drank the medicine and unwillingly dragged myself to the kitchen. I was pretty hungry and absolutely had no intention to do anything that day. I was going to lay down and probably watch movies the entire time. Yes, I was being lazy, for once in my life.

The moment I stepped into the kitchen I met Max's back. He seemed like he was preparing something. It was strange. Wasn't he supposed to be at work? I mentally cursed myself for not hearing him, so that I would pretend I was sleeping for a few more hours to avoid his questions. What would I say to him? That Louis was at the graduation? That he followed me to the bar and kissed me in the toilets? That was just too complicated.

"Rise and shine, beautiful!" he smiled at me. His brown eyes filled with emotion. I smiled. I didn't want to talk. At least not yet. I didn't trust my voice.

"Did you have fun last night?" he asked his beautiful smile never leaving.

"Well.." I cleared my voice. "It wasn't anything really special, you know I don't like loud parties and stuff like this." "I know." he kissed my cheek.

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks from his sweet gesture. Max returned to his cooking and I started making my hair into a messy ponytail. I sat on a stool in our kitchen and inspected him. He seemed truly focused on his work. An apron was around his waist. I bit my lips to prevent myself from laughing. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost midday. A loud laugh erupted from Max's lips. He must have noticed me looking at the time.

"It's okay. It's normal." he laughed. " I rolled my eyes at him and started leaving the kitchen. "I almost forgot!" he shouted. I turned my back to meet him. He was holding an white envelope. I was quick to grab it from him. "I didn't open it since it was for you."

Bold black letters were written on it. 

Deakin Enterprises, Inc. 

London, England.

To:

Miss Gemma Carter.

The moment I saw where that letter was from, I ripped it open, reading quickly the paper inside. I could see Max's eyes diverting from the paper to my face. I started smiling uncontrollably when I finished the letter. 

"What? What does it say?" Max was pale. I started jumping around the house, laughing uncontrollably. Dancing to an non existent music. "Gemma?" 

I fell into his arms. "They are impressed by my studies so they want to offer me a job!" I shouted happily. "What? That's great news! " Max smiled. "I just can't believe it! The most successful company in the UK wants me to work for them! Isn't that great?! I have to go tomorrow at 8 to meet the president." I fell into the cushions of the sofa.

"Mrs Deakin?" Max asked placing his arm on his waist. "I guess." I smiled. "Her husband George Deakin died a few years ago and she took charge. She's a worthy opponent to the company I work for." he smiled. I widened my eyes. "Oh, my God. I totally forgot. I'm sorry Max. If you want to I won't accept the job." "No, there's no need to. It's your dream job. Plus, you won't have me around to spill the Deakins' secrets."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart pounding loudly against my chest. "I got a promotion. And I have to move to New York."

*

*

*

Sorry for not updating for so long. I had author's block and no time. Hope this chap doesn't disappoint you as much as it disappoints me.

8tracks: emily_jane_t