Page 105 of All That Remains
He yielded. The door opened and he stepped aside. He was wearing the same clothes from the day before—white graphic tee, ripped jeans, giant boots, except today he lookedawful. Had he slept at all? His hair was mussed and there were dark circles forming under his eyes. The room was dark, since he had drawn the drapes closed, and it reeked of cigarettes.
"Hey..." I uttered, deep-chested and out of breath from my run.
He chucked his chin at me, looking dispirited and thin, letting his hand slide heavily away from the door handle. I caught a glint of the rose ring I’d gotten him a couple of years ago on his birthday. He was likely wearing it out of habit, not for any sentimental purposes. I shut the door as he sat on the foot of the bed to check his phone.
"You had somethin' to say?" he uttered, refusing to meet my eyes.
"You’re leaving?" I was at a loss for how to approach him. He washeated. I could feel the steam from across the room.
"M'sure you've heard...that's why you're here, right?"
He got up and lifted his brows in a way that reminded me of a shrug. He walked over to a cord atop the desk and plugged it into his phone.
"I guess you're right."
"What's good, then? Speak."
"I just...I just don't want you to go, I guess."
He sat back on the foot of the bed with his hands in his pants pockets, staring at the carpet. I backed against the door and slumped to the floor for a much-needed seat.
"How long?" I asked.
"’Til I feel better, I guess."
"Y'okay?"
"I will be. Just as soon as I can get away from here."
"And away from me?" At that, he shrugged—his annoyance poorly veiled. "Rome...you mad at me or something?"
"M'not mad. Just...tired."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, tired is all. Just done, Rafe."
"I know how you feel."
"Do you?"
"I'd like to think so."
"Then why'd you do it?" he ground out, still refusing to meet my eyes. It took several moments for me to realize what he was talking about.
"I didn't."
That made him look at me at last, eyes like slits in the dim light. "What the fuck do you mean, you‘didn't’?"
"I just mean that Ididn't, alright? I just wanted to piss you off."
"Bro..."
"M'sorry. I didn't think you'd react like this! Actually leaving? Over a kiss…that didn’t even actually happen? With some of the shit you’ve done, Rome? Mate, that’s a bit dramatic."
He was speechless. My stupidity knew no bounds.
"I was just pissed ok, Rome? I’m sorry I lied, but I was so upset. I wanted to hurt you.”
