Beautifully Damned

twenty three: reflections

nasa by ariana grande

Imogen.

Tonight was something. I knew his family would be intimidating but I didn't expect this. I didn't make out all of what was said but I did catch Amelie call me a prostitute, which was fun. I was fond of his mother and sisters, excluding thing 1 and 2,  Amelie and Marie. I was completely drained, not understanding the shift in my mood fully.

I looked out the window the whole ride through, thinking. What am I doing? I'm in a relationship that isn't going to last and I'm pretending that it's all okay. I have one month left in this city, what was the endgame? I kept catching Max looking at me from the drivers seat but I decided it would be best not to give in.

I wasn't mad, not at all. As rude as she was, Amelie snapped me back to reality. I jumped out of a relationship just to get into a new one. And this time, it felt dangerous because I was actually falling for him. He was a great guy, but I haven't had time to think about me.

We arrived at the hotel, Max gave his keys to a valet and we went inside. I felt bad because tonight had been a heavy night for him but I needed to be alone. It wasn't his fault, I just felt a feeling wash over me. We entered the elevator and I pressed the 8.

"Chérie" He asked

I shook my head in response

"Come up to the penthouse, let's talk about this" He spoke

Soon enough the elevator doors opened and I began to walk towards my suite, "There's nothing to talk about, I'm happy you're reconciling with your family, I really am, but I just need space" I said

"Imogen..." he pinched his nose before I spoke

"Max, I just need to be alone. I jumped out of a relationship and jumped into another one with you, I just need time. We'll talk soon but there are things I need to figure out" I opened my door

"I understand" He said with sad eyes making me sad for doing this

I leaned up to give him a kiss on his cheek, then walked into my suite. I leaned my head against the wall before heading to my room. I changed into my pajamas and went to wash my face. As soon as I hit the bed, I knocked right out.
————

It had been almost a week since that night. I've been in Yasmins room all week. I figured out why my mood changed to drastically, I got my period the morning after that night. Whenever it's that time of the month, I tend to distance myself and become nonchalant.

I thought about that night and my heart broke. It had nothing to do with him, I was just on another page last night and needed to clear my head.

"Imogen, cut the shit" Yasmin said as we laid in her bed

"What?" I asked

"Your relationship with Charlie wasn't even a relationship. I've seen you happier in 2 months than the last 2 years. And yes it was a little fast but love doesn't have a time frame" She concluded

I sniffed, holding back my tears, "I don't know he just makes me feel this feeling, like I would break if anything happened to him" I breathed out

"Dude, you're in love with him. Oh my god, you're in love!" She screamed

"Shut up, I don't know if it's love. Plus he probably doesn't feel the same and we're leaving in a few weeks" I said

"Okay you've been sleeping over here for 5 days now, you're clear of shark week. Go to him, tell him how you feel" She said

"God I hate it when you're right" I rolled over

She spooned me, stroking my hair as tears fell from my eyes.

"What about you, did you and Antoinette have that discussion?" I asked

"Yes, we did and she and I agreed that at the end of the trip we'd go our separate ways" She said

"God, Yasmin that's terrible. You guys are perfect for each other, there must be a way you can make it work"

"Yeah, but long distance sucks plus we said if we ever cross paths again we'd be together" She said

"You're taking it like a champ" I told her

She sighed, "You want some ice cream?" She asked

I nodded, and she got out of bed. I took this time to pull out my phone and call Max. The phone rang and I grew more nervous. He picked up, my heart dropped at the sound of his voice.

"Hello"

"Hey" I spoke, "Where are you?" I asked

"I'm on my way back from work chérie, what's wrong?" He asked

"Nothing, we should talk" I answered

"Okay, go up to the penthouse and wait for me. I'll be there in 10 minutes" He spoke

"Okay" I hung up

I proceeded to go get myself ready. I wore sweatpants and a short sleeved bodysuit, letting my hair fall loose. I put on my Yeezy sandals and headed out to the kitchen. Yasmin looked confused as I walked out dressed up.

"I'm going to see Max, I'll probably be back later" I spoke

"Don't self destruct Imogen, and speak from the heart" She said as she sat eating Ice Cream.

I opened the door to exit, as I got a random text on my phone from a private number.

"You ruined everything. I will make your life a living hell. Count your days while you can Imogen"

I rolled my eyes and deleted the text. I figured it was someone trolling, so I didn't pay it any mind. I made my way to the elevator and pressed 12.
———

Maxime opened the door, shortly after my arrival and met me sitting at the table. He set his keys down and took his jacket off.

"Hi" I spoke

"Hey" He answered

"I owe you an apology" I started

"No it's me who should apologize. It was too soon for you to meet my family, I wasn't even on good terms with them and I took you there. And I never got to apologize for my sisters words" He spoke

I was at a loss for words, "Max, I took this time to really think and I really want to be with you. For these last couple of weeks I want to be with you...The only thing is what happens after?"

"I don't know. Chérie, we can work it out. But before all that, come here" He opened his arms

I got up and walked into his arms, taking in his smell and melting in his embrace. I felt at peace.
********

It's like i'm the universe and you'll be —

I love these bitches

Predict what you think is coming