It always ends

three

Harper

I opened my eyes and lifted my head from my pillow. The sunlight shining through the window made me shut them immediately.

I groaned and rubbed my eyes.

Then I noticed two things, one there was an empty bottle of wine on the coffee table in front of the couch and two, I wasn't in my room. I was in the living room, lying on the couch.

My head throbbed and last nights events were a blur.

Sort of.

I smiled absentmindedly as I thought about him. And how we spent the night together. Just talking and enjoying each other's presence.

Like old times.

Last night, during the time we spent together, the hollowness in my chest was replaced by warmth and I felt the old Harper slowly resurface.

Then, just as quick as it came back, it went away and I felt emptier than ever.

Because of him.

He's the reason I feel this way. He's the reason I'm empty inside.

The reason I built walls around my heart, turning my once heartfelt self to somewhat heartless.

He's the reason why I can't seem to think properly anymore.

He's the one draining me to nothing while simultaneously replacing that same emptiness with emotions I don't want to feel.

And still, I can't help but want to be around him.

I massaged my head with the palm of my hand and slowly got up.

I went into the kitchen and rummaged through the medicine cabinet and grabbed the bottle of advil.

I filled a glass with water and plopped the pill in my mouth. I swallowed and grimaced as I felt the pill travelling down my throat.

I finished the water and caught sight of the time on the microwave.

Luckily, it was five forty-seven so I had enough to time get ready.

I hurried upstairs to my room and headed inside the bathroom. I rinsed my face and brushed my teeth.

I did my makeup and after brushing my hair, I decried to leave it down. I went over to my closet and picked out a pair of black tights, a black leather skirt, a white button up shirt and a black blazer.

I changed and paired my outfit with my doc martens. I gathered everything I needed for today in my bag.

Then, I was out the door. I got to work at exactly six fifty. I let out a relieved breath. I'm ten minutes early.

I unlocked the door and rushed inside. After turning on all the lights, I headed to the back room, placed my bag down and took off my blazer. I put on my apron and went to the door to flip the sign to the 'open' side.

I made sure everything was in place and then sat behind the counter on the bakery side of the store, waiting for the customers—and a certain someone to arrive.

I sort of doubted that he's actually come yet the flicker of hope inside of me was eating away the negative thinking.

While I waited, I went on my laptop. I had some work to do on there before I had to get started in the kitchen.

The door bell chimed and I turned my attention to the door.

The stupid part of me had expected it to be him, Instead it was Genevieve.