Love Games

Fourteen: The Clock Ticks for Dave

I can hardly wait to leave work and get to Emma's flat. I am exhausted at every step and all I want to do is fall asleep.

Emma will probably be at work, so I'll have the whole place to myself.

After closing the bookshop, I head for the flat.

It's late afternoon and the streets are bustling with people. My head felt foggy, enveloped in a haze of tiredness.

I barely made it to the flat.

Halfway there, a car almost hits me.

Just when I think the day can't get any worse, there's a knock at Emma's door.

It's my ex. His Highness, the man I'd rather spit on than talk to. The pig.

"What have I done to deserve your visit?" I ask sarcastically.

"Sarah. Look at you," Dave replies, taking in my appearance.

I look at myself. I look quite normal. As usual.

I push the door further open, blocking Dave's view of the inside. "What do you want, Dave?" I say, keeping my voice calm despite the storm brewing inside.

"I came to talk," he says, his tone softening as if it could erase the past.

"We have nothing to talk about," I snap, exhaustion making my patience thinner than usual.

"Sarah, please," he pleads, coming closer. "Just give me five minutes."

I consider slamming the door in his face, but curiosity and a hint of unresolved emotion stop me. I sigh and step aside to let him in.

He walks into the flat, looking around as if he is seeing it for the first time. I close the door and lean against it, crossing my arms defensively. "You've got five minutes."

He turns to face me, a look of genuine regret in his eyes. "I made a mistake, Sarah. I miss you."

I scoff, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice. "You miss the idea of me, Dave. You don't miss the real me."

He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident. "That's not true. I've had time to think and I realise how much I've messed up. I want another chance."

I shake my head, the fatigue making it hard to stay angry. "Dave, you have to go. This isn't going to happen."

Before he can answer, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, grateful for the distraction. It's a text from Emma: *Hey, sorry to bother you. Just checking in to see if you're OK. Heard from a friend that Dave might be looking for you. *

I look up at Dave, my resolve hardening. "You have to go, Dave. Now."

He looks like he's going to argue, but then he sighs and nods. "All right, Sarah. But I'm not giving up."

As he leaves, I lock the door behind him and lean against it, feeling the weight of the day finally coming down on me. I walk over to the couch and collapse on it, my mind racing despite my exhaustion.

I text Emma back: *He was here. It's over. I'm fine. *

Her reply is immediate: *Good. Stay safe. I'll be home soon. *

I close my eyes, letting the comfort of familiar surroundings and the knowledge that Emma will be home soon lull me into a sense of security. Sleep finally comes and for the first time all day I feel a semblance of peace.

I wake to the sound of the front door opening. Disoriented, I sit up and blink away the remnants of sleep. Emma walks in, her expression a mixture of concern and relief when she sees me.