Ebony & Ivory [H.S]

Forty-Nine

"So confused, my hearts bruised, was I ever loved by you?"

Opening my eyes from my almost sleepless night, I hear peaceful breathing from behind me. For a moment I feel well-rested. Just for a moment. Believing everything is okay in my world, because it was all just some terrible dream. It's only when I focus on the unfamiliarity of the room that I'm in when it all comes back.

He didn't show up. He doesn't love you.

Turning over to face the other way, my eyes focus on the half nàked man in the bed. At least, I hope he's half nakëd. Vic really took me by surprise last night. He listened to me while I cried to him about what my life has become, and seemingly for the first time since meeting him, he didn't ask for anything in return. He even respected my 'cushion wall' I imposed to prevent him from touching me in my sleep.

Looking at him while he sleeps allows me to see him in a new light. He's better looking than I initially thought. I always knew him to be a good looking guy, but his personality was definitely a turn off that overrode all. I prefer my men to be more humble and loving, and all the things he isn't. Or wasn't?

Stirring slightly in his sleep, his forehead creases, and while his eyes remain closed, he speaks.

"Enjoying the view, are we?" he says aloud, ever so sure of himself, even if he is joking.

Saying nothing in reply, I sit up in bed, still fully clothed from what I was wearing the night before, only I'm probably in a much more sorry state. Getting up, I find a floor length mirror to check the damage, and it's much worse than initially thought. My mascara is certainly no longer where I first applied it. Instead it's chosen to smear itself underneath my eyes, causing me to look like I've been punched in both eyes.

"Thanks for having me," I say, turning around to face him. "I don't know what came over me."

"You have nothing to apologise for," he informs me, sitting up in bed. The sheets fall lower, revealing more of his upper torso, and I look away. "He's the one who should be ashamed, not you."

The way in which he says the last sentence cuts through me like a knife. I know that he's somewhat right, but all I want to do is defend Harry, and brush over what he did. I know it's wrong of me to feel this way, but I need time to absorb everything that's happened. I know I'll have to move on, but I'll do it in my time, and when I'm ready.