#3 - The Flash

The Flash

by lenniez

He held her tightly in bed that night, cradling her head on his chest. His fingers gently ran down her hair. The scent of her shampoo filled the air. His arms tucked her body closely to his as she found that special spot that fit her head comfortably, just below his shoulder. Their feet, messily intertwined under the covers, reluctant to move an inch. Their breathing were melodious, matching the gentle beats of their hearts. She smiled, silently thanking the star, thinking how close they were to losing all this a few days earlier.

A bright light suddenly lit up the room, stealing both their attentions away from each other. She felt him swallow hard, and her heart sunk. It was a text message on his mobile, and she knew who it was. It was 1.30 in the morning... She couldn't be wrong, and his reaction, although very subtle, had confirmed her thoughts.

She tried to convince herself that he was making an effort to improve things between them. After all, he had turned off the volume on his mobile, knowing the sound of his text alert always turned her cold. If only the lights weren't working either, or if she was blind, then maybe she could easily put this issue behind her.

He didn't move. He didn't turn over to grab his mobile. A mixture of bitter sweet emotions washed over her. "You can check your message if you want, you know," she said to him quietly. He still didn't move.

"It's okay. I'll do it tomorrow."

She felt a tug on her heart. She was disappointed at herself for not being able to let things go, but more disappointed that the problem hasn't gone away. He kissed her forehead, as if to acknowledge her pain. She closed her eyes and allowed his lips to wander around her face, down to her neck, and finally meeting her lips. Her worries and insecurities peeled away. Her arms circled his body, fingers gently digging into his back, symbolically and desperately trying to secure him to her.

A light flashed around the room again. She pulled herself away, hurt. Hurt again.

"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Don't ask me what's wrong."
"Well... sorry for trying to show you I care."
"Don't you dare be sarcastic with me."

Silence.

"I dont want you to ask me 'what's wrong' when you know what's wrong," she finally explained.
"I can't stop people from texting me at this hour honey," he said defensively.

She was crushed. To her, all she could decipher from that remark was that he's telling her this is how it's going to be, and she needs to live with it, because he isn't going change. The younger brunette, whom he calls a "friend" isn't going to disappear. She bit her lip and held back a tear, and said -

"I want you to know that I am making an effort to put this behind us. To accept what's happening, and not let it bother me."
"Thanks honey."
"But right now, its not working. And I can't promise you how long I can put up with it."

She turned away from that safe spot she had grew accustomed to, feeling abandoned and insignificant. A tear rolled down her cheek, hitting the sheets with a loud thud.