Page 15 of Unpermitted Love

“Bertha! It's Hal. Do you know where Anna is?”

“Ohh … is this about the two of you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“She left here crying not too long ago. She said she had to leave California but she wouldn't tell me what was wrong. Did something happen between you two?”

“No! Everything was fine when she left this morning. I got home just now and found a strange letter from her. Please just tell me where she is.”

“I convinced her to stay a few days here before making any rash decisions. She just text me to say she’s staying at the Blue Bell Hotel.”

“Blue Bell? Alright. Thank you so much, Bertha.” I hang up and run to my car.

Driving to the hotel, I wonder what could have happened to make Anna so upset. And why didn't she talk to me about what had upset her? Something must have happened. Perhaps Tasha found out about us? I don't care either way. Anna and I are going to be together and everyone else can just go to hell.

I park in front of the hotel and walk briskly to the counter in the lobby.

“Hi. I'm here to see Miss Annalise Wilson.”

“Good day, Sir.” The receptionist said, looking at me sternly. “May I ask who you are?”

“My name is Hal. Hal Torres.”

The receptionist picks up the phone and dials a number. Someone on the other end of the line answers.

Annalise?

The receptionist talks to the person on the other end of the line, informing them that there is a Hal Torres waiting for them. She nods then hangs up.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Torres, but Miss Wilson isn’t available right now.”

“Bullshit!” I shout out in anger. The receptionist takes a step back, and I try to compose myself. “I’m sorry, it’s not your fault. Did Miss Wilson say she wasn’t available?”

The receptionist looks wary and nods her head. “Yes. Sorry, sir.”

I walk away, sadly, and head to the hotel bar in search of comfort in the form of a beer. I half contemplate booking a room myself and try to track her down by knocking on every Goddamn door. But if she doesn’t want to see me, I can’t force her.

Just as I finish the last of my beer, I turn to stand and see a beautiful brunette walking towards me.

Annalise!

As Anna reaches me I’m startled by her pale face. Her eyes were red-rimmed and tear-streaked.

“Bertha told you?”

“She told me you were here, but I don’t understand why.”

“It's just best for everyone, Hal,” Anna says, her eyes firmly on the ground. “I don't want to cause any further rift between you and …”

“Look at me, Anna. I don't care about any of that. All I care about is you.” I look around and can see we’re beginning to draw attention to ourselves.

“Is there somewhere we can go? To talk. In private?”

Anna nods and I follow her back to her room.

“Look,” I continue, once we’re in her room, “why don’t we do something drastic?” I reach out for her hands and pull her closer to me. “Anna, we belong together. Don’t you see? Let’s go to Connecticut. I promise you I will look everyone in the eye and tell them that you're going to be my wife.”

Anna stares at me in disbelief. “Hal, I don't think that's …”

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