Page 74 of Ruling Scar
Sure, it’s not been long since this whole weird affair began. But a voice in the back of my head tells me I won’t regret this. Putting myself out there comes with pros and cons.
Experiencing this newfound sexual freedom doesn’t seem so bad, though.
It’s Thursday night, which I guess is turning into my standing sleepover with Elijah. I normally go to Fujimori’s for dinner, but I decide to skip it.
Yes, I can acknowledge my hormones are controlling my schedule, but can you blame me? I’ve been throbbing in anticipation all day.
Elijah gave me the code to get into his place and I let myself in.
Albert greets me at the apartment door, his tail wagging.
“I love you.” I wrap my arms around his furry neck, squeezing tight. It doesn’t take me long to figure out that he’s the only one here.
I don’t mind the fact. It gives me a minute to snoop around. Soft afternoon sunlight fills the peaceful living room. I sit down on the couch, Albert jumping up beside me.
“Where is your person?” I ask, scratching under his chin.
It’s not long before he naps, his chin on my knee, forcing me to remain where I am, not that I mind. Thirty minutes later he hops up, heading toward the door. I take him outside to do his business and when I come back inside I check my phone.
I know I’m early, but the house is eerily still without Elijah. Albert settles onto the couch and I do the only thing I can—wait.
Lennie: Are you okay?
The sun goes down and I poke around the kitchen. The fridge is neat and tidy, but Elijah’s a foodie and I steal a bagel and then add food to Albert’s bowl.
Lennie: I haven’t heard from you and I’m getting worried.
I take Albert out one more time, no longer feeling cheerful or excited. I let the Bernese mountain dog take his time sniffing everything since one of us may as well enjoy the night.
It’s ten o’clock when I decide to take a shower. Honestly, it’s better to get the grime of the day off. I use Elijah’s body wash and take special care cleaning everything.
If I’m hoping he surprises me in the shower I’m wrong. A quick peek once I’m out, tells me the place remains empty. I throw on another of his giant T-shirts and grab my phone.
Lennie: I’m worried. Please text me back so I know you’re okay?
As soon as I send off the text I decide to hell with it. I call him, cursing myself for not doing it earlier. It goes to voicemail.
“Please call me back.” That’s all I say.
Another hour goes by. I have work in the morning and I already know I’m going to be exhausted.
Albert cuddles with me, but the annoyance and dread stop me from reading. I call him two more times. One goes to voicemail after it rings for ages. The next time I call, it rings once before voicemail picks up.
Did the bastard just send me to voicemail?
Lennie: I’m going to bed.
Albert joins me, taking over Elijah’s side. I toss and turn for what feels like hours. I’m angry as fuck, but there’s also a nagging worry that won’t let up.
I’m a fool for thinking Elijah gives a shit about anything.
Sleep crushes down on me after a while but it’s not peaceful. My head hurts and my muscles ache. With a painful jolt, I blink awake at a noise. Albert startles too, scrambling up on the bed.
You’d think I would like a guard dog, but instead, I crush his furry body to my chest. Surely, robbers won’t notice I’m here if I stay still under the covers.
Albert wiggles out of my grasp, jumping down to claw at the door.
Noises are right outside it too. The handle turns and I force myself up, wondering where the fuck I can find a gun when Roma appears in the doorway.
