Page 35 of Up in Flames

Jolting my head back in confusion, I look at him as he walks past me and throws a piece of paper on the kitchen counter. He shakes his head, his nostrils flaring, his face beetroot red, and a vein popping out the side of his neck.

Is he angry?

At me?

He’s enraged, and his mood swings take me aback.

“We’re done. Don’t even try to make up an excuse. I know you’re sleeping with your roommate. I. Don’t. Fucking. Share! Goodbye, Makaylie,” he yells, then slams his palm into the wall. The loud bang and cracking of drywall echo through the kitchen, making me jump. Then he turns, walking out the door before I can say anything, slamming it so hard behind him a few things fall from the shelving onto the floor.

What the fuck?

Why would I be sleeping with Joey?

I pick up the sheet of paper and read the note Joey left me.

Dear Kaylie,

You may have been too occupied to realize I was home last night when you came in with that guy, and just so you know, I can hear through your walls.

Let me say that I’m outraged and uncontrollably jealous that you were with him again.

How could you do this to me?

You little whore!

I’m going out so you two can have fun without me.

Hope he’s worth it.

Love Joey xo

Reading Joey’s letter, I realize how it must look to Cain. Throwing the letter on the counter, I run off after him, hoping he hasn’t gotten into the elevator. My heart pounds, and I want to set him straight as I rush out my door, leaving it open on my way to the elevator. My feet feel extra heavy as I pant, rushing as fast as I can down the hall. I watch him step in as I run, hoping I reach him before those doors close.

“Cain, let me explain. It’s not what you think,” I yell, gaining his attention.

He shakes his head, stepping further back into the elevator.

“Cain, please, just hear me out,” I yell as the doors begin to slide.

“Goodbye, Makaylie,” he sneers through the closing doors.

My heart races as I bolt faster, my stomach flips, and my muscles tense. “Joey isn’t who you think!” The elevator doors close just as I reach them. “She is…” I mumble the last two words even though he can’t hear them. I wish I knew his apartment number so I could go up and sort this mess out with him. My head pounds, and my chest aches at the thought of never seeing Cain again. I’m out of breath from the run, teamed with the adrenaline of trying to set Cain straight.

But I’m too late.

He’s gone.

God knows when or if I will ever see him again.

Even though I was so angry at him before, having it turn on me like this only shows me how much I care about him. My anger wanes, and now it’s replaced with sadness at the thought of not seeing him again.

Turning on my heel, I slowly walk back to my apartment, wiping a stray tear from my face. It’s funny how you can go from being furious one minute to complete despair the next.

Walking inside, I grab my cell phone, thinking if I try to call him, maybe he will listen. DialingYour Muse, I wait, and wait, and wait, but he doesn’t answer.

So I send him a text message.

Me:Cain, please let me try to explain. My roommate – it’s not what you’re thinking, I promise. I am not sleeping with Joey. Nor have I or will I ever. Can you please just talk to me?

---