Yes! It's her. The lady at the company the other day. The one Alex had stayed to talk to.
I wondered what she was doing here. But most importantly, who was she to Alex? I gaped at her from head to toe. She looked....wild. Who was she?
"Elaine," Megan said strictly "what is wrong? You're making me scared"
"I looked at the girl one last time before turning back to face Megan. " I'm fine. Let's leave now" I said suddenly feeling worried.
"What? A while ago, you asked to take a walk and it hadn't taken long before you just started following this lady. Who's she by the way?" Megan ranted.
"I'm sorry---I just feel tired," I said touching my forehead and it wasn't exactly a lie. I suddenly felt bad.
"Ok, sure. But you're fine, right" I nodded and we walked back to our rooms.
I opened the door to our room and walked in falling on the couch after shutting the door. My mind was a mess. Firstly, who's that lady and how's she related to Alex? And secondly, why am I feeling bothered?
I sighed and shook my head when the door to the room and Alex walked out, looking...mad.
I sat up as he came and stood in front of me.
"Where have you been?" He asked looking as cold as I've ever seen him looking.
"I went to see Megan..."I tried saying but he interrupted.
" Did you tell me about it?"
I stood up slowly now looking confused "You were asleep and I didn't want to disturb you"
"That isn't an excuse. You don't just leave without telling me where you were going" he raged.
"Alex" I called shocked.
"Listen, you're now my responsibility. I have enemies you can't even count out there. And if you're not careful, you'll be an easy access to me. If something happens to you what do you think that'll do to my reputation"
I stood shocked and unmoved as Alex marched to the door and stormed out, hitting it hard and causing me to flinch.
What just happened? My mind kept reliving the last few minutes as I carefully lowered myself back on the chair.
And then slowly, a tear ran down my eye.
Alex
I sat at the stool and rested my head on my palms. The music was cool and exactly what I needed. Slowly, I felt the anger leaving my chest and sighed.
I heard a tap on the counter and lifted my head. The bartender stood behind the counter and smiled at me.
"Sir do you need anything else?" he asked looking all jittery and I was the least surprised. It happened all the time.
"Yeah, get me another drink," I said and strained my blurry eyes around the empty bar. I had rented it for the night.
"Hey man" I turned hearing Jude's voice and we shook hands.
"You're okay?" He asked staring into my face. I nodded and stretched my hand, taking the drink the bartender placed on the counter.
"So what's up? I received your text" he said waving his hands signaling a no to the barman.
"I got mad at Elaine" I let out. My mind flashed her scared expression starting at me and that same feeling came back. I sighed.
"What happened?"
"She left without letting me know. And when I woke up, I got scared and yelled at her when she arrived" I explained and he sighed.
"Look Alex, I understand your reason for being this way. But dude, it's been years. You have to let go. It wasn't your fault, okay"
"Yes it was" I interrupted him and my voice shook.
"No, it wasn't. Being this cold person you are isn't helping you. And most importantly, you can't let someone else suffer your tragic past that wasn't even your fault" he said and placed his hand on my shoulder "You have to let go"
I shook my head "I'm making an effort to, trust me. But it's difficult"
"Try harder. Com'on, drinking won't help you. Let's leave here" he pulled my hand and I stood up and started walking out.
He stayed behind and settled the bartender before joining me.
We walked for a while with me staggering a bit and him trying to steady me.
Finally, we got to my room, and I turned to him "Thanks..."
"Go on, Alex. Get some sleep. No need to thank me. And don't forget to apologize to your wife"
I turned back to the door and placed my hand on the knob. My eyes caught something down the hallway. No, someone. I squinted my eyes but my vision was blurred.
"Alex" Jude called.
I opened the door and walked in shutting it behind me.
I turned and bumped into something and we fell. Having no strength to stand, I closed my eyes and slept off instantly.
Elaine
I adjusted my nightgown before sitting on the edge of the bed. I picked up my phone checking the time for the umpteenth time.
I was worried. I was angry and worried. It was late and Alex still hasn't returned. Did I annoy him so much that he is planning to sleep out?
Talk about ruining our reputation. My brain kept playing over everything that happened earlier. I couldn't believe I cried. Believe it or not, neither my mom nor dad has ever yelled at me. Never.
Not even when they forced me into this marriage. And now for the first time, it has happened. And it had to be my husband.
I felt scared. Maybe Megan was right. Fictional books can be similar to reality. But where she got it wrong is the kind of book my life is similar to.
I heard a sound at the door of the living room and snapped out of my thoughts. Alex. Could it be he was back and isn't mad anymore?
I stood up hastily and wore a pink robe over my blue, silky, v-necked nightgown. I walked out of the room and hurried down the stairs.
I took quick steps to the door and just before I could, the door opened and Alex walked in. He shut the door.
"Alex" I muttered his name and he turned and fell on me.