A/N: Post 5x07. Holly's POV. Song for this story will be Sam Smith – How Will I Know (Whitney Houston Cover)
Streaks of light peeked through her windows, shining brightly against her eyelids. The warmth of the sun kissed her face and her eyes started to flutter open. She turned away from the beaming rays and noticed the glass and half empty bottle of wine.
"Crap…" she muttered as she rubbed her eyes, realizing last night wasn't a dream. The events rushed through her memory…the image of Gail…her porcelain skin…her disheveled blonde locks…and her vulnerable sky blue eyes. She hated being the cause of Gail's heartache…but she had to leave before she fell apart in front of her. Things weren't going to be fixed over a drink…What was she thinking? Nor would they magically improve because of a single confession even as sincere as it was. How does she know Gail won't run again at the first sign of trouble…?
Oh it's you, I know, you're the one I dream of
Look into my eyes; take me to the clouds above
She let out a frustrated sigh and lifted herself off the couch, making her way to the bathroom. As the lights brightened the room, Holly caught her reflection in the mirror. She looked exhausted and her eyes were red and swollen from crying in the night. She turned on the faucet and splashed a puddle of cold water over her face, hoping to wash the sadness down the drain.
Ooh I lose control, can't seem to get enough
When I wake from dreaming, tell me is it really love
Holly quickly got dressed. She was already running a late for work. She swept her keys off the kitchen table and darted out the door. As she made her way to the car, she spotted a white piece of paper attached to her windshield wiper. She yanked the paper free and inspected it, "A ticket? What the hell for? I didn't do anything."
She unfolded it hastily and was instantly taken aback by the words sprawled across the center…
Until you tell me you don't want us…
That you don't want me…
I'm not going to give up.
I know I have a lot to work on and
I'm going to do whatever it takes.
-Gail
P.S. You looked beautiful the other day…well, you look beautiful every day.
The edges of Holly's mouth slowly turned upward into a warm smile. Her eyes started to glisten as she tried to fight back the tears. "She's insane…," Holly whispered to herself as she leaned back against the side of her car. As much as she wanted to be angry with this woman…the overwhelming sense of adoration crept up inside her. She clutched the paper close to her heart and took in a deep breath, "What am I going to do with you Peck…"
How will I know if you really love me
I say a prayer with every heart beat
I fall in love whenever we meet
I'm asking you what you know about these things
Holly stood in silence, lost in her contemplation. Her eyes searched the surroundings desperately for an answer…even though deep down…she already knew. It's not over…not even close. The soft breeze brushed past behind her ear and through her long hair, shooting shivers down her spine. The goose bumps that formed snapped her back into focus. She smiled assuredly and pushed herself off the car.
Oh, wake me, I'm shaking, wish I had you near me now
Said there's no mistaking, what I feel is really love