Hey everybody! I can't believe that I'm finally posting the last chapter of this fic. It feels like the end of an era. I hope everybody loves it. And a squeal for a roomie happy ending. Thank you for everyone who reviewed not just this story but all my others. I really love you guys. Your amazing reviews and encouragement have always made writing even more enjoyable. Presenting chapter ten…
--x--
Chapter 10
Ray felt his feet dragging him down as he climbed up the stairs to his apartment. The apartment he shared with Neela. She would probably be waiting for him. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. His ears were ringing with the truth of what happened when his parents divorced. It was surreal. His dad had cheated on his mum. That he knew. His dad had cheated on his mum with one of his students. That he knew. What he hadn't known was that that student was Neela.
Neela. His first love. The love of his life. The woman he had thought that he'd finally find happiness with. He had found happiness with. But this revelation had shattered his whole world. Neela had shattered his whole world.
But through this whirlwind of thoughts rushing through his mind, one still stuck out. It was his father's voice pleading and begging with him to understand.
'I know you may hate me son and I wouldn't blame you in the slightest. But please, whatever it is you are feeling, hurt, anger, betrayal, remember that this wasn't Neela's fault. Yes we had a relationship but she didn't know that I was married. If there is anyone to blame then blame me because it was all my fault and I take full responsibility for that but don't blame Neela. She loves you. She has been through so much in her life. Hardships in her life that you wouldn't even be able to imagine. She trusted me with those troubles and I broke her trust. But you would never do that to her and she would never do it to youintentionally. Just remember that. Please.'
Ray looked up as he realised that he had reached his apartment. He really didn't want to go in but he had to face Neela eventually. Might as well get it over with. Grabbing the handle in one hand he twisted the knob decisively as he entered the apartment. The lights were off but Ray could still see Neela's shaking form on the sofa. Turning on the light, Neela jumped up startled and turned to face him. Her eyes were red with crying and her cheeks still wet.
'Ray' Neela started, her voice soft and pleading.
Ray felt his heart clench at the sound of her voice and he didn't know what to make of his jumbled emotions. It was too much. He didn't know what to think.
'Don't Neela. Just don't. I really can't handle anything else tonight. We'll see tomorrow. But not now.'
He saw her nod silently and he felt relief. Realising that neither one of them knew what to say next he decided it was probably time to call it a night.
'I'm exhausted. I think I'll just head to bed.'
Before Neela could reply he left the room. Too tired to even contemplate doing anything else he simply stripped down to his boxers, removed his prosthetics and climbed into bed. Turning to face on his side Ray could see the picture Neela always kept of them on the nightstand and Ray was flooded with happy memories. It was a welcome relief from the nightmare of a birthday. But then he heard Neela sobbing in the living room and he was brought back to reality. Squeezing his eyes shut he tried to block out the sound of her excruciating sobs and find some peace in dreaming.
--x--
Neela looked at the clock and saw that it was only eight o'clock. Ray hadn't left their bedroom yet and she hadn't had the courage last night to join him. She had spent the night on the couch crying in sadness, anger, fear, regret. Just when it seemed that they were finally going to get their happy ending something had to come and screw it up. And by that Neela knew she meant herself. She had broken Ray's family up, intentionally or not, and she wasn't expecting any forgiveness from him. How could she?
Neela sprang up from her seat at the kitchen table almost mimicking her actions from the previous night as Ray walked in wearing a ratty pair of jeans and a plain white t-shirt. He looked better than last night which was a relief. At least he had gotten a good nights sleep. Realising that Ray was giving her a similar inspection, Neela remember that she was still in her party clothes from last night and hadn't slept a wink.
'The bathroom's free. You look like you need to freshen up.'
Neela stood frozen on the spot for a minute just staring at Ray trying to discern what it was that he was feeling and thinking. But his face was expressionless and he had kept his voice carefully neutral.
Nodding she walked past him to the bathroom and felt her eyes tear up again as he refused to look at her.
--x--
Despite the horror of the night before, Ray had gotten a decent night's sleep. His dreams had been active playing out a thousand and one scenarios of what could happen from here. And his father's words still rang through his ears. He and Neela had to talk. He needed to know.
Turning on the percolator, Ray listened to the drip drip sound of the coffee being made while waiting for Neela to re-emerge. Ray took two mugs out of the cupboard above the sink and filled them both with hot fresh coffee.
Neela walked back into the kitchen at that point. She had towel dried her hair after a quick shower and was wearing her blue cut-offs and his t-shirt. Her favourite that she still slept in.
Handing her a steaming mug he motioned towards the living room and Neela followed as he led her to sit on the sofa. He held his own mug tight in his grasp and watched the swirling tendrils of smoke as it drifted out of the lips. He was aware that Neela was waiting for him to start.
'I just really need to know one thing Neela and I need for you to tell me the truth okay?'
'Okay' Neela said decisively, nodding to show that she understood.
'Did you know?'
'No' came Neela's response almost immediately.
Ray searched her face for any signs that she was lying. He could see her large dark brown doe eyes looking at him steadily. The perfect ridge of the small nose passing between smooth cheeks and leading to full luscious lips. Her whole perfect face surrounded by a halo of midnight black hair that fell down in soft waves down her back. He saw all this and deception at all. Every aspect of her face was open and honest telling him the asolute truth. She hadn't known.
As the silence grew and Ray's eyes still didn't leave her face Neela felt like she had to say something.
'I didn't know Ray. I promise you that…'
But Neela never got to finish as Ray suddenly planted his lips on hers in a soft and gentle kiss. Nothing had changed.
'I believe you' Ray answered quietly.
Neela couldn't believe her ears and looked at Ray with tears in her eyes.
'I love you' Neela whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
'I love you too.'
There they sat together. They had gone through a multitude of hardships. Together and by themselves. And they had survived them all. Now they were here together again. After everything they were still together.
Our roomies were going to be okay.
--x--
A round of applause. The actors bow. The curtains close. Flowers are thrown. The show ends. And goodnight.