I'm sorry for the delay in updating this story AND for this being so short! More to come soon, I promise! :)

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

Chapter 10

Friday October 22nd 2010

"Annie, how many times do I have to tell you to place your shoes somewhere I won't trip over them?" Auggie said with an exasperated sigh as he got to his feet. He'd been dating Annie for almost three months and for the last month she'd spent more time at his place than at her own place. As much as he liked having her around she was starting to get on his nerves. He had always been something of a neat freak and being blind had made it essential to keep everything in its place. Annie had a more relaxed approach to things and Auggie felt like he was constantly tripping over her shoes or bag, he'd gotten juice in his coffee more times than he could count lately and he'd mistaken Annie's body lotion for toothpaste a couple of times.

"I'm sorry Auggie, I..."

"You just weren't thinking I know. But Annie, you need to think. I'm blind, I can't see your shoes when you leave them out and I can't see that I'm pouring juice in coffee instead of milk. I have things set up in a specific way and I realize that it can be a hassle, but I need it to be that way."

"Aug, I am trying, I really am. I'm just not a very organized person."

"My toes and shins don't really feel like you're trying very hard," he replied, rolling his eyes at her. That set something inside Annie on fire.

"Well, if I'm such a pain in the ass I'll just get out of your way."

Auggie heard her moving around the living area, probably gathering up her stuff.

"Annie, I didn't mean it that way…" Auggie said as he heard her putting on her Louboutins and opening the front door.

"Good night Auggie." Annie slid the door closed beind her. Auggie heard the sound of her stilettoes stalking angrily down the hallway. For a second he considered grabbing his cane and following her, but he realized it would be useless. She'd probably be halfway home by the time he made it downstairs.

As Annie pulled out from the parking space in front of Auggie's building she was livid. She was really trying, but no there always seemed to be some little slip up that would cause Auggie to get all riled up. For the last week they'd had several little disagreements, but tonight was the first time they'd ended up in a real fight.

She was still seething when she pulled into the driveway outside her sister's house in Georgetown. Danielle was in the kitchen and noticed that Annie looked like she was about to explode.

"Annie, what's wrong?" she asked as Annie entered the kitchen, she went straight to the freezer and grabbed a pint of Ben & Jerry's and then she got a spoon from the jar on the island. She finally slumped down on one of the stools by the island.

"Auggie. Apparently I'm the worst girlfriend ever just because I forgot to place my shoes out of the way and he tripped over them."

Danielle frowned, there had to be more to the story. She didn't know Auggie that well, but he'd been over for dinner a few times and generally he seemed like a pretty positive, easygoing guy and Danielle couldn't see how he'd get all worked up over an accident. "And? Annie, I know that's not the whole story. Spill."

"Well, as you know I'm not exactly super organized, but Auggie is a total neat freak. If I misplace one thing he gets all worked up."

"Well, I don't know much about being blind, but I would guess that being organized is pretty crucial for him. Have you thought about that?"

"I know, but I'm just sick and tired of it being a one-way street."

"Annie, you're acting like a child. Auggie can't help being blind, it's not something he can change. You on the other hand can work on your tidiness and if you're serious about your relationship with him and intend on moving in with him at some point you will have to adjust your lifestyle to his disability."

"I usually don't even think about the fact that Auggie can't see, it's just part of who he is and it's not a big deal. To me he's Auggie, not Auggie – the blind guy."

"I understand that, I do that too, but I guess some situations do require you to think about it."

Across town Auggie was sitting in his sofa. It was the first time he'd really had a fight with Annie, they'd had their disagreements, but none that had caused Annie to leave in anger. He hated constantly nagging her about keeping everything in it's place, but it was the way things needed to be and it annoyed the hell out of him that Annie didn't get it and he didn't feel like she was making much of an effort. When she was there he was tempted to use his cane to avoid her traps, but he hated the idea. His apartment was one of a few places he was able to move around freely without it and he didn't want that to change. He sighed and pulled his iPhone and Bluetooth out of his pocket and dialed Annie's number. It was turned off. He dialed her sister's landline phone, feeling a bit desperate and needy, but he couldn't bear the thought of leaving the argument with Annie hanging in the air between them. He wanted to explain to her why he felt the way he did.

"Brooks."

"Danielle, it's Auggie. Is Annie there? I tried her cell, but it's turned off."

"She's out in the guest house, said she was going to bed. Would you like me to give her a message?"

"No, it's ok. I'll just talk to her tomorrow, hopefully she'll cool off by then."

"Auggie, she told me about your argument and I think she's feeling pretty bad about running out on you like she did. She's just a bit stubborn and proud, so she needs a little time to realize it and then admit she's been wrong."

Auggie chuckled softly. "I've noticed that. Will you just let her know I called the next time you see her?"

"No problem, I'll let her know."

"Thanks Danielle. Hopefully I'll see you for dinner tomorrow night."

"See you tomorrow Auggie. I'm sure Annie will call you first thing in the morning."

Auggie ended the call, feeling a bit better. With a sigh he got up from the sofa and went to the fridge to get himself another beer. The evening hadn't exactly turned out as planned. He hoped Danielle was right.