The Morning After
Sydney awoke the next morning to find her eyes crusty from when she had apparently cried in her sleep. She bit her lip and swallowed hard.
God I feel sick.
She thought about the previous night: her incredibly stupid decision to break up with Will, the man she loved with all her heart; going back to find him in bed with Jenny of all people; and going over to Michael's place. She swallowed again.
I can't believe I fucked him.
She rolled over onto her back and covered her face with her hands.
Jesus I'm so fucking stupid.
Her ears perked up. Michael must have been in the kitchen because she suddenly heard pots and pans clattering. He poked his head out from the kitchen. He noticed Sydney sitting up with the blanket draped over her. He sighed and gave her an apologetic smile. I woke you up.
she said with a grin.
Michael said with the same smile. I was going to make breakfast, he explained. I don't cook much.
I noticed, Sydney said, grinning more. She looked away for a moment as if pondering something.
You okay?
It's Thursday, isn't it? Sydney asked.
Michael confirmed.
Sydney said, nodding.
Something special about today? Michael asked, his eyebrows slightly raised.
Only that it would be my one year anniversary with Will.
Sydney told him, avoiding his gaze. She glanced at him for a second. It's just that I don't have any classes today.
Oh yeah, that's right. Thursday's your day off. I almost forgot, Michael said with a laugh.
Sydney managed a weak smile and Michael disappeared back into the kitchen. She gathered up her clothes and got dressed quickly. She wandered into the kitchen and peered over Michael's shoulder at the frying pan on the stove.
What are you making?
Will woke up with a horrible hangover. He looked at the time and saw that he was late for work. He sighed heavily and tugged on some clothes.
Half an hour later, he was sitting at his desk staring at the computer screen. He was desperately trying to figure out what to write for his next article, but that wasn't all that was bothering him.
He picked up a pencil and began tapping it on the desk, keeping a beat. Finally he flung down the pencil in frustration and angrily pounded his fist on the desk just as his co-worker and friend Abby walked by.
In her thick British accent she asked, What seems to be the problem, Will?
Will sighed. The problem? I'll tell you the problem. I broke up with the love of my life then she caught me in bed with another woman when she came back to work things out. he told her, shaking his head. Just this article.
Abby nodded. You and Sydney broke up, didn't you? she asked, as if seeing right through him.
Will nodded and leaned back in the chair to rest his feet on the desk.
Go get her back, Abby stated simply.
Will laughed sarcastically. It's more complicated than that.
I doubt it.
A pause.
Maybe it's not, Will agreed with a shrug.
Abby began, what are you waiting for?
Will smiled a little and stood up suddenly. He went over to Abby and gave her a quick hug.
Of course, Abby replied, playfully rolling her eyes.
Will smiled again and headed for his car.