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Refreshed from my shower, I paced the living room gingerly, my
robe swinging freely about me. Unable to concentrate, I'd wound
up working late. Then the car had died yet again, so I had taken
a hot and uncomfortable bus ride home. The ride had taken my mind
off things, briefly- but now, back in the apartment, with her
clothes nestled next to mine, I couldn't ignore the situation
any longer.
Walk away. I didn't ask to be
resurrected, revived, or anything else. I deserved my normal life
back. What had she been thinking? What if I had been
able to marry Will, and have the children and life I had planned?
Would she have so boldly come knocking at my door, claiming to
love me? Expecting me to turn my life upside down for
her?
"You're a selfish girl, Madlax." I muttered,
swatting the blinds. "Did you ever once think about
your actions? No wonder your boss didn't approve."
I
jumped as the phone rang, then stared at it for second. What if
it was her…..
"Hello." I gulped out.
"Vanessa?"
Margaret's voice on the other end sounded worried. "I was
just calling to check on you and see how you are feeling."
"I'm
fine. Look, I have company so I can't talk now." I lied, not
wanting to hear anything else that could upset me. "I really
have to go. Goodbye." I hung up the phone with a tinge of
guilt- after all, she was a nice girl, and this mess wasn't
really her fault. But I didn't need any more of her revelations
of my life before, to add to my misery.
I poured the bottle slowly. Just one glass wouldn't hurt- I
would just have a glass and go to bed. I wasn't going to worry
about when she would come home.
"When she's done." I
took a sip. I thought I heard the door, and my heart did a sudden
leap. But I have to get past this. She'll get past it.
She's just a teenager, like I was with Will. She'll move
on.
I took a deep breath and grabbed another glass. She
was definitely coming down the hallway. A little drink for
both of us, that will help.
As I turned with both hands
full, I realized my robe was open. It's not like she hasn't
seen me naked before. The thought made me blush a little,
and I cursed myself as I felt my nipples harden with
excitement.
"Welcome back." My voice quivered, despite my
efforts at composure.
I gasped at the figure in the doorway,
dropping my glass and grabbing my side in pain.
"Rimelda!"