That night we curled up as we did every night before, but I felt the walls closing in around me. I struggled to catch my breath and I didn’t know what was going to happen, or even what I wanted to happen at this point. Even though I knew I had almost total control over what went on between us, I was still afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. We were here together now but when I woke up the next morning there was no telling what emotions were going to take over. So tonight I let myself cuddle close to Corey’s side. Memorize the way he felt pressed against me, his smell and even the way his slow even breaths moved his solid chest. I found myself praying that all would feel okay in the morning, but I already knew that wasn’t going to happen.
Shying Away
Corey looked depressed and downright fearful, when it came to leaving me the next morning. I wished I could persuade him that everything was okay but it would have only been a lie. My hope was that spending the day at work, would help clear my mind and by dinner time everything would be okay. Then I would rush to Corey’s side and tell him I was a fool for overreacting. That everything really was perfect between us. In the back of my mind, I knew it was a long shot but I had to hold onto something.
At work, holed up in my office, I received a text that I knew was coming. But I was even less prepared for it than I had been when I first heard about it.
Gabriella: It’s a done deal! Erik’s expanding and has already told me he’s pulling out all the stops to bring you back to us, D! You’re coming home, baby!!
After staring at the life changing words for a good half an hour, a knock sounded against my door. I almost forgot I was still in my office, while my mind raced through all the possible scenarios that came from a single text. Bailey walked in with concern on her face—even she knew something wasn’t right but thankfully didn’t push it.
“You have a delivery.”
“Okay?” The caution in her tone confused me.
“Are you sure you are ready for it?”
“You’re scaring me, but yes Bailey, I can handle whatever it is.” With a sigh she nodded and left the room again for a minute. When she reappeared I couldn’t see anything but the beautiful bouquet of bright red roses and in the center was a single pink orchid. My jaw dropped, as Bailey carefully placed it on the desk in front of me.
“Do you know who they could be from?” She asked. I had my suspicion but decided not to jinx it and plucked the card from the single most beautiful flower arrangement I’ve ever seen. My fingers moved at a snail’s pace to pull the little card from the delicate white envelope. With a deep breath I read:
Danielle—
I’ve told you before that I will compensate you for the twelve packs of cigarettes I’ve confiscated—and here it is. Each rose I hand selected because you deserve only the most beautiful things in this world. The orchid however is special. This isn’t anything owed to you but instead I needed you to understand what I see when I look at you. An orchid is the flower of magnificence that represents love, beauty, wisdom, strength and so many more things. To me—that is you. Don’t run from me, baby, I need you more than I have ever needed another. Yours…
Corey 27.
Tears filled my eyes from the moment I began reading and by the end I was an absolute wreck. Why couldn’t I give in to him and make everything work out? Whether it simmered down to family, New York or a complete mental issue on my part; the fact of the matter is I am a fool for Corey and now it was time to say goodbye.
The tears poured relentlessly from my eyes, drowning out everything around me. The feel of soft hands pulling my shoulders into their side told me Bailey was still around. For half a second I considered making her leave me alone to wallow in self-pity, but I couldn’t. If I was home it would by Gabby’s arms comforting me and now I craved that comfort more than anything. From the text though, I knew it was