Who Are You?
Tension
.:.:.
Even a person with no ears could hear the sloppy sniffles currently sounding from inside Elise’s room. It had been over a day since anybody had seen or heard from Elise, aside from the quick glimpses Leana would catch of her coming from the bathroom.
Her second date with Matt had gone so well and she was angry how she could fuck it up at the last minute. While she wasn’t exactly sure why her brain decided to short circuit, it was obvious her defenses went up and her mind went on autopilot for a reason. Elise had a guess of why she responded that way but refused to give it any further thought. Today was the last day she could sulk around and be depressed before she had to return to work tomorrow. Her uncle was told that she wasn’t feeling well today, which was true, but it didn’t warrant her a Saturday shift off. So, she was determined to suck it up and work Sunday. The big ball of negative feelings grew each time she received a text or missed a phone call.
Matt chased after Elise that day after she had bolted from his grasp but he was too late. She cocooned herself in the solitude of her room and refused to let anybody in. He proceeded to text and call to which Elise only once replied;
“I’m sorry, Matt. I think I need some time to think. I understand if my drama pushes you away.”
It didn’t stop there though. Brian had tried reaching out to Elise hoping he could get some answers for Matt. She was thankful that nobody else, aside from Lee, had tried to press her for information.
Maybe they didn’t know.
Maybe they didn’t care.
Elise’s head was pounding in pain from the constant crying and sniffling. Even the pulse in her brain was developing an audible sound in her head until the thumping noise was replaced by a worried voice;
“Elise? I’m here to talk if you’re ever ready but I just need to know how you’re doing?” Leana was pressed close against the door to ensure her voice could be heard.
The sweetness and care that went into her voice was enough to send a new wave of hot tears down Elise’s cheeks. Elise knew she had to snap out of this funk she was in. If there was one thing she learned from her sister’s accident it was that people were there to help. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. She was taught that bottling things up only made the situation worse in the long run. So, with a deep breath and a quick wipe of her face, Elise sauntered over and quietly unlocked the door. She exhaled with a shake and opened the door only to be consumed in a tight hug.
“I fucked up massively and I don’t know what to do.” Elise tried her best not to shower Leana in her tears but the tiny arms tightening around her made it difficult to hold back.
Lee took Elise’s burning, damp face in her hands and smiled, “Let’s go sit down, yeah? I don’t care if we sit in silence all day or if you talk a million miles a minute. I’m here for you.”
And so, they sat around in the living room, the television silently flashing with each changing commercial. Leana sat and listened, only offering advice if she was asked as Elise had finally calmed down. Much to their own surprise, each woman dug deep into their pasts displaying a huge sense of trust between each other. Leana spoke of her own troubles with previous relationships, even the heavy problems she had with Jimmy. Elise dumped all her dirty laundry on the table from her ex to her time spent mentally recovering after her sister’s accident, which meant opening a whole new can of worms about Claire. There were smiles and tears, even laughter through the tears. Elise felt even closer to Leana and couldn’t be more grateful for having someone like her in her life.
.:.:.
The time was nearing 2:00 in the afternoon meaning Leana had to leave for work soon. Before heading into her room, Leana left Elise with one piece of advice; “Don’t let your mind overshadow your heart.” It sounded meaningful but Elise would have to think on it to determine what exactly her roommate was getting at.
She was left alone to her own devices now. Literally. She had to suck it up and confront Matt before this got any worse. Her heart took a hit each time she reread the messages from both Matt and Brian.
Matt: Are you ok? I want to give you space but I also want to be there and help with whatever is going on.”
That was from Friday morning, the day after their date.
Matt: Please, just talk to me. I want to know what’s happening and I want to make sure you’re alright.
Brian: Hey, just checking in to see if you’re ok, Hun. Matt is confused and worried.”
Matt: Hello?
Their texts had arrived just before 10:00 Friday night after Elise had gone to sleep. The worst of those texts was from early this morning;
Matt: I’ll leve you alone now.didn’t mean to bug yu and don’t worry,you won’t be seeing me around.”
Surely, he had been drinking. There was no way Matt’s texts had ever been so badly misspelled or out of whack. Elise was fast asleep when that message was sent at 2:00 early this Saturday morning. Elise groaned and debated if she should even attempt to explain herself or let it go since Matt seemed to have made his own closure. Her thumbs twiddled in the air as she went back and forth in her mind. He deserves an explanation but would he even care now? They had only known each other a short time and it wasn’t fair to have hurt him. Especially considering he had been previously hurt due to some reasoning that Brian only glazed over. Just as she closed out of Matt’s messages, a new text appeared.
Lee: I don’t have many appointments today if you want to stop in for a haircut or conditioning treatment! It might do you some good to come out among the living!
Elise almost felt bad for the smile that tugged at her lips. This wasn’t the time for self-pampering, surely, she didn’t earn it. Still, Elise decided to accept her offer and was told to stop in whenever she was ready.
.:.:.
Elise sat in the swiveling padded chair as she waited for Leana to finish with her current client. The shop Lee worked at was cozy and incredibly clean. It definitely gave off a more personable feeling than a chain store salon did. There were only four stylist chairs with a small corner of the salon being dedicated for nails. Towards the back of the store was a couple open rooms, one for breaks and the other for waxing services.
“Oh, hey there.” A voice brought Elise out of her virtual tour of the salon.
“Hey.” Elise greeted Gena as she took the open chair next to her. “How are you?” Elise asked politely trying to make small talk.
Gena only shrugged her shoulders, “I’m alright. Just here to drop something off for Lee.” Elise was a bit taken back by her friend’s body language. It seemed cold; a vibe she never got from Gena.
As if she knew what Elise was thinking, she smiled. “Sorry, I’m just having a bad day. Personal issues.”
Elise was still unconvinced yet brushed it off. She had a feeling word finally got around to everyone about what happened between her and Matt. Even if Elise did have something else to say, Gena was gone in an instant. Leana and Gena shared a hug as they said their goodbyes leaving Lee to hurry over to her roommate. Leana’s smile never seemed to take a day off which Elise greatly admired. Between Lee’s warm, bubbly personality and the shampoo with a scalp massage, Elise was feeling calmer. Once she was back in the chair waiting for her hair to be cut, she decided to at least text someone back.
I’m sorry for ignoring you guys, I’m just overwhelmed is all. I understand if this is it with everyone.
Her message to Brian was a little cryptic but it was a start. She decided to keep the ball rolling by emailing her sister back since it had been a few days. They had been keeping in contact with one another until Claire seemed busy. Elise let her in on everything that had been happening from her job, to her friends, and finally to Matt. After she sent her message, Elise clicked on Matts name to begin a new text but her thumbs froze in place.
What do I even say?
“Meet him for dinner tonight. It’ll be harder than shooting a text but you kinda owe it to him.” Leana’s voice was quiet, so quiet Elise was unsure if she was even supposed to hear it. Without a word, Elise nodded in agreement only to have her friend hiss with playful annoyance. Elise had forgotten she was having her hair cut.
Can we meet for dinner tonight? I get it if you don’t want to see me but I owe you an apology and an explanation.
Her phone instantly vibrated.
It’s ok, kiddo. Whatever is going on between you two is your business but that doesn’t mean we aren’t friends still. Are you feeling any better?
Elise’s heart sank a little as she saw it was Brian’s message that had come in. The next text sent to him explained a little of what happened and how Leana had been like an angel to her. Brian had a way about himself that made others comfortable. He was laid back and all ears but could deliver some amazing advice. Even though his word punched Elise right in the guilt, it wasn’t news to her. She figured Matt was upset but to hear it from someone else was the shitty icing on the asshole cake. Just as Elise asked Brian if he had talked with Matt today, her phone vibrated against her hands again. This time, her heart nearly stopped;
Matt: I’ll pick you up at 6:00 tonight.
The tension could be felt already.
Even a person with no ears could hear the sloppy sniffles currently sounding from inside Elise’s room. It had been over a day since anybody had seen or heard from Elise, aside from the quick glimpses Leana would catch of her coming from the bathroom.
Her second date with Matt had gone so well and she was angry how she could fuck it up at the last minute. While she wasn’t exactly sure why her brain decided to short circuit, it was obvious her defenses went up and her mind went on autopilot for a reason. Elise had a guess of why she responded that way but refused to give it any further thought. Today was the last day she could sulk around and be depressed before she had to return to work tomorrow. Her uncle was told that she wasn’t feeling well today, which was true, but it didn’t warrant her a Saturday shift off. So, she was determined to suck it up and work Sunday. The big ball of negative feelings grew each time she received a text or missed a phone call.
Matt chased after Elise that day after she had bolted from his grasp but he was too late. She cocooned herself in the solitude of her room and refused to let anybody in. He proceeded to text and call to which Elise only once replied;
“I’m sorry, Matt. I think I need some time to think. I understand if my drama pushes you away.”
It didn’t stop there though. Brian had tried reaching out to Elise hoping he could get some answers for Matt. She was thankful that nobody else, aside from Lee, had tried to press her for information.
Maybe they didn’t know.
Maybe they didn’t care.
Elise’s head was pounding in pain from the constant crying and sniffling. Even the pulse in her brain was developing an audible sound in her head until the thumping noise was replaced by a worried voice;
“Elise? I’m here to talk if you’re ever ready but I just need to know how you’re doing?” Leana was pressed close against the door to ensure her voice could be heard.
The sweetness and care that went into her voice was enough to send a new wave of hot tears down Elise’s cheeks. Elise knew she had to snap out of this funk she was in. If there was one thing she learned from her sister’s accident it was that people were there to help. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. She was taught that bottling things up only made the situation worse in the long run. So, with a deep breath and a quick wipe of her face, Elise sauntered over and quietly unlocked the door. She exhaled with a shake and opened the door only to be consumed in a tight hug.
“I fucked up massively and I don’t know what to do.” Elise tried her best not to shower Leana in her tears but the tiny arms tightening around her made it difficult to hold back.
Lee took Elise’s burning, damp face in her hands and smiled, “Let’s go sit down, yeah? I don’t care if we sit in silence all day or if you talk a million miles a minute. I’m here for you.”
And so, they sat around in the living room, the television silently flashing with each changing commercial. Leana sat and listened, only offering advice if she was asked as Elise had finally calmed down. Much to their own surprise, each woman dug deep into their pasts displaying a huge sense of trust between each other. Leana spoke of her own troubles with previous relationships, even the heavy problems she had with Jimmy. Elise dumped all her dirty laundry on the table from her ex to her time spent mentally recovering after her sister’s accident, which meant opening a whole new can of worms about Claire. There were smiles and tears, even laughter through the tears. Elise felt even closer to Leana and couldn’t be more grateful for having someone like her in her life.
.:.:.
The time was nearing 2:00 in the afternoon meaning Leana had to leave for work soon. Before heading into her room, Leana left Elise with one piece of advice; “Don’t let your mind overshadow your heart.” It sounded meaningful but Elise would have to think on it to determine what exactly her roommate was getting at.
She was left alone to her own devices now. Literally. She had to suck it up and confront Matt before this got any worse. Her heart took a hit each time she reread the messages from both Matt and Brian.
Matt: Are you ok? I want to give you space but I also want to be there and help with whatever is going on.”
That was from Friday morning, the day after their date.
Matt: Please, just talk to me. I want to know what’s happening and I want to make sure you’re alright.
Brian: Hey, just checking in to see if you’re ok, Hun. Matt is confused and worried.”
Matt: Hello?
Their texts had arrived just before 10:00 Friday night after Elise had gone to sleep. The worst of those texts was from early this morning;
Matt: I’ll leve you alone now.didn’t mean to bug yu and don’t worry,you won’t be seeing me around.”
Surely, he had been drinking. There was no way Matt’s texts had ever been so badly misspelled or out of whack. Elise was fast asleep when that message was sent at 2:00 early this Saturday morning. Elise groaned and debated if she should even attempt to explain herself or let it go since Matt seemed to have made his own closure. Her thumbs twiddled in the air as she went back and forth in her mind. He deserves an explanation but would he even care now? They had only known each other a short time and it wasn’t fair to have hurt him. Especially considering he had been previously hurt due to some reasoning that Brian only glazed over. Just as she closed out of Matt’s messages, a new text appeared.
Lee: I don’t have many appointments today if you want to stop in for a haircut or conditioning treatment! It might do you some good to come out among the living!
Elise almost felt bad for the smile that tugged at her lips. This wasn’t the time for self-pampering, surely, she didn’t earn it. Still, Elise decided to accept her offer and was told to stop in whenever she was ready.
.:.:.
Elise sat in the swiveling padded chair as she waited for Leana to finish with her current client. The shop Lee worked at was cozy and incredibly clean. It definitely gave off a more personable feeling than a chain store salon did. There were only four stylist chairs with a small corner of the salon being dedicated for nails. Towards the back of the store was a couple open rooms, one for breaks and the other for waxing services.
“Oh, hey there.” A voice brought Elise out of her virtual tour of the salon.
“Hey.” Elise greeted Gena as she took the open chair next to her. “How are you?” Elise asked politely trying to make small talk.
Gena only shrugged her shoulders, “I’m alright. Just here to drop something off for Lee.” Elise was a bit taken back by her friend’s body language. It seemed cold; a vibe she never got from Gena.
As if she knew what Elise was thinking, she smiled. “Sorry, I’m just having a bad day. Personal issues.”
Elise was still unconvinced yet brushed it off. She had a feeling word finally got around to everyone about what happened between her and Matt. Even if Elise did have something else to say, Gena was gone in an instant. Leana and Gena shared a hug as they said their goodbyes leaving Lee to hurry over to her roommate. Leana’s smile never seemed to take a day off which Elise greatly admired. Between Lee’s warm, bubbly personality and the shampoo with a scalp massage, Elise was feeling calmer. Once she was back in the chair waiting for her hair to be cut, she decided to at least text someone back.
I’m sorry for ignoring you guys, I’m just overwhelmed is all. I understand if this is it with everyone.
Her message to Brian was a little cryptic but it was a start. She decided to keep the ball rolling by emailing her sister back since it had been a few days. They had been keeping in contact with one another until Claire seemed busy. Elise let her in on everything that had been happening from her job, to her friends, and finally to Matt. After she sent her message, Elise clicked on Matts name to begin a new text but her thumbs froze in place.
What do I even say?
“Meet him for dinner tonight. It’ll be harder than shooting a text but you kinda owe it to him.” Leana’s voice was quiet, so quiet Elise was unsure if she was even supposed to hear it. Without a word, Elise nodded in agreement only to have her friend hiss with playful annoyance. Elise had forgotten she was having her hair cut.
Can we meet for dinner tonight? I get it if you don’t want to see me but I owe you an apology and an explanation.
Her phone instantly vibrated.
It’s ok, kiddo. Whatever is going on between you two is your business but that doesn’t mean we aren’t friends still. Are you feeling any better?
Elise’s heart sank a little as she saw it was Brian’s message that had come in. The next text sent to him explained a little of what happened and how Leana had been like an angel to her. Brian had a way about himself that made others comfortable. He was laid back and all ears but could deliver some amazing advice. Even though his word punched Elise right in the guilt, it wasn’t news to her. She figured Matt was upset but to hear it from someone else was the shitty icing on the asshole cake. Just as Elise asked Brian if he had talked with Matt today, her phone vibrated against her hands again. This time, her heart nearly stopped;
Matt: I’ll pick you up at 6:00 tonight.
The tension could be felt already.
Notes
...Three months since an update? Embarrassing. Thanks to those who continue to read. Next one will be out at some point... Much love <3
Well damn! ;) glad you’re back!
6/2/19