I take a cold shower and go to bed after calming down.
Jeremy tries to get closer, but I’m shivering—I don’t know whether out of anger or fear.
Danny, why aren’t you here now?I ask myself as I look at the time: 1.30 am. I know for sure that by now, he’ll be sipping his coffee.
Hailey
The next morning, while I brush my teeth, I notice red marks on my neck. Great!
I hope I don’t get a bruise. I let down my hair to hide as much as possible.
Jeremy is still asleep, and I want so much to throw a pillow at him or scream. I don’t do it, though. I’m afraid of any consequences.
I change and go to the sofa, taking my computer with me.
Opening the mailbox, I notice that last night Danny wrote me an email at 1 am.
“Hi, Hailey. Sorry about the time. I don’t know why, but I felt the need to ask you if everything is okay. I was eating your cookies, and I had a strange feeling like I have to protect you. Yes, it’s strange, I told you! Just let me know you’re okay.”
I look at the timetable well, and my eyes widen in amazement.
It can’t be.
It’s just a coincidence. It must be.
“Hi, Danny. Good morning, at least for me. It’s okay, I’m fine. It’s a very strange thing, maybe my cookies are magical.”
I start working on the book. My neck still hurts, and I put an ice pack on it.
Not long after, Jeremy walks into the living room sleepily.
It’s only 6 am. I thought Jeremy would sleep more. At least I had hoped so.
“Good morning, love.” He approaches and kisses me on the head. “Do you happen to know where the ibuprofen is? My head is bursting. I think I drank too much last night.”
“Sit down. I’ll get it for you.” I avoid looking at him and bring him a glass of water with two pills. “Here you go. I’m going to order breakfast.” I walk away with my head down.
“Baby is everything okay?”
“No, but it doesn’t matter,” I answer. I call room service and order breakfast.
He approaches me as I finish ordering. “Love, what is it?”
“Nothing. Today I’ll stay here to work,” I say with my head down. He lifts my chin and looks at me.
“Are you sure? You don’t want to go shopping or even just take a tour…” He stops speaking as he looks carefully at my neck. He moves my hair. “Fuck, baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t think it was that tight. Does it hurt?”
“It will pass, don’t worry. Just try to avoid leaving marks on me. You do it enough with my soul.”
He hugs me. “I’m sorry, love, it won’t happen again.”
Breakfast arrives, and I take the opportunity to getaway. Jeremy looks sorry, but I don’t think he’ll change. I have to avoid ending up in these situations as much as possible. I can’t eat, as my throat hurts, so I opt for a fruit smoothie.
“I’m staying here. I’m not going to the office today,” Jeremy says.
“No please, go. The sooner you finish, the sooner we can go home.”
“Are you sure?” he asks doubtfully.
