That would never happen, but wouldn’t it be nice?
My smile all but fades as the reality of my situation hits me like a brick.
Having my hands propped on the edge of the vanity, I stare into the eyes of a woman without options as I slowly shake my head.
I hate him for the way he makes me feel.
For how he gets me trapped without even trying, and I’m left squirming in his orbit.
Soft noises come from outside the bathroom.
I freeze and listen. Footsteps cross the bedroom. It can’t be him.
He wouldn’t come back for me, and plus, these are light steps. Could it be Rory? I hope not.
I'd need to explain the atrocity I’m wearing, why my hair is wet, and why I look like a ghost.
The footsteps trail out of the room, and soon after, the rooms are quiet, and so is the corridor outside.
A few moments pass before I slip out of the bathroom, check the bedroom, and head out in perfect silence.
The party must’ve wound down as I hear the sweet murmuring of the breeze rather than the guests’ words.
I glide quietly down the corridor, sunk in thought, when an arm shoots at me from the shadows, and a voice blares in my ears.
“Where the fuck were you, Leilani?”
Startled, I pull away from the woman who has seemingly lost her mind.
I’ve never seen Sylvia so unhinged.
Her eyes look like spinning black holes, her brow crumpled like a rag.
She lost her elegance and poise.
“Where do you think I was, crazy woman?” I say, stepping away from her.
Her eyes dip to my dress.
“I fell into the pool and had to change,” I say in response to her scrutinizing gaze. “Has everyone gone nuts this evening?”
Her stare moves up.
“Who else has gone nuts this evening?”
“No one.”
“Where were you?”
“I just told you.”
“Where did you fall into the pool?”
“In the back.”
With that, I shift away.
“Who were you with?” she tosses behind me.
