The apology
RYAN
I stared down at the painting in my hand one more time and a smile crept to my lips. I loved the way it perfectly depicted a town, but not in its usual serene beauty. Instead, it felt ominous, the shadows stretching and creeping along the streets as if the city itself were alive—watching, waiting, ready to swallow anyone who dared wander too close.
I had finished this piece weeks ago, but I couldn't bring myself to give it to her yet. Not like the deadline for the project has drawn close.
No one had ever seen my work before. The idea of someone looking at something I created filled me with a strange dread. I had even hired a guy to signed his name to the painting ensuring my anonymity.
Glancing at the wall clock, I noted the hands creeping toward 1:15 AM. Sleep had eluded me for hours maybe because my mind is still tangled in the memory of a certain blue eyed girl, glistening with tears as she lashed out at me. I deserved it. I knew that. I wanted to apologize, to explain, but every time I tried to form the words, they slipped away like smoke.
Frustration bubbled within me as I thought of knocking on the wall that connected our rooms, but my hand froze halfway. What if she was sleeping? What if she didn’t want to see me? I slammed my palm against my forehead in exasperation.
“Fuck..” I cussed under my breath.
With a resigned sigh, I pushed myself off the bed and made my way to the kitchen. Maybe I could distract myself with something simple—some coffee or perhaps a snack.
As I reached the doorway to the kitchen, I stopped short. Someone was already in there. The figure was familiar, but I couldn't see her face because her back was turned to me. I stepped closer, curiosity piquing in my chest.
“Hey,” I said, unsure if I should announce my presence.
Suddenly, I reached out and touched her shoulder. In shock, she twirled around and almost fell, but I instinctively grabbed her waist to steady her.
"You scared me!" she shrieked, stepping back from me, eyes wide with surprise.
“What the hell?” The words slipped out of my lips as I stared at her—Violet.
She looked so different. Her hair was shorter, framing her face, and her eyes appeared sharper, the way they caught the light now made them seem almost fierce. Her cheekbones stood out more prominently, giving her an air of strength I hadn’t noticed before.
“Y-your hair. What happened to it?” I blurted out, surprised by the sudden change. The last time I had seen her, she wore it long and flowing, and now, it seemed different
Violet’s cheeks flushed slightly as she ran a hand through the shorter strands. “I decided to change things up,” she said
“Looks good,” I said, and there was no lie beneath it. I hadn’t realized I had a thing for girls with short hair until I saw Violet in front of me. The way it framed her face only highlighted her delicate features, giving her an almost ethereal look. “Really good”
“Thank you.” A warm smile spread across her lips, lighting up her eyes. It was then I fully took in her outfit. The shorts she wore stopped an inch above mid-thigh, and her fitted top clung to her body, subtly revealing her nipples. I shook my head, trying to push aside the heat that crept into my groins—now wasn’t the right time to entertain those thoughts.
“I just came to grab some snacks. I’ll get going now,” Violet said, her words tumbling out in a rush as she moved to leave. I reached out instinctively, grabbing her wrist gently. I can't let her leave,not this time again
“Violet…” I called softly. I didn’t know what I wanted to say, but I knew I needed to apologize
“Are you in for some pasta?” The question slipped out before I could think better of it. I didn’t do apologies well, and this was hardly the right way to express remorse.
Violet hesitated for a moment before finally nodding slowly.
Thirteen minutes later, I placed the steaming pasta on the table, the rich aroma filling the air as I beckoned Violet, who had been waiting in the living room, to come over. She approached and settled into a chair, her eyes lighting up as she dug into her plate and took a spoonful. I watched intently, searching for any sign of her reaction.
“Uhm… still so good,” she mumbled through a mouthful of food.
“I’m glad you love it,”
We ate in silence,not missing the awkwardness hanging in the air like a thick fog. Clearing my throat, I decided it was time to do it
“About what happened earlier…”
“What happened earlier…” we both said in unison, and a laugh escaped her lips.
“You go first,” I suggested, but she shook her head.
“No, you.”
Drawing in a long breath, I finally found the courage to speak. “I’m sorry for what happened. I really am. I caused this. I brought it upon you, and trust me, I’d do anything to clear this mess. I’m sorry for putting you in this situation. It was all my fault.”
And I could swear that was the first apology I've done to any person in a long while. The air between us grew heavier and I wished she'd just say something…anything to relieve me of the obligation to speak again. And finally she did..
“It's fine” She began. “But it's not entirely your fault. We were both caught up in everything and I'm sorry for dumping it on you that way. It was harsh and unthoughtful”
I frowned, wanting to push back, to insist that I was responsible for the chaos that had unfolded. But something in her tone made me pause. Still, it was all dumped on you. I’ll clear this all up, I promise,”
A small smile broke across her lips, and relief washed over me. “We’re good now then. But there’s one more thing,” she said with a grin
“What’s that?” I asked, my brow furrowing half an inch
“Let’s watch a movie after this,” she said as she dumped in another pasta
“Sure, but this time I’m choosing,” I replied.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
