The Laws of Love

by Belle Winters

  I woke up in the bed alone. She was in the kitchen cooking breakfast and there was no sign of her parents. I walked up behind her wrapping an arm around her and pressed a kiss to her hair. She sighed and leaned into me. “Morning sweetheart.” I murmured against her head.

  “Hey Ayde.” She said quietly.

  She finished cooking and we ate then got ready for work and headed out. She made me stop for her coffee fix and we were in the office a bit late. No one seemed to notice us arriving together and I didn’t give a shit if they did.

  We kept things professional at work, well, as professional as they’d always been. We made an agreement not to fool around at work and it was a good decision as I don’t see how anything would’ve been done. It was bad enough all the naughty distracting thoughts I had about here while sitting in my office, it would’ve been detrimental to business if I would follow through with all of them.

  Christmas came before I knew it and we were all at my parents’ house for Christmas eve. Cassie seemed distracted all day and I was beginning to grow concerned. I’d asked her a few times what was wrong but she wouldn’t answer me. When we went to my room for the night I was fed up and wanted answers. I waited until she changed clothes before I started my interrogation.

  “What’s the matter?” I asked.

  She sighed. “I’ve told you it was nothing about a million times already, would you drop it?” she asked.

  I crossed my arms. “Absolutely not.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Seriously, it’s nothing.”

  I wasn’t budging. “If it’s nothing then you should have no issues telling me what’s going on.”

  She looked me in the eye to show me she wasn’t messing around, but neither was I. When she spoke her words were clear and each word was punctuated to prove her point. “I. Don’t. Want. To. Talk. About. It.”

  “I. Don’t. Care.” I responded.

  She threw her arms up in exasperation. “What the hell do you want from me Ayde. If this is going to turn into a Spanish inquisition, I’ll find a spare room or the couch. I’m not doing this shit with you. I don’t need any extra fucking stress right now and that’s all you’re doing.”

  My eyebrows went up. Was she fucking serious right now? “I’m stressing you out? You’ve been moping the fuck around all day looking like someone just flushed your goldfish down the toilet and all I’m trying to do is figure out what the hell is going on with you and how I can help. Is that too much to fucking ask of you?” I asked.

  She stood up. “You’ve already helped enough with the situation as it is. I need to think, that’s what I need. Not you up my ass prying and giving me an even bigger headache. There’s nothing you can do to help and this thing you’re doing right now is having the absolute opposite effect. Since it’s clear you’re not going to fucking leave this alone I’ll find other sleeping arrangements.” She walked to the door.

  I couldn’t believe this shit. “You know what, fuck it! There’s an empty room at the end of the hall, have at it. You can take your shit with you too.” I said walking to the other side of the room and snatched up her overnight bag. I remembered the other clothes she left here before and I snatched it and threw it in her bag. I knew my actions were hasty but I couldn’t help it. She’d gotten under my skin and just because I fucking cared about her. I didn’t have to deal with her ass. She can take her shit and the bug up her ass and go wherever the hell she wanted.

  I walked towards her but didn’t get close. I came just within arm’s reach and extended my arm. “Take your shit and all the fucking time you need Cassie.”

  Her bottom lip quivered and there were unshed tears in her eyes but I wouldn’t let that affect me. I understand that she was obviously going through something and my harshness wouldn’t help, but it wasn’t right that she was making me the bad guy in all of this and I had no idea what the fuck was going on. I was opening up to her and letting her know I was trying to be there for her and she tells me to fuck off. I’ve never chased a woman, I never had to and I’m not going to start now.

  She snatched the bag and left the room slamming the door behind her. Fuck her, fuck this. This is why I don’t do relationships. All this fighting, emotions, and caring shit is a big fucking inconvenience. This is why I used to just fuck and head out the door. I don’t have the time or patience for all of this other shit. Why the hell did I think it was a good idea to change that? I pushed all that shit out of my head and zoned out to the TV. I wasn’t really watching it and I wasn’t thinking either, I was just… there I guess. Eventually I passed out though.

  The next morning, I was woken up to a knock at my door. “Yea?” I called out.

  Shelly poked her head through. “Hey bighead. Breakfast is ready and you know mom is ready to eat and get to unwrapping gifts. You know she’s a big kid.”

  I tossed back the covers. “Alright, I’ll be down in a second.”

  I went to the bathroom and freshened up before heading down to eat. Everyone else was already there. I greeted Cassie’s parents but I didn’t spare her a glance. I ate silently and took my seat in the living room for the gift opening. I always went last because everyone else was always really excited.

  I watched as everyone opened their gifts laughing at everyone’s antics. When Jordan got to mine he frowned at the packaging. He sent me a questioning look but I just shrugged not giving anything away. He opened the envelope and slowly pulled out the papers. His eyes read the first sheet then briefly scanned through the papers. He put them back gently and looked back at me.

  “Thank you Drayden. That doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel but I can’t think of any words that are adequate. This just means so much to me.” I could sense him getting emotional and everyone was watching on in question. A part of what I wrote in the letter to him expressed this is something between him and me, no one else needed to know.

  Cassie went next and she opened up her gifts. When she got to the dozens I bought her frown deepened as she opened package after package. She shot me a glare and I knew she wasn’t happy at the money I spent on her but whatever. We weren’t even on good terms right now, that doesn’t mean I changed my mind about buying her those things. She deserved them even though she was being an uber bitch to me at the moment.

  I opened my stuff up last laughing at the ridiculous Christmas sweater my mother bought me. Every year she bought me and Shelly the ugliest sweaters she could find for as long as I could remember. She thought it was hilarious and we kept every single one. I even shocked the shit out of her once by wearing one to her New Year’s Eve party. She nearly pissed her pants with how ridiculous I looked. I remember I still went home with the hottest bitch in the party that night, sweater be damned.

  The rest of the day went on without a hitch except there was like an invisible wall in between me and Cassie. We hadn’t uttered a word to each other, and I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone heard our fight last night and thought better than to say anything. I dropped her and her parents at home and went back to my place.

  We were back in the office the next day and besides work we didn’t communicate. I took the hint and left her alone. She was probably over us, that would explain the complete 180 that she did. If that was the case, then fuck her. Sure I sound like an angry teenager, but shit I broke all the rules for her. I couldn’t focus and decided to call it a day early. When I got up to leave Cassie wasn’t at her desk. I ran into her on my way to the elevator. She didn’t look that great and despite what I wanted, concern took over.

  “Are you ok?” I asked.

  “None of your business.” She snapped.

  “You just don’t look well. What the fuck Cassie? I haven’t done anything to you for you to act like this.” I told her.

  She laughed humorlessly. “Yea after you kicked me the fuck out.”

  Holy fucking hell, what is wrong with women? “You said you were leaving! All I wanted was to know what the hell was wrong with you and your blaming me. Listen, if you just
want out of this…” I said gesturing between us, “then just fucking come out and say it. But this bullshit you’re doing, snapping at me for no fucking reason and giving me a hard time is ridiculous. You’ve been nothing but a bitch the last few days and I don’t fucking deserve it.”

  “Ha. Right. I’m the bitch. You know what? Fine. Fuck this. You even hinting at this tells me all I need to know. My parents are leaving in a week, right after the new year. You can have your fuck pad back then.”

  I rolled my eyes. This was just getting petty. “Keep the fucking place, I can find a new fuck pad. I’m done with this cat and mouse game with you. You wanted to push me away didn’t you?” I asked her point blank.

  She stared into my eyes but didn’t deny it. That sealed it. “Do what the fuck you want. I’ll do what you obviously don’t have the balls to do. This is done.” With that I made my way out taking the stairs just so I could get the fuck out of dodge.

  Cassie

  The days following the breakup was horrible and draining. I honestly didn’t want to breakup with him but I was a fucking mess and every minute I spent around him just made me feel even fucking worse about myself. The day he’d broken it off with me I went home and locked myself in the room. I told my parents that I was tired and holed myself so I could cry my eyes out in private.

  I kept having images of him with other women at god knows where. He didn’t seem nearly as effected as I felt. Although I kept a brave face in front of him I’m sure the pain was still clear as day. Of course he wouldn’t know it because that would require him to actually pay attention to me. He acted the most professional I’d ever seen him, at least with me. I should be happy, I really should but I couldn’t. The thought of him with someone else was a constant painful reminder that wreaked havoc on me all the time.

  The new year’s party came around and there was no way I could bail. My mom asked about what was going on with me and Ayde and to her sheer disappointment I informed her that there was no me and Drayden. She was worried and she had every right to be. She could see clear as day how it was getting to me and didn’t understand my reasoning for all of this. I still couldn’t figure it out myself so how could I explain it correctly to anyone else?

  Shelly, Laura, Amy and I went shopping together for outfits for the party. My dress was utterly beautiful and when I put it on I felt like a princess. It was a beautiful green mermaid style dress. When I initially picked it off the rack I liked it instantly because it was almost the same shade as Drayden’s eyes. When I put it on though the girls told me I was a fool if I didn’t get this one and I had to agree. The entire back was out and the mid-section from my collar bone to my navel was exposed. There were strips that covered the space of my breast leading into a collar like neck to keep everything up. It fit me like a glove except for the flared bottom. I found some gold heels that gave me just enough height so that the dress didn’t touch the floor and were visible and a matching bag. Shelly had charged all of our things saying she’d call it a work expense. I didn’t feel so bad since it wasn’t just me that she was treating.

  When I came out of the room my parents gushed about how I looked. I put some large curls into my hair. My parents both looked amazing and for the first time in a while I felt happiness begin to bloom. We took a cab over to Drayden’s parents house. They’d hired some people for the night to help out. A man in a waiter like uniform opened the door and took our coats. There were people everywhere and it reminded me vaguely of the events I attended with Drayden. There were the old timers but there were younger people there. We found Kevin and Lorraine first and said our hello’s before we melted into the crowd. My parents took off from me and talked amongst the other guests and I found myself alone. I sought out my friends easily and made my way over to them.

  “You look a-fucking-mazing!” Laura said.

  I smiled “why thank you. I had some pretty insistent friends who told me I just had to wear this.”

  “You are very welcome my dear.” Shelly said and we all laughed.

  We fell into conversation and it wasn’t long before my eyes had a mind of their own. Where was Drayden? I’m sure he would look amazing, just one look. I found him and my heart skipped a beat. He looked utterly delicious. He had on a black tux with a white shirt, but the vest underneath and his bow tie was a really pretty blue. I ate him up while I could. He was engaged in whatever conversation he was in and I wanted to get my fill before he caught me watching. Just as his head came up I snapped my whole body around so he wouldn’t catch me, hopefully he wouldn’t even recognize me.

  He didn’t seek me out and I had just as much fun with the girls. We drank, we laughed, and we had a good time together. Reno sauntered to us and swept Laura away to dance. We all went to watch this show they were about to put on and that’s when I saw Drayden sweeping some woman across the dance floor. My stomach clenched as I watched his smooth moves, his arms and hands on her. Although not in an inappropriate way it looked seductive and I was jealous.

  Charlie found me and asked me to dance. I wanted to say no, but thought against it. I’m here to have fun and that’s just what I’ll do. He led me out to the dancefloor and a slow number came on. I watched out the corner of my eye as Drayden’s dance partner left the dance floor and Victoria walked up and wrapped her arms around his neck. I turned my head and leaned it against Charlie’s chest.

  “Are you guys still fighting?” he asked me quietly.

  I knew everyone had to hear us when we had that screaming match on Christmas eve. “No, we’re over.”

  I felt his deep sigh. “What’s wrong with the two of you? I’ve never seen him act the way he does with you. Even when you two were fighting on that first day I met you, I could see it. After he tossed you in the pool he ran after you… he cared. He never gives a shit, let alone enough to let you get under his skin. If you were anyone else, he would’ve kicked you out the house or kicked your ass. No one who works for him would be able to get away with that shit.” he informed me.

  I sighed. “I figured some of that stuff out already, it’s just…” I groaned. “I know it’s my fault and I fucked everything up so badly I just don’t know what to do.”

  He rubbed soothing circles on my back and held me a little tighter. I enjoyed it. For the first time in my life I had a feeling of what it would’ve been like to have a big protective brother. “Tell me what’s wrong.” He said soothingly. I leaned my head back and searched his eyes. Could I trust him? everything I saw when I looked at him told me I could. Ayde was his family and he was looking out for him, but in a sense he was looking out for me too.

  “I’m pregnant.” I whispered before dropping my head back to his chest so he couldn’t see my face.

  He never broke stride and he continued to dance. I wrapped my arms around him and held onto him a bit tighter. “And you didn’t tell him.” he said.

  I shook my head. “I can’t. He’s barely ready for a relationship, he won’t take this news well and I can’t face that.”

  He gripped the back of my neck gently. “look at me.” He demanded.

  I stopped moving and titled my head back. He looked down at me and his eyes were serious. “This isn’t my business and I’m not going to say anything but we’re all family here. It might be a shock, but I don’t think it would be as bad as you think. Give him a chance. Even if he confirms your worst fears you still have the rest of us ok? You won’t be alone in this sugar. But I’m sure he’ll come around ok?” he asked me.

  I nodded wanting to believe him so bad but still had doubt swirling in my gut. His grip on my waist tightened demanding my attention. He searched my eyes as he spoke. “I mean it.” He promised.

  I gave him a small smile. “Thank you.” I told him truly meaning it.

  He returned my smile and gave me a firm head nod before leaning down and kissing me on the forehead. As soon as his lips made contact I felt his hand ripped away from my waist.

  Drayden

  Cassie looked amazing
. I had to keep my distance from her because there was no telling what I would do if I got close. I might strangle her or kiss her, I wasn’t totally sure. She had the fucking audacity to come in here looking like sin, fucking tease. She’d ignored me and avoided me since the breakup and for some reason I thought there was a small chance she’d reach out to me when she got passed whatever has been bugging her. I thought maybe she was on her period or something.

  I kept my eye on her although it wouldn’t have been noticeable to anyone else. When I saw her and Charlie get on the dance floor some of my anxiety eased up. I was afraid someone else would ask her to dance and whisk her away. I was ok up until I saw them looking into each other’s eyes. I had no idea what they were talking about but the whole scene looked too intimate. When his hand rested on her waist all my movements halted and I let go of Veronica. He had a hand on the back of her neck and he was looking into her eyes. When his head started to lower like they were about to kiss, I went full force.

  There was no stopping me, at all. Not a damn thing. I was angry as all fucking hell, all types of things running through my mind. I loved Charlie like a brother but I will kick his fucking ass if he even thought about having something with Cassie. I reached them and tore his hand off of her waist. He was releasing his lips from her forehead and my hand clenched ready to swing. His eyes widened but his eyes laughed at me.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” I asked.

  Cassie was standing there stock still just watching. Horror and guilt plain on her face. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I didn’t want to be right. Not about this. Charlie put his hands up in a surrender motion. “not what you think apparently.”