I don't know how it happened, but I had fallen in love with him the day I met him. I spent twelve years chasing after someone who didn't want to be caught. I altered my entire personality for him. I became weak, and submissive, and for what? For him to tell me that the only reason he wanted to marry me was because of a business deal?
The mistakes that I've made in my past couldn't continue in my future. Meeting Owen had been one of the best things to ever happen to me. He's helped me grow without even trying. Turns out all I needed was someone to listen. That, and to point out every toxic trait in my life that was bringing me down. It was crazy to believe how close we've become since that first day in the record store.
I turned the shower off, squeezing the water from my hair before reaching for my towel. When I stepped out into the steam filled room, my limbs instantly felt more relaxed. I took a few steps towards the mirror then, and used my hand to wipe the steam away. There were bags under my eyes, and even though I'd slept well I still felt like I could use more.
After changing into a pair of black fitted sweatpants, and a gray tank top I put my hair up into a messy bun. The apartment was quiet, which led me to believe that Owen had left already. It was nearly noon now, and my stomach was grumbling loudly as I made my way to the kitchen. I found a note on the fridge from Morgan saying she'd be home for dinner, and another beside that from Owen.
I grabbed both, and smiled before setting them down onto the counter. I wasn't up for actually cooking, so I pulled a pizza box from the fridge and inspected it's contents. Morgan must have ordered it last night. I was in such an odd head space last night that I didn't even want to eat. The last thing I remember, is Owen tucking me in.
I filled a plate with four slices of pizza, and popped it into the microwave. While my food was re-heating, I poured myself a glass of milk and took a nice long swig. I wasn't even a fan of milk, but for some reason I was craving it. That, and the gooey, melty cheese from the pizza. I was almost salivating at the thought.
I brought my meal out to the living room, and sat down cross legged on the couch. With my plate in my lap, and my glass on the coffee table I turned the television on to catch the local news at noon. Picking up a slice of pizza I brought it to my lips, and took a large bite. I nearly moaned when the cheese hit my taste buds. My good mood didn't last long though, because when I glanced up at the television screen I was staring directly into the eyes of Edward Foster.
Reaching for the remote I turned the volume up, and set my pizza back down onto the plate.
“Edward Foster, the owner of Foster's Fine Furniture was found dead in his home last night. While it was well known that Foster had been ill for some time, we've been told that wasn't the reason for his death. Investigators say, foul play is expected. We'll have more for you when we return at the five o'clock hour.”
I switched the television off and sat there in disbelief. Foul play? Chills shot down my spine, and I shivered. Who would want to hurt Mister Foster? Sure, he wasn't a very pleasant man but as far as I knew he didn't have any enemies.
Getting up, I went to my room to find my phone. Owen must be beside himself right now. I'm sure that he knew already, his father's lawyer would probably be the first person notified. I found Owen's number, and hit send before bringing the phone to my ear. I listened to each ring, my heart rate increasing with every second that passed. When I heard his voicemail pick up I hit end, and tried again. I could only imagine what he was feeling right now, but I knew that I didn't want him to be alone.
After ten attempts I got a pair of tennis shoes from my closet, and sat on the end of the bed to put them on. I tossed my phone into my purse next, and stood lifting it over my shoulder. As quickly as I could I headed towards the kitchen, my lunch all but forgotten. My stomach growled in protest, but I didn't have time to eat right now. I needed to find Owen.
Snatching the keys from the counter, I made my way out the door and into the elevator. I had absolutely no idea where I was going, but I couldn't just sit here and do nothing. I spotted Derek on my way towards the exit, and I diverted my route so that I could speak to him. He probably didn't know about his father, and even though we weren't on any real kind of speaking terms, I thought it would be better coming from someone he knew.
He smiled as I approached him, and I returned it with a small smile of my own. Without exchanging any words I gestured towards the chairs in the corner of the lobby, and he turned towards them taking a seat. I sat down beside him, and took a deep breath preparing myself for what I had to say.
“Change your mind?” He asked, arching a brow skeptically.
“No.” I said, softly. “Derek, there's something I need to tell you.”
“Why so ominous? You aren't pregnant are you?” He scoffed.
Pregnant? Was he out of his freaking mind? There was no way that I was- was there? Suddenly the way that I've been feeling the past few days started to make sense. The cravings, the tiredness, even my
