Room 212

by Kate Stewart

I had always been an introvert, unless I saw something I wanted. Then I would carefully study whatever or whoever it was and find a way to make it mine.

He did nothing for me and never went out his way to make me feel special. It was as if I was living with a friend that I screwed for two years.

A shiver ran through me when I thought of how stupid I was to have stayed for so long. Well there’s my first lesson. I was twenty-one years old and not at all interested in a long-term anything anymore. Thanks for that,

“No, it’s self-preservation. You are a reckless man. You are romantic and beautiful, but you are completely reckless with the people who love you. You think of only what you want and never give them a say. I am not the pushover I once was. This isn’t all your way or no way.”

“Please don’t make me hate you.” “Oh, but Seth, it’s the only way.

I feel that too, only for you…always you, Laura. I wasn’t smart enough to fight for you then, but I am now. Please baby, forgive me. Let me finally love you. Let me be with you always, every day, making you smile, making you happy. I won’t hurt you, because you’re right, I am selfish. Being away from you is like cutting out my heart. I would only hurt myself. I had to survive you, Laura. Don’t make me do it again.”

“This has to be it,” he whispered. “I can’t take anymore. I never thought I would see you again. I have never loved anyone else and never will, but this has to be it.” “This is it, I promise.”

I was oddly turned on by his anger.