Broken Strings (18+)

05

We needed air, and so our lips parted. Somehow, I felt longing for the lost contact.

He rested his forehead against mine. We were both catching our breaths. “I love you, baby,” he sighed.

I felt like ice-cold water was poured on me. That was definitely not for me.

I opened my eyes and saw Sebastian’s face only an inch away from mine. I noticed that our position was rather intimate, and it shouldn’t be like this. God, what have I done? I kissed my boyfriend’s brother, and I shouldn’t have done that! What I did with Sebastian… was that cheating on Storm? No! This must be a dream. A very bad dream.

I closed my eyes again. When I opened them, nothing had changed. It was still Sebastian’s handsome face that I’m seeing. His eyes were closed. He looked so serene. He was breathing evenly. Is he sleeping? Oh God, he is! What should I do now?

My hands were shaking as I fished for my phone in my purse. I didn’t have a choice, did I? I speed-dialed Storm. After five rings, he picked up. “H-hello.” My voice was wavering, and I couldn’t help it.

“Yes, honey?” I mentally sighed in relief. Wait, did he call me ‘honey’ again? That means we’re good now, huh? I should be happy, but then I remembered my wrongdoing. Suddenly, I felt so small and unworthy. I used to be repulsed by Storm’s alleged cheating, but didn’t I just do something much worse and more repulsive? I couldn’t say it was a drunken mistake. That would be a poor excuse for my recklessness. Okay, okay. I would admit that for once, Mischa Brillantes had been stupid.

I paused, weighing if this was the right thing to do. But then, who else would I ask? “Uh, can you give me your brother’s address?” Please, just say it. Don’t ask anymore.

“Sebastian? What do you need it for? Do you want me to drive you there?”

“No—I mean, yes, I need Sebastian’s address ‘cause I have to bring him home. He’s drunk,” I still managed to explain even though I was already losing my nerves.

“What? Sebastian’s drunk?! Where are you? I’m picking you up.” Surprise was evident in his tone.

“Y-yeah… Uh, no need. I just need his address.” But really, I just didn’t know where we are. And how the hell was I supposed to explain how we got here, what we did here…

“But—”

“Oh, just give me his fucking address, will you?!” I didn’t mean to shout at him, but I finally lost it. I didn’t like the guilt, the anxiety, and everything building up inside me, and Storm’s endless interrogation was definitely not helping.

The other end was silent for a while. Shit, he must be taken aback by my outburst. I had been a total bitch. God forgive me for being a bad girlfriend. I would make things right, I promise.

“I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to shout at you. I was just stressed. I’m really, really sorry.” My voice cracked toward the end. I was fighting my tears. I couldn’t be weak now.

“It’s okay. I’ll text you his address.” His tone was soft and calm, and it was killing me. I’d rather he got mad at me – yell, curse, whatever. That’s what I deserved anyway.

“Yes, please. Thanks,” I mumbled.

I heard some guy in the background calling out his name – maybe his coach or his teammate. “You and Sebastian take care, honey. I’ll come and get you at his pad later at 6, okay? Sorry, break’s over. I have to get going now. Bye,” he said so quickly, I almost didn’t make sense of what he said.

“Bye—” The line was cut off, and I wasn’t sure if he still heard me.

I looked back at Sebastian. I felt a tug on my heart as I watched his sleeping form. He was lying on the grass peacefully, just like how I had left him about an hour ago – after the incident. Yes, he did pass out on me.

I was astonished that I managed to bring Sebastian inside his car and find my way back to the busy streets of the metro. Talk about adrenaline rush.

I was just so thankful when we got to his flat safely – even more when I saw that in front of me was a two-storey apartment (like mine) and not some high-rise condominium. I couldn’t imagine how I’d carry him to his unit if that was the case.

I searched the compartments in his car for his keys, but I didn’t find any. Ugh, where could it possibly be? I looked around the car, but Sebastian didn’t have anything like a bag or something. I looked at him. He was still sleeping – lightly snoring even. He seemed drained… but I had to wake him up.

I reached for his face and gently tapped his cheek. My fingertips were tickled by his faint stubbles. “Sebastian…”

I wasn’t sure if he heard me. I tapped his cheek once more, and he stirred. “Hmm?”

“Your keys?” I didn’t know why I was whispering. It’s like I really didn’t want to wake him up, even though I had to.

“Pocket,” he mumbled. My brows furrowed as I tried to make out what he said. Pocket? I scanned his long-sleeved polo, then his slacks. Oh, there. A bulge in his pants—I mean, pocket of his pants.

© Cyan