Shame On You and Me: Chapter 5

Shame on You and Me
Chapter 5
Breann Wathen

    Ian pulled into the apartment building complex and my heart sank. If I could only spend another hour with him, or maybe even my whole life. I could feel him ease up on the gas so it would take longer to get there. A bunch of people in other cars expressed their rage. Seems like they’ve never been in love before.

    I saw Chuck and Jett smoking cigarettes outside of the building. Oh shit. I know that if I get out of another guys’ car, they’re gonna rat me out. I’m not taking those chances.

    “Ian, stop right here.” I hit the dashboard and unbuckled my seatbelt.

    “But you live over there, right?”

    “My neighbors are gonna rat me out if they see me with you. Unless I flash them, but I’m not that desperate.” I nervously laughed. I knew Chuck were the eyes while Jett was the ears. A tag team. A duo. Ready to report any damn thing to the tenant for a $100 bucks off their rent.

    “Okay. Here’s my number.” Ian unlocked the doors and handed me a slip of notebook paper.
    “Alright, see you later.” We kissed for what felt like an hour. I didn’t want to leave him. He waved slowly as he backed out of the parking lot and left. I took several shortcuts through the apartment buildings, carefully avoiding those two bastards.
    Luckily, Ms. Gregory came to my rescue. She walked up to the two and smacked a shared cigarette out of their grubby hands.
    “Those are death sticks lads! That why Mr. Gregory walked around with that burden of an oxygen tank. You don’t want to end up like him, do you? Dead?” She was in a blind rage. I took my chance and snuck past them into the building. Fumbling for my keys, I heard someone on the outside.
    It was more like faint giggling…from a woman. I ran through all the possibilities of why the hell another woman would be in our apartment. Maybe it was Becky next door. She was always needed something like fabric freshener sheets or a spoonful of peanut butter. It could be his mom, who I haven’t met. Is that a bad sign of saying this relationship wouldn’t last?
    Before I could find the right key, someone had gotten to the doorknob before me.
    “Amber! Ohmigod! I thought you were dead!” Chelsea wrapped her toned arms around me. It was Chelsea. Just Chelsea. Phew.
    “Uh, no. I’m all in one piece. The piece that you’re squeezing.” She relaxed her grips, but her hands were still on my shoulders.
    “Babe, I thought you were seriously hurt. You didn’t even try to call or text back. I was worried.” I saw a tear drop my Nate’s eye. Oh shit. Here I was out having the time of my life, cheating on my boyfriend who really cares.
    “I’m sorry. It was that things had gotten hectic. With all the news reporters being there and the ambulances.” I grabbed Nate into a deep embrace. I looked up into his brown eyes and he smiled. What am I doing? He leaned forward and I involuntary kissed him. I heard Chelsea make a gagging sound. I smirked. As he pulled away, I got the weirdest feeling in my stomach. Like the world was spinning to fast and I could feel it move. I almost collapsed.
    “Whoa! Ambs, are you okay?” Nate had caught me, his eyes wavering.
    “I guess.” I was weaving through everything that happened today. Every thought I had ever thought. And it hit me. I’m a horrible person. How could I go and hook up with some guy that’s been after me for years and then go back to me happy home with my boyfriend and lie to his face?
    “Maybe you need something to eat? Anyone wanna head to Red Robin’s? My treat, somebody gave me a gift card for 25 bucks.” Chelsea slightly jogged to the couch and searched her purse.
    Nate had hoisted me into a dining room chair, kneeling in front of me.
    “How does that sound Ambs?” He was gently massaging my hands.
    “Sounds great you guys. Uh, can I just change into something else real quick?” I tried to stand but my legs didn’t seem to carry my weight. I fell down back into the chair.
    “You know what? I can fix some hamburgers. Chels, thanks for the offer but I think she needs to stay here for a little while. Just to shake it off, you know?” Nate was basically trying to shoo Chelsea away.
    “Alright, but call me if anything pops up or happens. Good night.” Chelsea waved, keys jingling between her fingers.
    “Want some water or something?”
    “Uh, sure. I am a little thirsty.” I lolled my head around and rubbed my temples. Was this guilt? Or just after shock from the crash? The last thing I heard was the faucet running and someone yelling ‘Amber!’.