**Annabelle**
I got home and landed straight on my bed. I had the window repaired so I felt safe. Safe is a strong word to use but it seems appropriate at this time.
I slept for more than three hours after which I got up and finally got dressed. I didn't want to go all out so I picked something casual, not too extravagant. Not too simple but good enough.
It was refreshing to do something that actually seem normal after such a long time. When I left, it was all to make the money so work, work and more work. Since I've been back all I've been through is Stephanie and her more shit. Thankfully, she's been put behind bars and that ####Chapter is closed.
As for Fallon and his indirect proposals which I still can't find meanings to... They'll just have to wait for another day. Still haven't figured out when that it. For now, I'm seating across the man who's helped me through alot while waiting for the waiter to get our food. I look like a normal date but the tension between us was visible. I just couldn't find the right words to start a conversation and I'm sure he feels the same.
"This is so awkward."
He breathed out minutes later. I nodded in agreement earning a deep chuckle.
"What do you say we skip the awkward beginnings and just talk."
He added batting his lashes. I giggled slightly and nodded once again.
"So....I would like to..."
"Annabelle..."
A voice interrupted him from behind. A voice which was all too farmilar.
"Ava..."
I blurted out and turned behind. Just like I thought, she strode towards us but that wasn't all. Fallon was right beside her. This has to be so fucking amazing. A dinner date between two couples. I waited for the pang of jealousy to creep up but it didn't. For that, I'm glad.
A smile was plastered on her face with her arms hooked onto him. It almost seemed like they were walking towards us. I looked at the empty table besides us praying silently they would take any other seat apart from that way.
It seemed like the angels were on vacation. Fallon gently helped her take a seat. He glanced at my direction making me quickly look away. I shrugged and turned to face Richard who seemed to be visible confused as well.
"Fancy seeing you here."
Fallon spoke out. I couldn't make out if he was talking me or Richard or maybe the both of us.
"Yeah."
I mumbled under my breath trying to dismiss them both.
"We could leave."
Richard suggested noticing my discomfort. A lump grew in my chest. This felt terrible. He wanted to have a good time and I'm ruining that. I can't.
"It's fine."
I assured. I had no idea why I reached out for his hand after saying that. I also don't know why I darted my eyes towards Fallon to watch his expression. His eyes were fixed on our latched fingers. I looked away unable to maintain his burning gaze.
"This is going to be fucking awkward."
I said finally making my mind up on what I wanted to eat.
*****
I laughed heartily. Maybe a little too loud. I became oblivious of the fact that Fallon was even beside me. Richard was a force to be reckoned with when someone wants to be sad. He's a vibe on his own. I can't believe this but I think I'm actually having fun.
"If you think that's funny, you won't want to know what happened next..."
"Oh enlighten me..."
I batted my lashes repeating his earlier actions.
"I fell off the cart."
"Oh my!"
I exclaimed bursting into another round of laughter. He joined me in and I flipped my hair backwards. I felt weirded out and slowly turned towards Fallon. He was still gazing at us. His wife was speaking but I could tell he wasn't even listening. I gulped and tried to look away but I couldn't.
"Umm. I need to use the restroom, I'll be right back."
I cleared my throat excusing myself.
I breathed out in relief sprinkling water on my face. I muttered some words of encouragement to myself before exiting the restroom.
"Annabelle."
Fallon called out breathlessly in front of me. My first instinct was to run back inside and shut the door but I couldn't. I just stood there...
******