Christmas week had been good. The kids had loved having the family unit together. Annie had been pleasant, kind, thoughtful and just an all round nice person to actually be around. I had found myself this last week enjoying our time together, and less so avoiding it. I no longer hurried past the kitchen when she was stood there. I stopped to talk, all awkwardness fading away as days passed and her behaviour remained calm.

I admit though, it was a hard week to be away from Leah when my mind wondered to her so frequently. The only time I could call was the evenings when the kids were in bed, but of course her evenings were busier, she was catching up with friends in town for the holidays and enjoying her family too.

Annie had gone out one evening to meet up with her new love interest, Tasha, and it only made me long for Leah more. I wasn't jealous of Annie and Tasha's relationship but I was jealous that she lived so close, and that she could now visit her over the holidays.

"So what are your plans New Year's Eve" Annie asked as I sat at the kitchen island watching her cook dinner.

"Teddy has a huge Club event down town... she's auctioning off dates with girls for charity" I inform, taking a sip of water.

Annie looks to me and nods slow "Anyone I would want to bid on" she asks jovially.

"No..." I return.

"Anyone you are bidding on" she asks.

I roll my eyes and turn away from her to the kids playing on a console behind us.

"So this...is your Leah" Annie says.

I turn around instantly, finding her with her phone in one hand whilst she prods the chicken breast she's cooking with the spatula in the other.

"What" I ask a little stunned.

She turns her phone around "Teddys club event" she says opening it up on the page and zooming in on Leah's picture. It was a rather good one of her in her basketball attire, ball in hand, and a beautiful smile on her lips.

Oh shit. I didn't want this to happen, and for her to figure it out so damn quickly.

"Yes" I say casually, trying not to sound alarmed.

"She's young. Morgan. She's a player surely... young.. hot... and an athlete" she remarks.

I ignore her. She's trying to get under my skin.

"I thought you would be looking for someone a little more appropriate" she adds.

I shake my head "says the woman with a twenty one year old in her bed" i rebuff. "And Leah isn't like that... we love each other" I say without thinking.

She places her phone down and laughs. "Okay" she says sarcastically. "So you are in love with a basketball player... sure let's see how long that lasts before someone else takes her fancy..." she says looking back into her phone. "This says she's one of sports most eligible lesbians... I really find it hard to believe she wants to settle down with a mom of three from Arizona"

"Annie just when I start to mellow and enjoy your company...you kick me so hard I remember why I stayed away so long... fuck... you" I lean over and whisper before walking down to my room. The kids were completely oblivious and shouting back and forth about their game.

I make it into my room and shut the door but seconds later she walks in "Morgan I'm sorry that came off worse than it sounded in my head... I didn't mean you are not worth it or that you aren't a damn good catch because you should know by now that you Morgan Keaton are the catch in my eyes. You always will be, no matter who we are both with" she says coming over and placing her hand on my shoulder. My back was to her as I looked out of the window at the world moving around outside in the city below, a million people living lives beneath us.

"Don't be mad with me" she begs.

I collect myself and turn around to her remorseful gaze "please" she asks.

I take a deep breath "Annie I shouldn't have to constantly be forgiving you every second week... why can't you just be consistent..."

"I will... I'm trying really hard to be better Morgan"she says releasing my shoulder and biting her bottom lip "I only meant earlier that I don't want you getting hurt dating someone so young and famous... surely it only leads to heartache... you aren't looking for a fling unless I'm mistaken" she asks.

I shake my head, my fair hair falling around my shoulders "No your not wrong... I want more with Leah... and I think she wants it too"

"Just be sure Morg before you give her everything... before you give her your heart. I don't want to see you heartbroken... I love you" she says and she smiles softly and leans in to kiss my cheek, making me flinch slightly as she enters my space. She notes it and looks hurt as she slips away back to the kitchen.

***
"I can't find my Damn phone to text Morgan" I say to Joplin who is on the hotel room phone trying to calm me down before my New Year's Eve date with Morgan

"Don't sweat it she's going to be at the club. I highly doubt she will stand you up because you've not replied for a couple hours" she returns.

"I had it at the airport because I text her I was here" I remember.

L- Landed! Ready for my New Years kiss 🫦 can't wait to see you 💘

"Did she reply" Joplin asks.

I hold my hand to my forehead and think for a second "no she didn't which means I must have lost it there... because Morgan usually replies pretty quickly"

"You could always call her from the hotel" Joplin suggests.

I think about it for a second but cast the suggestion aside "no I don't remember her number off by heart... you know how shocking I am with numbers Jo"

"True... this is the only number you know off by heart isn't it?"

I smile because it's true. I only ever remembered Joplin's home phone number, years upon years of calling it when Jo couldn't get a cell from her parents.

"And I have a lovely chat with your dad each and every time I call" I say honestly "I'm a sucker for his British accent"

"He knows..." she replies with a snigger.

"Listen can you go on my social and send her a message and just tell her my cell is lost and I will meet her at Ten tonight at the bar. I really don't want her to think I'm ignoring her" I ask.

Joplin sighs "fine hang on a sec" she says and I hear her clicking buttons.

"Done" she replies.

J- Hey Morgan, this is Joplin, Leah's best friend. She wanted me to let you know she's lost her phone at the airport but most likely it's in her jacket pocket. She's such a doofus she's probably not looked there yet, but I didn't say that. Anyway 10pm at the bar in the club, be there or be square... Leah awaits.

***
I read Joplin's message and feel instant relief. I had been looking at Leah's name in my phone for an hour waiting on her reply and it was slowly driving me insane. I was worried about her getting to her hotel in the city.

"Mom you look amazing" Jamie says walking into my room. I sat in front of the mirror and applied my red lipstick.

"You think J" I ask.

She walks behind me and places her hands on my bare shoulders. My dress was strapless, a beautiful silver sequinned dress that fit snug against my curves. It had cups built into the fabric so my breasts sat to attention, not too much attention but enough that it gave them some life. I was most definitely not large breasted, but this did the trick.

"Yes mom you look incredible..."she says lovingly. "Are you meeting her" she asks.

I look to her reflection and cock an eyebrow "Jamie" I groan.

She smiles wickedly "please tell me" she asks as she sits on the end of the bed behind me excitedly.

I turn around placing in my earrings one by one "yes" I confess quietly.

"Mommy already left for her new year party" Jamie says reaching out and touching my hair lightly.

I frown "she already left... it's only nine" I say checking the alarm clock beside my bed.

"She said to tell you she will see you in the morning and happy new year" Jamie tells me as she inspects my perfume and lotion bottles beside me.

"Can I borrow a face mask?" She asks.

I nod "sure" as she takes one and skips off.

Annie had left without so much as a goodbye, to be with Tasha I presumed. I'm not sure why it surprised me, perhaps a decade of walking out of the door together, having her lay my dress out and check me out before we left the apartment, usually after she had nearly ripped it off of me in our bedroom, her eyes roaming me hungrily before any event like she had to taste me first. It was strange to have her suddenly not take that interest, there was no body check, no dress hoisting, no leg parting, no tasting, not even a fucking happy new year and I only cared a flicker. I wasn't sure why I even felt that much, a decade I guess, a decade of her being mine, and I hers. It wasn't that easy to release everything, every feeling and each and every memory of her, and right now the flicker it made me kind of feel sad, that she had finally turned away from me, as I had wanted her too. Her focus was finally on Tasha, and presumably, she was removing her dress as I even sit here. Fuck this fucking flicker... "please stop" I beg myself. I had to get out of this apartment and get back to Arizona. Spending time with Annie wasn't good for me, especially not when she was well behaved, perhaps it was worse when she was?! Because it made me miss that side of her and a version of her that hadn't existed for years. She hadn't been the Annie I fell deeply for in a long time, but this past week I saw her. I had to wonder if it was me that made her angry, and made her so unhappy, because now she was with Tasha and moving on, she seemed much more at peace.

***
"Leah" Teddy called.

I turn around as she catches my eye with a wave from across the roped off VIP area.

"Jeez...you look hot" Teddy says taking me in.

I look down at my outfit, a cropped top and fitted high waist trousers, my hair up in a stylishly styled high pony. "You think" I ask.

She prods me in the flesh exposed between my top and trousers "with abs like this.... For sure"

I raise my eyebrows at her "um you can talk... did Harper allow this fit on you..." I ask, looking to Teddy's open shirt that was opened to the base of her sternum. Her tanned flesh was on display and her side boob completely exposed "it's kinda revealing for a mommy of two is it not" I add with a cheeky grin.

She points back to the table at the back and I spot Harpers red hair "she insisted on accompanying me if I was going to wear this" she says laughing.

"I love her" I confess "you two are hilarious"

Harper walks over looking absolutely beautiful herself "I take it back it's Teddy whose punching" I observe.

Harper smiles and snakes her hand around Teddys waist "I love you Leah... did I ever tell you that" she asks.

I nod "no but I appreciate it"

"So did Teddy tell you that someone just paid forty thousand dollars to date you tonight" Harper asks.

My eyes widen "what"

Teddy nods "it's true... I just got it through this second... and they await you now. I have the club car waiting out back ready to escort you to your date"

"What the hell... forty thousand..." I repeat. I think about that, surely Morgan didn't have forty grand sat around. I was meant to meet her here in under an hour.

"I can't ...Morgan is expecting me to be here at Ten" I say worried.

Harper reaches out and squeezes my bare arm "I will keep an eye out for her and tell her what happened... just come back after the date, you are only contracted to an hour Leah"

"An hour?" I ask.

Teddy nods "only an hour"

"Okay an hour isn't so bad...is it just a drink?" I ask.

Teddy nods "that or dinner...but nothing sexual and certainly no touching unless it's consenting but since I know you have a thing going with Morgan don't you dare even think about it"

"I will be gone an hour... promise me you will tell her" I ask.

They both nod "I will even keep her company" Harper adds with a kind smile.

I take a deep breath "okay, wish me luck with this loaded lesbian... who the hell has forty big ones to spend on one hour with me?!"

***

Forty thousand was just a drop in the ocean to Annie Bonetti. She would happily pay it, to keep Morgan for herself, and to remove Leah for good. Yes, Forty was nothing, she would pay double that to have Morgan, triple even, and she was intent on getting her back where she belonged, with the family, and with her. Leah was a distraction that Morgan didn't need. She couldn't have her fall for her, not anymore than she was already. She just couldn't let it happen. Morgan would have to hate Leah it was the only way she would let this go. Annie knew Morgan, and she didn't love often, so this girl meant too much already. She was counting on Leah feeling the same, for this to work... Leah would have to love her enough to let her go, did she?!

***
I step out of the car and the driver points over to the doors ahead "it's a private date in the art gallery" he says impressed "looks like your date pulled out all the stops" he observes "pick you up in an hour" he adds before winking and driving away, leaving me stood a little unsure and a lot like I wanted to turn back around and leave.

"It's for charity" I whisper to myself trying to gear up the courage to move, and if I didn't move soon I would be late for Morgan and I didn't want her to have to wait around for me for long. I missed her so much this week. I couldn't wait to set my eyes on her again.

"Welcome" comes a male voice and I turn confused, but seeing his security badge I realise this isn't who I've come to see "Mrs's Bonetti awaits you" he says gesturing inside.

I recognise the name but can't place it as I nervously move toward the door, peeking inside as I enter at the large and modern building. It's metal doors close behind me with a bang and an automated lock sounds with a click and a beep. "Take the elevator to floor ten" he says gesturing toward it "she will meet you on arrival"

I lick my lips nervously and slowly make my way into the elevator "this is getting weird" I whisper to myself as I press the button for floor ten and the doors sweep shut. Like a bullet the elevator flies upward sending me a little off balance. I arrive at floor ten in record speed as the doors fly open.

"Leah Mitchell" comes a commanding voice and I look up to see a striking woman stood before me, beautiful, dark features, older than me, perhaps by a decade or so but she looked good for it. She also looked like she wanted to kill me, and I wasn't sure who the hell she was or why she would pay for my company if she didn't want me here.

"And you are?" I ask, stepping out in front of her.

She narrows her eyes slightly taking me in slowly and then she smiles. It catches me off guard, the way it appears so quickly to replace her slightly agitated expression mere moments ago.

"Annie... Annie Bonetti" she greets, holding out her hand. I look down to it and ignore it held there between us as it finally dawns on me who the hell this bitch is.

"Annie" I confirm.

She nods "yes... Morgan's wife" she adds with a hint of poisoned pleasure from the way that made me frown to hear. She drops her hand to her side and walks to the door at the end of the hall, her heels click clacking away on the hard floor that echo down the hall.

"Come on then... I paid good money for this date and I'm sure you don't want a charity to miss out on forty thousand dollars... isn't that your salary in one year" she guffaws. My eyes narrow and my hands curl into fists, my feet still rooted to the spot.

"Don't make me call the charity Leah and cancel the cheque" she calls back as she takes a seat at her desk and taunts me with a smirk

I walk toward the office and begrudgingly take the seat opposite her. She gestures to a bottle of  wine on the table with two glasses. "Pour us a glass will you" she asks as she licks her lips.

I sit back in the chair and cross my arms "no"

She raises her eyebrows "pour the wine Leah or ten thousand gets knocked off for your mouth" she says as she looks down at me as if I am a mouse she is pawing.

"Pour the wine yourself Annie or I will let everyone who works with you know you are an abusive little bitch who leaves bruises on your wife..." .... "sorry" I pause correcting myself purposefully like an arrow to her chest "ex wife" I thrust back at her.

Annie's eyes narrow at me again, her nostrils flare a little.

"Oh you little whore... you think you bother me" she says, obviously bothered, but trying to remain collected. "You are nothing but a play thing for Morgan... you know that right... she would have been bored of you in ten minutes... you're not exciting enough ... and I'm not sure what she's told you but Morgan has always liked it that way, a little rough... it's just something that's always been... so if you saw bruises on her... know that she enjoyed receiving them" she says vindictively.

I jump up from my chair and lunge for her, but she pushes back and her chair rolls back out of my reach "oooh did I hit a nerve..." she says amused at how angry I was. My hands were on her desk, and my chest was rising and falling dramatically "you are quite hot when you're angry... I see the attraction... but Morgan can still do better than you. She's top tier Leah... and you are... a bit of fit. You are a bit of body for her to enjoy, nothing more"

"Then why are you so bothered with me seeing her that you paid forty thousand dollars to manipulate me to come here" I spit back.

Annie smiles again, and it's unnerving. "Because I need you gone sooner than later, and I need to hurry this little fling along to its end. I'm bored of it quite frankly, and Morgan will only get attached to you and then you will leave her and break her heart. I can't have that Leah... I need you gone now and to save us all a heap of time wasted and heartache"

I frown and sit down "I'm sorry Annie but if you think I'm going to stop seeing Morgan just because you say so... you're fucking insane" I say gesturing to her head "I love her" I confess. "And nothing will make me leave her" I add strongly.

"I thought you might say that... in-fact I hoped you would" she says leaning over and pouring a glass of wine for us both. I watch her with eyebrows knitted together. What the hell was this... was she quite insane.

Annie sits back, crosses one leg over the other and takes a sip of her wine "mmm that's a good one... Morgan's favourite" she says placing it back down as I watch her.

"Leah... you won't see Morgan again" she states confidently and she looks to me with a cocked eyebrow "ever again" she adds strongly.

I shake my head and laugh "yes I will... in fact I'm going to her now because I can't listen to anymore of this. Annie you lost your damn mind... I'm going to go to her now, and I'm going to love her like she deserves to be loved... and you can't stop me... and if you dare touch her again Il come for you Annie. I swear to god I will"

I turn to leave but a glass smashes against the door ahead of me, wine running down it "not so fast" she says standing and walking around the desk so that she was closer "Leah if you don't leave Morgan right this minute and let her move on ... she won't see her children for more than a couple weeks a year" she threatens.

I turn instantly and see the way she looks to me. She means that. The evil bitch means that.

"You couldn't even if you tried... Morgan's not going to get her children taken away not when you are the abusive one" I throw back.

She smiles and shakes her head "I have custody papers all drawn up. I have video of both of you behaving quite inappropriately in the family home. Morgan has recently been taken into hospital for not looking after herself, and even without that, which I don't plan to use...I have money, good standing, and the kids are settled here in New York. I am the better option, and if you insist on going back to that club or ever contacting her again, you have taken her children away from her, that I can promise. So, if you want to be responsible for her losing custody of her babies, and for her having her heart broken, and the messiest divorce in history.... Then run along dear and go ruin her. I will take everything from her, she will be penniless and childless within six months, see how much she wants you then" she spits.

I hold onto the door beside me, my legs wobble a little, Abe my chest feels tight. No, no she can't do this. I couldn't let her do this.

"I'm not leaving her here with you... I love her... why would I agree to this knowing you are still trying to be with her... I won't agree to this"

"That's the icing on the cake... I will divorce her Leah, you have my word... and I will personally send you the papers, divorce, fifty fifty shared custody and a decent settlement that would mean she was comfortable for life... and I will stay away from her. She will have it all, and we shall have nothing" she promises "and all within three months... I can make that happen"

"Why would you do that?" I ask frowning.

"Because like you I love her enough to let her go... I just don't want to let her go with you... but I'm willing to let her go if you do too... let my children have their parents and back off" she says with gritted teeth.

"Your poor kids... and Morgan... pawns in this game of yours... nothing but pawns. If they only knew you would steal their mom from them just to get at her... your sick... sick in the head"

"Not at all... I am protective and willing to go to extremes to keep their family a happy one"

"So" she says leaning back on her desk and crossing her arms "do you love her enough to walk away or are you about to start the divorce of the century..."

I hesitate because my entire body is screaming at me to run. This feels like I'm about to be murdered and my fight or flight has kicked in. I feel nauseas, holding my hand over my mouth to stifle it. I literally had no way to turn. Annie had me backed into a corner because I knew she meant it, she would take her children and she would make her life hell, and if I could help Morgan get rid of Annie once and for all, was that not the biggest act of love, to make this right for her, to walk away now and leave her with everything she wanted, but me. I wasn't more important than her children, and that's what this came back to. Morgan's children were her life.

"I want that paperwork in two months and I will need that custody to be more sixty forty in her favour. She wants the kids to have school there in Arizona, you could take them for school breaks, seems fair to them all, to be more settled... and let's face it Annie the kids don't need to be living with a narcissist more than half of the year"

"Deal" she says holding out her hand. I bat it away and walk away pressing the elevator button and stepping inside of it for a second before the tears start...and they don't stop... not for a long time.

***

"Harper" I note as I walk into the club. The strobe lights are flying all over and Teddy is on stage being quite herself, full of cheeky banter and encouragement to a sea of the queer who were all enjoying this New Year's Eve party. It was dedicated to the LGBTQ, proceeds going to charity as well as organisations for kids sport.

"Morgan" Harper says into my ear "follow me to the back" she says ushering me through the crowd of women. She gets stopped halfway and has to decline a dance from an over eager young thing. She manages it politely and moves on through. How anyone didn't know that Harper was Teddys wife was lost on me, they were literally the sports it couple, and Teddy was heading this event with Avery.

Harper opens a door with a key card and I follow her in as security shuts the door behind us "that's better" she says as the sound is mostly blocked out. "I can't hear myself think out there" she confesses.

She points to the chairs beside us and takes a seat. I do the same. I'm starting to wonder why she wants to talk to me out here, and where was Leah. I hadn't seen her.

"Is Leah already back stage for the bidding" I ask.

Harper kind of wrings her fingers a little nervously "the thing is..." she begins.

The door opens and Teddy comes in "thank god" she says coming over and bending down in front of me. "I thought we missed you out there" she confesses.

I look to her and then Harper "you are both making me feel nervous... what is it" I ask.

They kind of look to each other as if they are about to tell me my pet died... "Theodora" I say urgently "spill" I demand.

Teddy runs her hand through her dark hair and looks back to me, reaching for my hand. I pull it away and look to her a little more intensely "just tell me" I beg.

She gulps "Leah went out on her date an hour or so ago" she confesses.

"She already got bid on?" I ask with surprise.

Teddy nods "someone bid forty thousand dollars for her Morgan"

My eyes widen and I sit forward "holy shit...who" I ask.

"I don't know it's private, but she came by half hour later, early. She wasn't herself" she replies.

"where is she Teddy" I ask nervously. I can see by her body language that she is doing everything in her power to put off saying what she is about to say and she looks like she's getting upset holding it back.

"Morgan" Harper interjects as Teddy looks to her "Leah already left..." she begins and it's as if someone hits me dead in the chest, knocking the wind from me, and taking my last breath "she told us to explain she wouldn't be able to meet you tonight... and she's so sorry..."

"I'm sorry.... What?" I ask bluntly "why wouldn't she meet me...we had plans" I ask and my voice starts to crack a little with the way my throat is holding tightly to the emotion.

"I don't know" Teddy says standing up "she wouldn't answer any of my questions she just kept repeating she was so sorry...and she couldn't date you anymore... that's all she could say... that she wasn't in a place to date and she was sorry. I got called up on stage before I could ask her anymore and she was gone when I looked back" she confesses remorsefully.

"So... she's not coming back ... ever? She's dumping me? Is that what you're saying" I ask standing and pulling my purse tightly to my body "Teddy is that what this is? Are you sure she's okay? Like what if she's in trouble or something? What if this date hurt her... this isn't like Leah at all" I ask tensely.

Teddy reached for me and I jump back "The driver took her to her hotel... I called there after and she paid up and checked out... she wasn't hurt Morgan... she just looked like it hurt her to let you down" Teddy reveals regretfully.

"I understand..." I say wiping a stray tear and forcing all others away... shutting down almost instantly as it sunk in, deeply, falling into the pit of me, stripping my hope away as it fell, dragging it down into the darkness, any feelings falling away, crumbling like a cliffs edge beside the ocean. Heartache like the ocean, coming in waves and eroding the essence of me, stripping it away, until I was completely numbed.

"Morgan I will get to the bottom of it I promise... I'm sure there's an explanation because you're right it's not like Leah. I will get ahold of her tomorrow and call you ... perhaps this is all a misunderstanding" she says looking to me worriedly.

I look back to Harper who looks to me as equally heartbroken for me as Teddy.

"it was good to see you Harper... I hope you have a successful night" I say looking back to Teddy.

She takes my shoulders and pulls me against her for a hug, whispering in my ear "Please don't think the worst ... things may look very different in the morning" she begs.

"I don't think anything Teddy... I know she's gone. I've been walked away from before, but at least they said it to my face. I have to admit this the first time I've been ghosted...and it's not what it's cracked up to be...see you soon" I say kissing her cheek and leaving from the door we had entered.

I make my way through the crowd of women, one taking my hand as I get to the bar "God you're beautiful" she says into my ear "want to dance" she asks.

I look to her but I don't think I even see her, it's as if my vision blurred her out "no thanks I'm going home" I say tugging my hand away.

She follows me to the bar side where it's less crowded "want to come home with me" she asks brazenly.

I turn away to walk off but something stops me. The need to hurt myself, it calls me to a stop, and I turn and lick my lips as the eager young brunette raises her eyebrows, a cocky smile lifting her lips as she sees my eyes take her in a little more appreciatively. I'm not appreciating her though, or her beauty. I'm appreciating how this pain will be tapped into and how I can bleed Leah out for a period of time whilst this girl fucks me... "let's go" I demand taking her hand as I pull her out through the doors and into the alleyway.

I don't know her name. It lasts for twenty minutes, it's quick and it hurts emotionally, the pain and the pleasure taking all of me, tearing me in two as the waves of heartache try and broach the walls I'm building. I can't build them quick enough. As soon as I place another brick, the water rises and it's like at any moment I'm about to flood. I panic, as I clutch this young things back, her mouth upon my neck and as my eyes roll up with the pleasure her fingers are bringing between my legs. I bite down hard on my knuckles as I lift them to fill my mouth, drawing blood, stifling the cry that's about to be released, one of pleasure but equally a sob I felt rising in my throat.

As the pleasure floods my body I push the girl away. I lift myself from her fingers and pull down my dress and I apologise as I grab my purse and run out of there... holding a wall halfway down the apartment block hallway, as my body threatens to fall to the ground. The hard wood floor feels like it's getting closer and it's as if it's about to happen again. I'm about to pass out. I take out my phone and look to the recent names on my call list. Leah is the first, the sight of her name makes me gasp for air. I dial the number beneath and she answers instantly,

"Morg" Annie asks and I can't say anything, words won't come out.

"Morg what's wrong" she asks.

I try and find words but I'm fumbling and finding it hard to breath "come get me" I ask.

She sounds worried "yes of course... anywhere... where are you" she asks.

I look down to my phone and press a few buttons. "I've sent you my location"

I can hear her moving about, apologising to someone. I'm guessing Tasha "I'm coming... don't worry I'm coming" she repeats.

I slide down the wall until I'm sat and I try and breath through the waves, trying to lift my head above them, and slowly but surely I manage it, to not succumb, but they are only inches from overwhelming me a second time. It hadn't been long since my last bout of heartache, and yet I still couldn't swim. I still couldn't move through it without it threatening to consume me, surely I should know it now like an old friend. We should be on first names basis. It wasn't here to make friends though, it was here to let me know I wasn't worthy of love, and why hadn't I learnt this yet?! That it wasn't for me... and why ... why did Leah do this to me... I had to confront her... I couldn't head back to Arizona with this awful feeling in my gut that she wasn't okay. I didn't believe it, although it felt real. I didn't believe it... she wouldn't do this to me.

"Morgan" Annie says as she moves quickly from the elevator, her heels click clacking against the floor as she bent down and took my hands lifting me to my feet "did somebody hurt you" she asks frantically, her eyes and hands searching me for physical injury.

"No... I just need to go home"

"What's happened you look like you've been crying" she begs.

I wipe my eyes, they are dry but old tears still remain at the corners of my eyes. They leave a glossy trial across the back of my hand.

"I don't know what's happened... but I plan to find out" I return.

Annie looks concerned, a flicker of it crossing her features before she took charge and took my arm "let's just get you home... and into bed" she says walking me back to the elevator.

Annie took me home. She helped me get into my room before I asked her to leave me to it. I just wanted to be alone. I had to close my eyes, to make this all disappear until the morning when I would figure this all out, because it didn't feel right, none of it did.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]