My Other Side

When my vision finally cleared and I met reality, confusion immediately struck. I was costumed in a fitted, hot red dress beaded at the bottom with black, devilish diamond-shaped beads. The spandex-fitted dress only continued to be less modest as I looked on to discover a neckline reaching my belly button and exposing my unnecessarily plumped breasts. Slightly fortunate for me, the deep and open neckline had a thin layer of black, flowered lace. I found myself strapped in a pair of heels growing to at least five and half inches, stabbing the ground with a defined spike. I awoken with my face in the suffocating sofa of the unknown surroundings. When I arose, however, I identified the furniture and home to be my ex's, which wasn't good. Of course, of all things, I don't remember anything past seven last night.

I was hunched over, scrambling through the cluttered key drawer of the lamp stand. There was a gentle click and then a creaking noise. I froze, my nerves buzzing throughout my limbs. My ex, Ryan, submerged from his room up the hall. He strolled down the hallway with a tattered, pine green towel fragily draped over his waist. Fighting the urge to admire, I could see the smooth lines of his uncovered chest. He pranced silently, unaware of my presence. I brushed away unidentified keys, returning to a high-anxiety search for my key to escape.  

I briefly noticed the high quality of his furniture, remembering how wealthy Ryan's family was.

He reached the kitchen which visibly faced the family room, where I was stationed. A hip-high counter covered the lower half of him, but I could see his chocolate hair was an attractive mess.  Ryan's focus was captivated by his own destination. I spotted my key and it clinked as I grasped it quivering. His eyes flicked to me and eye contact was first engaged. I felt an unregulated tickle deep in my stomach. Ryan's attention flipped back to his original plans. He rotated away from me, stretching for an object in the high cupboard. His flesh was so clear, I watched as his back muscles expanded and  heard dishes bang together as he worked in the kitchen.

"Have a seat, " he finally spoke without looking at me. The tone and once-lovable voice shook me.

"No, I really have to go," I contested. Ryan rustled with a large box of cereal, the bowl echoed the sound of contact.

"Well, I'm just saying. I have something for you in the room anyways, so you have to wait."

The unsticking sound of the magnetic strips spiced the air, I decided to sit down.  He'd always been so dominating, and here I was again obeying him. I could hear my voice of reason begging me to excuse myself, but I dismissed it. I awaited as Ryan leisurely acted.

Ryan cheated on me with Eden.  To Ryan, Eden's rebellious independence from everyone, made her an attractive, compatible person. In their deep conversations, Eden had convinced him that I was wrong and she was the dominant personality. That Eden turned into me during the day. I wasn't ever sure if Eden had told others the same concept, prior to Ryan.

Ryan reclined and slouched at the table, stretching to reach his food. As he sloppily in-took cereal, I spoke, "What do you have for me?" He chewed.

"You dropped your wallet and I have it in my room."

"Oh," I responded. He swallowed the remains of food in his mouth and then it was calm.

"How are you?" He looked over at me, I felt that nervous glitch I get when he looks at me with the same look from the good-old-days.

"I'm not here to converse with you," I remained stern against him, "frankly, I don't really know why I'm here."

"Don't try to act like Eden and be a bad girl," he smiled. I watched him feed a heaping spoonful, ignoring the second half of the statement.

"Did I really drop my wallet, Ryan?" I forced a serious tone, "or did you just have sex with me?" He smiled, still chewing.

"Don't," he cleared his throat, "don't flatter yourself sweetheart."

I felt annoyed watching Ryan carry spoons of cereal.

"How long are you going to make me wait?"

"I have to eat breakfast," he continued to chew. His dark brown glistening eyes pierced my vulnerability.

"Do you want a bowl? I'm still hungry." I looked to him, then at the box of his favorite cereal. I wanted to say 'yes.'

"Just get my wallet please." He exhaled dramatically, "fine."

He scrunched his palm around the edge of his towel, securing his privacy. He scooted away from the dinner table and turned to the hallway. I rose, without thought and went to follow him.

"Whoa, slow down soldier," he rejected me. I felt flushed, why did I do that? I didn't verbally reply; I just sat back down. He shook his head with a flirty, subtly inappropriate smile.

"So eager to get back into the bedroom with me I see." I chucked at his hautiness.

"Um, you're my ex boyfriend . I'm not looking to get into bed with anybody." I hope I sounded serious. Ryan rolled his eyes and left to his room.

My heart was beating in my eardrums. I can't handle this. He's a liar and heart breaker. My emotions built up, we'd only been separated for eight months. I'm in a new relationship now, but Ryan is still a tender subject.

I could feel the light slap of his bare feet against the wood, he approached. He sat next to me, an acceptable distance apart.  So calmly, like always, he sat quietyly and looked at me.

"How are you?"

"Ryan, my wallet, please?" I begged.

"How are you?" he insisted, it was becoming irritating.

"I'm confused and don't know why I'm here or why you're talking to me.  I do not want to see you, I just want to go home, please. Just give me my wallet." He reached his hand that was hidden and revealed a silver rectangle case. It was like a compact and wallet breed. I took it without hesitation. An awkward quiet passed.

"I'm leaving now." I stood up unbalanced on the heels and walked cautiously to the door. I was fighting to look composed.

"Bye, Eden, if you're in there." I pivoted and stared in amazement at him for a short amount of time.

"You're unbelievable. I'm serious Ryan, you better not be seeing Eden anymore." I strode away from him, grasping the silver case and my keys.

"Bye, Cade baby, Don't lose your wallet again!" Ryan called.

"Bye," I said emotionless.