Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Eva
The world seems like a very evil place when I wake up the next morning.
Luckily, I don’t have to work and don’t need to be anywhere until later this evening when the party starts at Gatsby’s.
Trying my best to not let the piercing light of day blind me, I sit in bed and notice I am in Noah’s apartment.
Visions of the end of the night come flooding back to me.
I remember drinking heavily, and Gwen and me dancing at the third bar we stumbled into.
A bar that just happened to be down the street from Noah’s.
Soon after, Gwen found a guy and plastered herself all over him.
I then sat alone with the thoughts I had been trying to run from all night.
When it most definitely looked like Gwen was going home with her new bar friend, I drunkenly started my walk of shame toward Noah’s place, clutching my beer tight in my hand. I actually remember that part only because I was so shocked I walked out of the bar with it and no one said anything.
Then Noah. I remember him, remember the room spinning, throwing up, and him taking care of me, putting me to bed. But for the life of me, I cannot remember what we talked about.
It couldn’t have been bad, could it?
I move towards the end of the bed and sit for a moment, debating when I should actually attempt standing. I feel worse than I have in years, thanks to those good old IPAs I love to drink so much.
Taking a quick short glance around the apartment, I notice Noah is already gone.
I remember him saying yesterday before I went out for the night that he had to work a job in the morning, and honestly, I am relieved I don’t have to face him just yet.
For the first time in months, I’m slightly nervous about seeing him again.
Not remembering our conversation last night, but remembering how drunk I let myself get, I’m sure it will make things awkward between the two of us.
Deciding what I need most is a hot shower, a huge breakfast, coffee, and my own bed, I slowly make my descent off Noah’s covers.
I then begin slowly changing into my own clothes.
Glancing at my phone, I notice Gwen has already texted me.
She tells me she has grabbed the car and wants to know where I am and if I need a ride.
I quickly text her back that I’m at Noah’s and tell her how to find me since she has never been here before. I’m extremely thankful that Gwen is better at this hangover situation than I am. I feel like I can’t even function properly.
Gwen texts back that she’s on her way, and I brace myself, trying to get ready to face the daylight outside.
The sun, of course, has to be especially bright this morning.
My mouth is dry, my head pounds like the overly loud bass in Gatsby’s on a Friday night, and my body feels heavy.
Every step feels like a huge hurdle as I try and will my body to do what I need it to do just to make it home.
Once I make it back to my place, I text Noah to let him know I’m home, and try to act as normal as possible.
He doesn’t text back right away, which is a little out of character.
When he finally does, all he wants to know is if it would be okay if he didn’t pick me up later and we could just meet at the club.
Trying my best to not feel the littlest bit upset and hurt he wouldn’t pick me up, I tell him it’s fine and I will ride with Gwen, but can’t wait to see him there.
He texts me back that he’s busy and going into a meeting so he won’t be able to respond, ending with a quick “love you.” I respond the same, but something doesn’t seem right.
I try to ignore it and tell myself I’m overreacting and overanalyzing the situation, but the burn, the burn simmers just under my skin and warns me to pay closer attention.
After a meal with enough calories to last me a week, a couple of Advil, and several glasses of water, I decide a nap is exactly what I need to help the situation.
I lock myself in my room, and close the blinds.
The worry of not knowing exactly what I said and what transpired keeps me awake for a while as I toss and turn with my thoughts.
Am I sure I didn’t say anything horrible? Why can’t I remember? It’s strange and out of character for him not to pick me up for a party that he planned. Maybe he had something come up?
Eventually, I fall asleep and hope that when I wake up, things will be back to normal.