The Cabin by the Lake

I woke up in only my underwear in an unfamiliar room. I saw clothes at the end of the bed and put them on. It was a bruins t-shirt and checkered shorts. I opened the door and walked into the unfamiliar living room and saw Zac in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, holding his mug. He nodded at me, and I could only assume his head was pounding as loud as mine. He grabbed a mug and put in a tea bag and hot water. I nodded a “thank you” and he gave a small smile. I leaned again the counter next to him taking deep breaths of the peppermint tea in my mug. “Did…did I really kiss Stephanie last night?” He smiled to himself, “Yes you did.” I put my head back, “oh god…” He did a soft laugh, “Did I do anything else that I should be warned about?” He shrugged, “We kissed.” It came back to me, and I focused on the steam coming out of my mug instead of looking at him. “Right…where are they?” He set his mug down, “to get some muffins for breakfast.” I nodded and bit my lip, “Did I do anything else? I think…us…is the last thing I remember…” He nodded, “Well you and Steph got another drink…and then we came back here, her apartment.” I nodded waiting for him to go on. “Then you guys…kissed some more…” My face turned red, “We what?” He laughed softly, “Then you stripped each other down to your underwear…” My eyes went wide, “you’re lying.” He shook his head, “I liked your red sparkly matching set by the way.” I slid down the counter and sat on the floor. “You’re kidding me…” He shook his head and sat across from me. “What else?” I asked in a groan, and he hesitated. “Emily…I…I think Stephanie…” the front door opened and Stephanie and Ryan came in. “Oh good Em! My clothes fit you! I was worried they wouldn’t, but after last night I’m sure no one would care if you walked around in your sparkly undies!” My cheeks blushed and I looked over at Ryan who avoided my eyes. What else did I do? “I should get going. I forgot I had…something to do.” I put my mug on the counter and followed him into the bedroom I woke up in. “Hey, I can come with you?” He shook his head, avoided my eyes and sounded sad, “You should probably get a taxi or something.” He grabbed his costume and walked out. “What did I do?” I asked in a low voice, trying not to cry. I grabbed my things, “I’m gunna go too…” Stephanie grabbed a muffin, “Aw Ems, please stay!” I met eyes with Zac, they looked sad but not the sad that said he didn’t want me to leave, he knew something. “I…I’m not hungry…thank you though…” I walked out of her apartment. No shoes on, costume over my arm. I requested an Uber and made my way home without crying…until I got into my apartment. What did happen last night?

Even though I wasn’t scheduled to work today, since everyone would be out of the office hung out, I went in anyways. I needed to keep my mind preoccupied. I tried to text Ryan, but I got no answer. When 2pm rolled around, I was going crazy. Can we please talk? I said in one text, Ry…I don’t even remember what I did last night. Please talk to me. Said another. I started to think about what I did remember…the song, and the kiss with Steph…but he seemed to enjoy that part…maybe kissing Zac upset him? But then why did he come to Steph’s if it did? Maybe stripping to my underpants upset him? I grabbed my phone, Can we meet up? I want to show you my defense moves, for real this time. I texted Zac. He knew more than I did…and after that kiss and the locker room kiss…I still had butterflies…but I was drunk the other night, and was trying to shut him up before that. It couldn’t have meant much…right? Meet at bruin’s gym. Since attending the boxing gym, I’ve been keeping a set of workout clothes in my office. I changed and went down the stairs towards the gym. I had never been in there before to work out.

Zac was standing outside the gym with his headphones on. He was sweaty and moving from side to side. He looked up at me and took his head phones out. “You ready?” I smiled, “You better watch out, I’m pretty fierce now!” He laughed and brought me inside. We were the only ones there and he brought me over to a mat. “Alright, come after me.” He said and I l laughed, “If I’m practicing self-defense, shouldn’t you attack me?” He did a soft laugh, “Alright…you ready?” I nodded, “Don’t hold back.” He walked up to me and I laughed, “What?” he asked, confused. “I can’t hurt you…you’re too nice.” He laughed and shook his head, “Okay…how should I be mean?” I shrugged, ‘Pretend I’m a hockey player you hate. Don’t be afraid to be verbal.” He backed up and shook his head, “I can’t pretend you’re someone I hate…I’d actually hurt you.” I put my hands on my hips, “Zac Rinaldo, you come over here and try and beat me up or else!” He laughed and nodded, “alright, I’ll try.” He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. I could see his facial expression starting to change. He was thinking of something, or someone, with his eyes still closed he asked, “What should I say verbally?” His words were cold as he tried to get into his zone, and I responded without hesitation, “Call me weak.” He opened his eyes and started walking towards me, his eye were filled with hate…a look I was too familiar with. At first, I was scared as he walked towards me…he shoved me and laughed, “You can’t do this. You never could.” He shoved me again, “You’re pathetic. You’re weak.” He went to shove me again, and I slapped his hand away. “What? You’re strong now?” I knew it was Zac and he didn’t mean the words, I knew it was Zac and I knew he’s dealt with worse pain. When he went to shove me again, I took his arm and spun it around his back; something he wasn’t ready for. Once I was behind him, I tripped him on his knees and then pushed him onto his stomach. “I’m not weak.” I whispered and I released him and stepped back. It took him a second to get up, “Not bad Emily.” I smiled, “Do you think I can take him on?” Zac shook his head yes, “Hopefully you never have to.”

Notes

I'm posting another chapter because they go together!