Page 86 of Through You
I lock myself in my room. My mom watches me from her bed.
“You’re home early.”
I make an effort to smile.
“Yes. I had a lot of fun.” I answer while removing my earrings and necklace.
I change into my shorts and T-shirt pajama set, then lie down next to my mother.
I can’t sleep.
For what feels like hours I stare at the ceiling in the dark.
Pent-up rage courses through my veins, making my heart beat fast and clouding my mind. I need to shake him out of my system so I can get some sleep, but my brain refuses to cooperate.
How could he embarrass me like that in front of everyone?
Does he not feel an ounce of consideration? Or respect?
A faint sound of shattering glass jolts me from my bed. I look over to my mom and she’s still sound asleep.
I run out of the room, and just as I’m about to enter the living room, I hear Ares speak in a worried tone, so I stop and remain hidden in the hallway.
“Apolo, you need to calm down.”
Apolo sounds furious. “I’m telling the truth. Just look at Claudia.”
I grab hold of my chest and back against the wall, listening carefully.
“It’s no secret that I’ve always liked her but although she won’t admit it, she only has eyes for that idiot I call brother who treats her like shit.” He laughs sarcastically. “And after all I’ve done to win Daniela’s heart, what happens? She rejects me. I should be like you two, admit it. I have no fucking idea why I thought acting and being the total opposite would turn out better.”
“Shut up. Don’t ever say shit like that again.” Ares sounds determined. “You have no idea how lucky you are that you didn’t turn out like us. How I wish I could be more like you and get the girl I love without putting her through so much along the way, without having to face so many fears, without having to fight my inner self every time I want to show her a small sliver of how I truly feel.”
“But I always get hurt.”
“That’s a risk we all take in love.”
“Let me go. I don’t want to cry in front of you. I know what you think of anyone who cries over girls.”
“I’m a different person now, Apolo. If you need to cry because your heart is broken, go ahead. Men cry too.”
“I opened my heart to her. I know I’m not experienced, but I gave her all of me. And it still wasn’t enough.” Apolo’s voice sounds so broken.
I listen to Apolo openly sobbing, and my heart breaks into a thousand pieces. I can’t believe Daniela turned him down; she seemed crazy about him. I don’t get it. I hear footsteps, and I suspect Ares is taking Apolo upstairs to put him to bed.
I go back to my room but it’s obvious I won’t be able to sleep unless I do something to find a release.
When was the last time I had sex?
Come to think of it, it’s been months. I haven’t had a sex life since Artemis came back to this house. And why is that? It’s not like he deserves any kind of loyalty. What Apolo and I shared were kisses and touching. It wasn’t full-on consuming and draining sex, the kind that leaves you worn out and elated after an incredible orgasm.
Feeling restless, I pick up my phone and scan through the countless texts from Daniel. Maybe it’s a mistake to reach out to him, but I have to admit he’s the best I’ve had so far. The fact that he’s a soccer player helps—his endurance is impressive.
I text him a simple hello, and he immediately responds.
Daniel: Hello.
Me: What are you up to?
