Faded Love [Mature Content]

C .06-His words

Juliette pushed the silver shaped key into the front door of her home and unlocked it. Rain was pouring down outside and the loud rain drops can be heard on the roof. Thankful she didn’t get wet, she dropped her belongings and picked up her cell.

It was a long day and she was in no mood to cook, so she ordered some dinner for both her and Rebecca.

“Okay, thank you!” She confirmed with the order and ended the call. As she took the steps to her bedroom, she removed her blazer and stepped out of her shoes. She didn’t know at what time the red haired woman would be arriving, so she decided on a shower.

Just as she stepped in the glass box, her phone started ringing. It was in the kitchen and she was already naked. Nonetheless, she got in, closing the door behind her and turned on the water.

It was refreshing. The soothing water rushed out of the pipes and down her body, washing the icky feeling of the day down the drain. Grabbing a loofa and her favorite vanilla body wash, she soaped up from head to toe, enjoying the fragrant scent of vanilla and the silkiness of her skin.

Her phone started ringing again.

After her shower, she put on an oversized sweater and some shorts. Juliette entered the kitchen where she had left her cell on the counter and retrieved it. With a swipe of her thumb, she unlocked the screen and frowned.

While there were two missed calls, they were both from an unknown number. “Strange!” She muttered and returned the device to the countertop.

The rain was still showering the town. It was of a calming feeling hearing the raindrops on the roof. It wasn’t loud or thunderous, just mellow.

Juliette picked up her phone to call Rebecca, but someone knocked at the door. She returned the rectangular framed device on the counter and headed to open the door. “Oh my God babe, did you come in the rain?” She scolded as she saw a half wet Rebecca standing with her bag covering her head. She opened the door further, allowing her to enter.

“Darm! I actually had no choice. From the moment I stepped out of the hotel, the rain started.” She shook her hands, trying to remove some droplets from them. “Follow me.”

Juliette walked to her bedroom and grabbed some warm clothing from her closet and a fresh towel. “Shower, now!” She demanded, and Rebecca simply shook her head. “For the way you take care of me…” She left her sentence hanging.

Rebecca hid nothing from Juliette, not even her naked body. On the right side of her hip, she had a small tattoo of a rose with a butterfly. Juliette eyed the tattoo, mesmerized. “My mom loved roses and I love butterflies.” Rebecca explained as she followed Juliette’s line of sight.

“It’s beautiful, and it suits you.”

Rebecca traced her fingers over the ink and smiled wholeheartedly.

Before either of them can say anything else, someone chose that time to knock on the door. “I’ll get that, probably the delivery guy, I had ordered us some food.”

She walked out of the bedroom, leaving Rebecca to take her shower.

At the door, the delivery guy dressed in all red, shirt, pants and hat were all a red color. With a pair of gold hoops in his ears and a boyish smile. “Juliette?” He questioned with a carefree expression.

“Yep.” She replied. “How much?” She kept a foot at the door as she grabbed her purse from her bag. “$17.50.”

Juliette took a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to him. “Keep the change.” He thanked her and handed her the package. With her foot, she kicked the door closed and placed the bag on the counter with the food. She had ordered some Chinese. Rebecca’s favorite.

Rebecca walked down the small hallway, simply staring at her.  Her elegant beauty. The single braid brushing against her cheek with every movement. She couldn’t deny the feeling of dread in her heart for the woman. She wanted nothing more, but to make her happy.

“Hey.” Juliette greeted as she turned to find Rebecca leaning against the wall. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks for the clothes.” Rebecca pushed off the wall and towards the kitchen where Juliette currently stood, dishing out their dinner. “I know I smelled something divine.” Juliette chuckled, handing her a plate with chow mein and dinner rolls.

“Thanks love.”

They each took their plate into the sitting room. Juliette switched on the tv to a random movie and they sat, ate and watched the movie in total silence.

***

Dinner was finished and it was time to read the email. Juliette thought if she stalled for a while, then maybe it will prepare her for whatever the words would say. “C’mon Jules, it’s now or never.” Rebecca urged her as she pulled open her personal laptop.

Juliette stared into Rebecca’s eyes and nodded. “I guess you’re right. As always.”

As she began reading the email, the first few words had her heart thumping at a quick pace. She took in a deep breath and continued reading as the words leapt off the screen.

Hey Jules,

I know I’m the last person you’re expecting to hear from, especially after the way things ended between us. I couldn’t believe I still had your email in my contacts. I’ve probably written this email over a dozen times and deleted it. But I can’t put this off any further, it’s time you know. One week after this email, I’ll be returning to Exeter. I know it’s a long shot that I’ll get to see you, however, I was hoping I can.

Jules, I’ve missed you so much over the years. There were so many times I wanted to come back to you, still somehow I know you wouldn’t want me to.  You can’t imagine how many nights I laid in bed thinking about you. How many times I stopped some random woman thinking it was you.

So many nights, I went to bed and the last thought was of you. My heart told me leaving would be the biggest mistake I’d ever make and trust me, it was. Now here I am, not asking for you to take me back, but please, forgive me for choosing my career over our future.

Anyway, I’ll be seeing you soon. I know things wouldn’t be as they once were between us, but just know that I never stopped loving you. Probably never will either. I’m hopeful that you will reply, unfortunately, I know you wouldn’t.

See you around doll face. Xoxoxo.

“Wow!” Was all Rebecca said.

Juliette wasn’t feeling the same emotion as Kallum was when he wrote the email. She was furious. Mad, for the fact that he had the audacity to send her such words. About still loving her. Or thinking about her.

“Aaahh!” After four years, when he had all the time in the world to send her an email like that. He chose now.

Her hands balled to fists and the tension of her finger nails left an imprint in her palms. She slammed the laptop screen and dropped back in the couch, folding her arms. She knew how she felt, yet she didn’t know how to express it.

She feared her voice would betray her heart, so she said nothing.

Rebecca slumped next to her. Juliette rested her head on her shoulder, remembering the confessions of Kallum’s love for her. “Do you want to talk about it?” Rebecca asked, rubbing her hands over Juliette’s face gently.

She shook her head.

They sat in silence for what felt like hours, though it was just a measly couple minutes. “How about we go out, maybe take your mind off it?” Juliette didn’t hesitate, she nodded and Rebecca pulled her into a warm hug, comforting her, rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Rebecca stood to her feet and outstretched her hands for Juliette to take. “C’mon, let me take your mind off of everything Kallum and replace it with a night of fun, dancing and lots of alcohol.” Rebecca knew it wasn’t what she wanted, on the contrary, it was what she needed.