Page 47 of Snapdragon

I seethe, my breath coming quickly. We said that this was just for us. We wanted something that was separate to the label, something for our own. Did he lie to me?

I run through our time together in my mind. I thought I could trust him…

No, I can. I can trust Sebastian. He wouldn’t break my trust like this. There has to be an explanation.

I pick my phone off the floor, pacing my bedroom while I check my texts. The one I sent this morning still sits in our chat, unread. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heartbeat. I need to give him the benefit of the doubt, until he can explain himself.

Clicking through to his contact, I hit dial. It rings, and rings. I get put through to his voicemail.

“Hey Sebastian,” I try to sound calm. “So listen, I saw that our song was released today… I thought we were clear with each other on not releasing it, but maybe there was a misunderstanding? I’m upset about it, so it would be good to talk. Can you call me back when you get this?”

I hang up.

Fuck, that was too nice, wasn’t it? I don’t want him to think I’m a pushover. But I also wanted to try and be understanding, getting angry wasn’t going to solve anything.

I was going to order dinner, but my stomach turns at the thought of food right now. I sit on my couch and try to watch reality TV. My thoughts keep going back to Sebastian and the song. I force myself to wait a full hour before calling him again. Then it will be after 8 pm, he would definitely be finished working or due a break by then.

When the time comes, I try calling him. It rings out again, do I leave another voicemail? The beep sounds so I go ahead and say something.

“It’s me again. I know you’re working but I’m really upset about this, which I think is understandable. I just…” I sniffle, a few tears starting to pool in my eyes. “Nothing. Just call me please.”

Fuck, now I was crying. I was doing so good until now.

I’m all alone in this, there’s no one I can call. The label will still want me and Sebastian to play happy families, I’m sure. So I can’t talk to my friends and family about it. I can’t talk to Rosie. Frank wouldn’t be much use either, he’d only talk business, I’ve never really spoken to him about my feelings.

I start to sob, curling up and wrapping my arms around my knees. I didn’t want to think that Sebastian was at fault here. But he’s clearly avoiding me, which is stupid because we’ll probably have to go on a date again soon. Unless he plans to get out of the dates… He could, he did tell me that he didn’t care about the cause.

He’s a self-admitted Human hater! Fucking hell, he literally told me he didn’t care. And did I listen? No, I went straight to his bed. I shiver as another sob takes my breath away. Maybe it was a bet? Was I a joke to him? Some game to play, how far can he trick a stupid Human? I knew that it was all too good to be true.

I ring him again, giving him one last chance. His phone doesn’t even fucking ring this time, going straight to voicemail.

“You know what? I’m done being understanding about this. Clearly I was some sort of joke to you. Well, fuck you, Sebastian. I’m done. I’m done with this. I’m done with us. I’ll speak to the label, get them to shut off this stupid PR shit. Or even better yet, maybe I’ll get them to set me up with some other stupid fucking Monster!”

I hang up, switching off my phone and tossing it on my dresser. Stripping off my clothes, I stomp into my bathroom. I turn on the shower and scrub myself, trying to get rid of any trace of Sebastian still lingering on me.

Sinking to the floor, I rest my head back against the tiles and let the water stream over me. I stay there until it becomes unbearably cold.

I barely dry myself off before getting into bed.

Chapter 28

My head is pounding, so I squeeze my eyes shut and try to go back to sleep. Crying all night does tend to leave you feeling hungover.

Wait, that’s not my head, it’s my door. Someone is banging on my door. I get up quickly and look for a weapon. Fuck, I don’t have anything. If I’m quick, maybe I can grab a knife from the kitchen.

I creep down the hallway, my hands trembling. Maybe my neighbor finally enlisted help and decided to take some action. Just my fucking luck at the moment.

“Flora!” Sebastian’s familiar deep voice calls. “I can smell, you. I know you’re there. Please open the door.”

I’m relieved at first, but it’s followed quickly by the sharp sting of betrayal. I stomp to the door, pausing with my hand on the handle.

“Please answer,” he is quieter now. “Let me explain, Flora. Please.”

Reluctantly, I open the door, but I leave the latch on.

“Keep it down,” I hiss. “My neighbors already want me dead.”

“I know, I know.” He raises his hands, placatingly. “But I was worried. You weren’t answering your phone. I called you from another number too and then you didn’t answer that either.”