The bright sunshine beating down on your shoulders felt like it was mocking you. It was a gorgeous day, in direct opposition to the darkness that was swirling inside you.

You sat on the front steps of Rafe’s house, debating on whether or not to knock on the door, or just get up and leave. You’d thought when you got here you’d have a clearer idea of what to do. Last night had been another blow up fight between the two of you. All eyes at his party had been on the two of you, like you were the party entertainment. You’d been arguing in circles when you’d given up and stormed out of his house.

it took all of me to walk away and choose

You stand up, brushing off your shorts and squaring your shoulders. Taking a deep breath to calm the growing nerves inside you, you raise your hand and knock on the door. Even as your fist hits the door you’re still considering running away.

The door swings open, bringing you face to face with Rafe. You’d been expecting him to still look as angry as he had last night, but all you see in his blue eyes now is relief. That settles some of your worries.

“Baby” his voice is low and gravely, his arms reach for you roughly and tug you into his arms. You breathe in the scent of him, your nostrils full of him.

“Rafe, is it okay that I borrowed one of your-oh..” your head snaps up at the familiar voice. You pull away from Rafe, your eyes landing on Sofia, standing in the hallway. You take in her damp hair, the shirt clinging to her body that is so obviously Rafe’s.

I felt good about you til I didn’t

“No..No. This isn’t…I didn’t..This isn’t what it looks like. I swear” Rafe’s eyes are wide with panic, his hands on your shoulders grip you tightly, like he knows if he lets go that you’ll run away.

“Please. Listen to me” His tone is pleading, you’ve never heard that sort of desperation from him before, and it almost makes you think that he’s telling the truth. That despite the scene in front of you, there’s some kind of explanation. That he has the words to make it all okay.