Goodnight.

SABRINA MORALES

“Alex?” Mum’s confused question hung in the air.

She narrowed her eyes at him. She eyed the flowers, surprised to see him.

That made two of us.

“Alex what are you doing here?” I sat up.

“Who is this guy?” Blaze asked me.

He lacked patience so he shifted on his chair and asked Alex. “Who are you?”

His tone held suspicion. He had a guess of who Alex was. And he was right.

Alex held my eyes. He softened his gaze hoping it would do something to me.

“I’m Alex Bailey. Sabrina’s fiance.” Alex held his chin up and spoke with pride. “Hi, mum.” He said, turning to my mum.

Jo looked around, well aware of the stale energy radiating off everyone.

Blaze stood up in one movement just as mum looked away. Her shoulders fell. She was disappointed in the one she once called her son.

“I don’t care who you say you are,” Blaze stated clearly. “But it doesn't seem like you’re welcome here.”

“And who are you?” Alex laughed, mocking Blaze.

Alex thought Blaze was a stranger. A nobody.

Blaze was the rebound after him.

There, I said it.

Blaze was my rebound no matter how many times I assured myself he wouldn't be.

“Blaze Williams,” he introduced himself briefly. “Not nice to meet you.” Blaze spoke robotically maming it clear he didn't want Alex at our table.

I was silently thanking him for standing up for me.

But watching him care was not an experience my heart and my body were ready for.

Alex was done arguing with a nobody. Blaze was blocking Alex's path.

So Alex stepped to the side. “Sabrina, can we talk?” He was begging now.

If I didn't know any better, I would have fallen for his timidness.

But he had his hands on her, had her ass pressed to the wall, pressed between his fingers.

It was painful to say. I closed my eyes and pushed through the words. I owed my family a proper explanation.

“Alex and I broke our engagement yesterday because he is in love with someone.” I swallowed. “He was cheating on me.”

“Alex please can you leave?” Mum asked.

Jo stepped in too.

He got up and moved around our table to where Alex and Blaze were. “Young man, please excuse yourself.” His voice was clipped.

He didn't have time to waste on anybody that was disturbing the peace of his family.

They were family and they were all standing up for me.

“Now,” Blaze added.

He glared at Alex. He knew me in a way that made him hate Alex more than I did.

Looking at them all protecting me warmed my heart. But it was also a reminder of my pathetic life.

I watched my nails on my lap. I didn't look up when the waitress returned with our meal.

I didn't know when Alex went, or if he had even gone.

My vision blurred bit by bit. If I could, I would have pushed my heart out.

Every second was torture and I sank further until I couldn't be here anymore.

I had to be alone and nurse my humiliation. I had to breathe in my space.

I was too sad to be here. My family deserved the happy Sabrina, not the one Alex had chewed and spat out.

I grabbed my purse and stood up. I was hurrying when I spoke to mum.

“I need to sleep. I have a headache. I'll see you tomorrow,” I said. My resolve was breaking and so my voice cracked.

“Are you sure–” Mum, clearly worried, asked.

I forced a smile. “I want to be alone, mum.” I pleaded with her silently.

Sparing everyone a glance, I said a quick goodbye.

“Good night, everyone. I'll see you tomorrow when I'm feeling better.”

I don’t know how I did it but I managed to put on a good show.

I forced a smile and walked away.

I didn't turn around but I could tell that Blaze had glued his eyes to my back.

I wished for a redo of the previous night in his bed.

That was the only thing that could make me feel better now.