Chapter 6 The Morning After
Zara’s POV
I woke up slowly and it was already morning
Sunlight came through the curtains in soft yellow lines across the bed. My body felt tired and heavy. I lay in the soft guest bed in Talia’s house and stared at the ceiling.
The memories from yesterday played in my head like a movie I didn’t want to remember again. Daniel at the door with those stupid red roses. And he even has the nerves to call me baby. Talia looked completely shocked when she learned he cheated.
And then Marcus.
Oh Gosh!
His strong hand on my back. The way he pressed me against the wall later. His fingers sliding inside my robe. I shivered under the blanket even though the room was warm.
The way he touched me, the jealousy in his voice... It made my stomach flip even now.
“Get it together, Zara,” I whispered to myself.
Daniel cheated.
Marcus is Talia’s dad.
This whole thing is messed up.
I sat up slowly and rubbed my eyes. They felt a little puffy. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The floor was cool under my bare feet. I walked to the bathroom attached to the guest room. The mirror showed me looking messy , curly hair all over the place, face tired. I picked up my toothbrush, put some mint toothpaste on it, and brushed my teeth in slow circles. The fresh taste helped wake me up. I brushed for two full minutes like always, then rinsed with cool water. I splashed water on my face next. It felt good.
Next came the bath. I turned on the shower because a full bath would take too long. Steam filled the room as the hot water ran. I stepped in and let it pour over my head.
I washed my curly hair with the sweet-smelling shampoo Talia always buys and tried to push yesterday out of my head.
I washed my hair carefully, using my fingers to work the shampoo through every curl.
The smell was light and floral. I rinsed it out, then soaped my body with the soft body wash. My hands moved over my arms, my stomach, my thighs. Everywhere Marcus had touched yesterday. My skin got warm thinking about it. I stayed under the water a few extra minutes, just breathing and trying to clear my head. Finally, I turned it off and stepped out. The big fluffy towel felt nice as I dried myself.
Back in the bedroom, I quickly put on my clothes. I chose light blue jeans that fit comfortably and a simple white t-shirt with short sleeves. Nothing tight or fancy. I brushed my curly hair until it looked neat and fell softly around my shoulders. I put on a little lip balm but no other makeup. I didn’t feel like trying hard today.
I quietly went downstairs.
The house smelled good , coffee and something cooking. Talia was in the kitchen humming a song I couldn't hear while she poured orange juice , and moved around happily. She wore cute shorts and a tank top, her hair in a ponytail.
She looked fresh and happy like nothing bad had happened.
“Morning, Zee!” she said with a big smile.
“You look a bit better today. Come sit ,let's have breakfast .”
I nodded and sat at the counter.
“Yeah. Thanks for letting me stay here.”
“Eat. You look like you need it after yesterday.”
She slid a plate of scrambled eggs, toast with butter, and fresh orange juice towards me . I sat down and took small bites. The eggs were warm and soft. I sipped the juice slowly. It tasted sweet and cold. Talia talked about little things while we ate , a funny video she saw, how her dad was working in his office. I listened and nodded, but my mind kept drifting to Daniel and Marcus. My chest felt tight when I thought about Daniel. Sad and embarrassed mixed together.
The food tasted okay, but my stomach felt tight. Every time I thought about Daniel begging in the doorway, shame washed over me. And then Marcus... his hand on my back, his breath on my ear. I squeezed my legs together under the table
After breakfast, I helped clean the plates. We wiped the counter together. Then we moved to the living room. I sat on the big couch with my phone, pretending to scroll. Really, I was thinking about everything.
We sat quietly for a minute.
Then Talia’s phone suddenly buzzed
