Sublimity ? Leon Kennedy

one

“Not yet.” I choke out, my eyes fixated on Elliot's face and his good save. 

Classmates from uni. Classic. Our two year relationship glossed over just like that like it was nothing. But what else is he supposed to say at this point?

“That is so cool!” She beams. “I didn't know Elliot knew any smart people.”

“Oh c'mon honey, you're embarrassing me.” 

My gaze flickers to the glint on her finger — a diamond ring. The same one I saw on Facebook a week ago. My throat itches. “I heard you guys are getting married.” I force a smile. 

Elliot's face stiffens, his jaw clenching from my smile. “Yeah, maybe this year. Just polishing up the wedding plan for now.”

Two years. 

Two years, he told me he was going to let me follow my dreams and wait for me to graduate. Just six months ago I was still going back and forth between medschool and his apartment, lamenting over my classes whilst making dinner for the two of us. It was a nightmare to imagine him with someone else.

And now he's standing in front of me, his arm on another girl.

“Congratulations.” I croak, my gaze locking with his, holding my breath, knowing well that if I let it go, I'll break down right there.

“Thank you so much!” Sasha chirps. “You should come. I'll buy you your own dress to make up for my clumsiness today.”

“No it's fine— I'll probably be studying for my exams then!” I retort, shaking my head a little too fast.

“Yeah honey, she's probably busy around that time— let's not pry.” Elliot chuckles. 

“Aww, okay then! I'll just give you my number!”  Sasha insists, gesturing for me to give her my phone. 

And I do. I don't know why but I do. I hand over my phone, she types in her number, then they say goodbye, walking to the other side of the bar where their seats are. 

I find myself still standing there, my phone in my hand with her number in it, my mind replaying the encounter once more, clothes still drenched in liquor. 

A new jazz band climbs up stage, introducing themselves and the crowd cheering.

My throat dries up. What am I doing here? Of all places? Why am I here? Why are they here? Why did I have to see them?

I chuck my phone into my purse and walk back to our table, broken glass crunching under my shoes. Gina and Bea are talking about something when I return, their eyes immediately darting to the look on my face, and the stain on my clothes.

“What happened to you? Where are the drinks?” Bea pipes up.

“I have to go.” I put down the bills Sasha handed to me.

“What?! What do you mean you have to go? We just got here!” 

“I have to go.” I repeat, the air stinging my eyes the longer I stay there, in the same room with my ex and his fiancé.

“Illa, I swear to god, what's going on?” She gets up.

I don't say anything, turning away and quickening my pace out of the door.  

____________________

My eyes betray me as I step out into the night, the same cold air that felt like a splash of water on my heated face, now hurting my nostrils when I suck in a breath.

The exchange weighs heavy on me: the way he just dismissed everything, the way he looked at me like I was nothing but a friend from a lifetime ago. The way he wrapped his arm around her waist so tenderly when he couldn't even bear to touch me without getting pissed off six months ago.