Chapter 20
Leila wiped away tears furiously as she threw clothes into the suitcases on her bed.
“Stop crying,” she scolded herself, “you’re the one who decided to leave.”
She stopped as she looked at the bed, she let her hand run down the comforter and felt more tears form in her eyes as she remembered the night before.
Never in her life had she felt more safe then last night as Jeff held her in his arms, his quiet breathing rhythmic and warm on her neck. She was scared of how she felt, what she said.
“Leila, are you in there?” she jumped as she heard the voice and knocking on the door.
“Jeff,” she whispered, biting her lip and walking quickly though the suite and debating whether or not to open the door or not.
“If you’re in there, please open the door, you at least owe me an explanation after last night,” Jeff called, as if answering her thoughts.
“Hi,” she said softly, opening the door slightly.
“Can we talk?” Jeff asked, “We really need to talk Leila.”
“About what?”
“You’re kidding right? Please let me in.”
Leila opened the door reluctantly and sighed as Jeff walked in. She pulled away as he tried to kiss her. He studied her quickly as she turned and walked towards the bedroom of the suite, the one they occupied the night earlier.
“What happened yesterday?” Jeff asked, leaning on the door frame of the bedroom and crossing his arms.
“I don’t know,” Leila shrugged.
“You don’t know? I had one of the most amazing nights of my life last night and I wake up and the girl I think I’m in love with is gone! The funny thing is, it’s her room!”
“Amazing?” Leila questioned, looking down and feeling tears forming.
“I think I’d call last night amazing. I’ve never felt that way before. What made you leave Leila? I think you owe me that much at least.”
Leila shrugged as she looked up at Jeff and shook her head, not knowing what to say. She closed her eyes as Jeff walked towards her and embraced her. She once again felt safe in his arms, but knew it wouldn’t last for long.
“Packing so soon?” Jeff asked, noticing the open, half packed suitcases on the bed, “we’re not leaving for another 2 days.”
“I’m… I’m not going with you,” Leila whispered, silently cursing herself for allowing him to notice the bags, wanting to make a sudden and non-dramatic leave.
“What do you mean?” Jeff questioned, raising an eyebrow, “not this week?”
“Not at all Jeff,” Leila answered, a lump forming in her throat.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m telling you I’m leaving,” Leila answered, trying to be strong, “I gave Vince my resignation papers today. I’m no longer a member of the World Wrestling Federation, I quit.”
“You what?” Jeff asked, surprised, “why?”
“Reasons,” Leila answered, turning around and folding more clothes into the suitcase, “personal reasons.”
“So when were you planning on telling me?” Jeff asked loudly and angrily, “or were you not planning on it?”
Leila turned around and looked at him sadly, and he knew she didn’t plan on it. He shook his head as he looked at her.
“You were just going to leave?” Jeff shouted, “After last night? After everything? Do you know how hard it was to admit I loved you last night? And what about what you said to me, or was that just a lie? You don’t really care, do you? Everything’s been a lie!”
“No!” Leila cried furiously, turning around quickly, “I didn’t lie Jeff! I did… I do care about you. Last night was the most painful and amazing nights of my life…”
“So you just left?” Jeff interrupted, “I can’t believe this. Whenever anything happens you just run away.”
“Jeff!” Leila shouted, “I don’t…”
“What are you doing now Leila? Packing your bags and leaving! Running away from your problems again, running away from everything!”
“Stop Jeff,” Leila pleaded, “I can’t… I just can’t do this anymore.”
“What are you waiting for?” Jeff retorted, unleashing his anger and frustration, “I’m surprised you haven’t left sooner. There’s the door, go do what you’re used to doing. Runaway.”
Leila shook her head slowly as she watched the anger on Jeff’s face melt away and a look of regret appear. Leila zipped up a bag and threw it over her shoulder.
“Leila, I’m sorry…”
“No Jeff, you’re right,” Leila whispered sadly, “I don’t know who I was trying to fool.”
Closing her eyes, she kissed his lips quickly and softly, before turning and walking quickly out of the room.
“Leila!” Jeff called after her, as she continued to walk through the suite and open the door to the hallway, “Leila!”
Leila cried as she shut the door, walking quickly down the hall. Still able to hear Jeff’s yells she pressed the elevator door, praying it would open.
“I love you Jeff,” she whispered as she tasted more of her salt tears on her lips.
“Leila!” Jeff yelled, running out of the suite and looking at the closing elevator door, with Leila in it.
Leila closed her eyes as the door shut, leaving Jeff on the other side, feet away.
Chapter 21
Chapter 19