Looks Can Be Deceiving

I made my way upstairs to find Pandora lying on my bed, eyes closed. I crawled in next to her, brushing her black hair from her ear. She turned and smiled up at me.
“Why don’t you go to sleep?” I suggested.
“I really have to study,” she rubbed her eyes. “I’m seriously so stressed with this exam Austin. It counts for so much of my grade. I have to pass.”
“Let me help you,” I smiled.
“We both know that’s not going to work.”
“Well at least relax for a few minutes. I promise I’ll let you work later, okay?” I raised an eyebrow.
“I wish I could say no to you,” she whispered. I leaned down to kiss her before my phone vibrated.
“Mind if I get this?”
“I’ll be here waiting,” she smiled, laying her head back down on my pillow. I stood up, and turned off the lights, walking out onto my balcony. I closed the door.
“Yes?” I asked.
“We need to talk.” Her voice made me cringe.
“About? There’s not much.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you busy?”
“Maybe I am. It’s none of your damn business. What do you want, Gielle?”
“Maybe my divorce papers? That would be nice, Austin.”
“Okay, well I’ve been a bit busy. Would you give me a little time?”
“I’ve given you so much time! Would you stop being so lazy for once in your life?” she screeched. I closed my eyes, and opened them to see Pandora lying in my bed, the moon casting a shadow across her face. She was beautiful.
“Gielle, I just need more time. Do you honestly think I like still being married to you? Get over yourself.”
“Look, whatever whore you’re sleeping with can wait. I’m sure she’ll find another man for the time being to keep her busy while you finalize things with our separation.”
“Just like you found another man to keep you busy while I way dying in the hospital?” I asked.
“Austin that’s in the past.”
“Oh, so it just doesn’t matter anymore?”
“That’s not what I mean.” I ran my hand through my hair and sighed.
“I’ll get the papers to you by next week? Is that good enough for you?”
“Fuck off.” She hung up as I leaned back against the cold metal balcony rail. Why was I so stupid to get married to that woman? I let out my breath, trying to calm down so Pandora wouldn’t sense that I was stressed. I turned my phone on silent and walked back into my bedroom, lying down with Pandora who was half asleep. She moved a little as I held her close to me.
“I’m sorry I came over here… and now… I’m sleeping,” she apologized.
“Don’t worry about it. I can tell you’re really tired. I’m sure you’ve been up studying all day, am I right?” She nodded, smiling.
“Who was that on the phone?” she asked softly.
“Just an old friend…”
“You sounded angry.” I was quiet. “Are you alright?” She opened her eyes and turned to me.
“Yeah, just some things I have to get figured out.”
“So you’ll survive?” she wondered, giggling.
“I think I’ll survive,” I nodded.
“I should probably get up and study some more… I haven’t even looked through half my Biology book.”
“Why don’t you rest for a while?”
“It’s already eight at night and my test is tomorrow morning. If I don’t do it now, I’ll have to get up early.”
“Have you eaten today?” She thought for a second. I laughed. “I’ll take that as a no then?”
“I can’t even remember. But I am a bit hungry come to think of it.”
“Can I make you dinner?”
“Can I help?” she smiled.
“Of course,” we got out of bed and she followed me downstairs.

Notes