Hey everyone!! I hope you're having a good morning.

Just a quick TW: For the future chapters there will be heavier themes concerning Hero's grandmother. Just be forewarned.

Again, if you are ever struggling with anything like this, please do not be afraid to let someone know ❤❤ you are all loved

Ps. I thought Warrior fit in well with this chapter.
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I didn't know how much time had passed since Hero left. It could have been hours for all I knew. The sky had gone black and I had been left alone in this freezing apartment.

How stupid we had been to not notice the fireplace. I could have been running the heater, but that alone would have costed a fortune. 

Many things came unbidden in my mind of what he could be up to.

The good part of me said that he was simply blowing off steam- and though I didn't like it- was talking to Dorinda about our issues.

The bad side was whispering that he was up to no good, going to parties and getting wasted.

On top of that, he was probably hooking up with girls. 

In particular, one girl...

As I curled up on the couch, wrapping a  blanket around my torso, the front door opened and slammed shut.

I sat up, gathering the blanket to my chest. Hero came staggering in, fully proving my earlier worry. He was drunk. 

"Diedre..." He slurred, making my heart pound in my chest. 

"Hero," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm Kristina... I know you're just saying things because you're mad at me."

"Don't be coy... I know you want to do things like we used to..." 

I staggered back. He really thought I was Diedre... why was he saying these things? 

"What do you mean?" I asked, already knowing it was wrong to take advantage of the situation. 

"Our weekends together," he went on, cupping my chin, with his mouth hovered over mine, "all those times you lied to my mother and convinced me that you were doing it for my own sanity..." 

Oh my god... he was telling me exactly what happened... was this what I wanted?

No. I couldn't intrude like this. I didn't want to. 

Just when I thought Hero would kiss me, he paused, his minty breath fanning over my face. 

"Didn't you realize how old I was, Diedre? Didn't you have a fucking conscience?"

I sighed, knowing it was in my best interest to humor him in his hazy state.
 
"I'm so sorry," I murmured. "None of that stuff should have ever happened to you." 

Hero laughed. "Oh, don't say this shit in momentary regret. You tell me every time we meet in secret; you can't help yourself. You just love me too much." 

I gasped shocked at what I was hearing. Things were still happening. His grandmother had no remorse whatsoever.

"Why are trying to kiss me right now?" I asked hoping I didn't just ruin his haziness.

For a moment he seemed numb, his eyes glazing over. He then continued on. 

"Isn't that what you usually want?" Hero slurred. "You... you..."

I lowered my head. No. This couldn't be. He was willing to do whatever his grandmother told him... I couldn't be stuck in the middle of this. I couldn't compete in this toxic relationship. 

"You're mad." Hero finally finished. 

This caught my attention. "What?" 

"When you try to use our past against me," Hero began, "you're mad whenever I bring up my girlfriend. You're pissed because you can't stand the fact that I've found someone that loves me. It makes your blood boil."

Had I been wrong? Was Hero not doing things with his grandmother? 

Oh, this was all so confusing. 

Hero rested back on the couch, looking exhausted.
 
"I want you to go," He ordered. "I don't want you near me. I don't want you touching me..." 

As I saw him nod out, snoring like a tree logger, I stood up ready to sneak to the bedroom. What happened tonight already occurred. Nothing would change that. 

It was time for me to sit and reflect whether I could put up with all this. 

As I started to move, I caught Hero's phone out of the corner of my eye. I knew that it was a bad idea. Me looking at his messages was what got us into this mess. 

I just couldn't help myself. 

Quickly swiping his phone, I tried opening the screen, but it asked for a passcode. Dang. Of course he had one.
Just as I was about to throw in the towel, I saw a recent text message read:

I'm here. 

It was Diedre.

With horror, I looked towards the front door worried a knock would sound. Rushing to the golden knob, I slowly cracked the door open, seeing Diedre picking through her Gucci purse. 

When she looked up and saw me, I stepped onto the mat, closing the door behind me. She seemed offended by my doing this. 

"Can I help you." I spoke lazily.

Diedre seemed uncomfortable, stroking her arms aggressively.

"I must say," She replied. "I'm shocked to see you here."

I raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid to say the same." 

She raised an eyebrow, surprised at my quick jab. Evidently, she wasn't used to this.

"My grandson invited me here. He wanted to see me." 

I pursed my lips. "I'm sure." 

At this, Diedre grew impatient. 

"If you could move aside," she demanded. "I'd like to get things moving." 

"No." I snapped, blocking her from entering. 

Deidre took a step back, looking mortified. "Excuse me?" 

"My boyfriend is drunk." I stated. "It's late. You're not stepping a foot into my house." 

"You have guts, my dear." 

"No," I argued. "I have a sense of reality. I don't think that raping a minor is normal." 

Diedre gasped, looking around as if police helicopters were surrounding.

"He told you?" 

I shook my head. "Yes, but he didn't have to. You're not exactly slick in public." 

Diedre tightened the scarf that hung around her neck. 

"I'll take this as a hint that I should go. I would ask you to leave my grandson a message but I can see that won't be possible." 

As she turned, I shouted out for her. 

"Just so you know, I really do love him!" 

Diedre looked back with a satisfied grin. 

"Your love can only go so far. Whereas,  family ties are forever."

Deidre really is a piece of work.

What do you think of Hero's behavior? What's going on?

It's a mystery.

Love you all.