I arrived at our apartment and walked into the lobby. Vincent gave me a sympathetic look, and I nodded at him, embarrassed that he’d had to get involved in all the drama of tonight. I entered our apartment and crept up the stairs. Blaire was probably asleep by now, so I would just get in bed and hold her close to me. I needed that right now, and I was sure that she needed some love and affection from me. I would wake up early and talk to her. I would make things right.

Walking softly into our room, I went to Blaire’s side of the bed and sat down in the darkness. I felt for her, but my hand came up empty. Turning on the lamp, I surveyed the room. She had definitely been here because the overnight bag was on the bed. I checked Carrie’s room. Blaire had slept in there earlier this week when she had been pissed at me… again… but she wasn’t there either.

Where the fuck is she? I bounded down the stairs to get my phone and noticed Blaire’s bracelet sitting on the counter. A deep sense of dread washed over me as I picked it up and held it against my lips. Not again, Blaire. Don’t run from me again. I clasped the bracelet on the loosest setting on my wrist. It was a bit tight, but the slight pinch gave me a little bit of comfort.

I picked up my phone and noticed all the missed calls and texts from Milan. There were even a few from after I left her at the hospital, but I ignored them and blocked her. I never wanted to hear from that shady bitch again. Then I saw the text from Blaire and opened it, a raw feeling gnawing at my gut.

Blaire: I’m sorry, but I can’t do this anymore. I can’t live like this for the next 18+ years. You can still see Carrie when you have time, but please don’t make promises to her that you can’t keep. She’s just a little girl and doesn’t deserve that, Axel. I’m sorry if I hurt you by bringing up the paternity issue, but I just felt like you may have been being taken advantage of. I didn’t mean it maliciously at all, and I hate that you could ever think that of me. All I ask is that you give me some space for a while. I can’t be around you right now, so please respect that. It’s all just too painful. I’ll arrange for you to pick Carrie up from Evan when you want to see her. Maybe one day it will be different, and we can be friends, but I just can’t right now.