When The Past Comes Knocking
Finals week. The best and worst time of year. Worst, obviously, because it was finals. Enough said. But the best because it meant early release, in which after finals, Alicia and Leighton would meet up at the women’s center to take care of a few things there before heading back to their apartment. They walk through the snow, holding hands or linked arms as they do so.
“You cold, babe?” Alicia asks as a shivering Leighton clings to her.
“What? No, no, I’m okay.” Leighton replies.
“You sure?” Alicia asks with a smirk and Leighton nods.
“Let’s just walk home a little faster okay? I can feel one of my headaches coming on.” Leighton says, now dragging Alicia behind her. Alicia starts laughing at her freezing girlfriend and tries to keep up with her as they run. Right as they start to turn the corner, Leighton stops suddenly.
“Hey, Leighton.” Tatum says. Alicia has never seen her girlfriend look as small as she does talking to her ex.
“H-hi, Tatum.” Leighton says, avoiding eye contact with the girl. Alicia looks between them and steps forward.
“Hey, I’m Alicia, we've met before.” Alicia says, offering her hand. Tatum simply looks at her and Alicia puts her hand down.
“Ah.” Tatum says, looking between the two of them.
“Really, Leighton?” Tatum scoffs. Leighton keeps her head down and shifts uncomfortably.
“Tatum can we not?” Leighton asks softly.
“No, really, I mean I always thought you were an idiot, but this just confirms it.” Tatum says.
“Hey! Don’t talk to her like that!” Alicia says sternly.
“Alicia let’s just go.” Leighton says softly trying to pull Alicia with her but she shakes her off.
“No, Leighton, you should stay! Because it’s about time you were told that you’re nothing but a narcissistic, ungrateful, spoiled brat who doesn’t care about anyone but yourself!” Tatum snaps and Alicia steps in front of her girlfriend.
“Don’t EVER talk to her like that! Look, you’re hurting, I see that. But Leighton is none of the things that you just called her! And I’m not going to sit here and let you shit talk her because she wanted better for herself. Come on Leight, let’s go home.” Alicia pulls Leighton away and they leave Tatum behind.
They walk the rest of the way to their apartment in silence. Leighton is sniffling, trying and failing to hide her tears from Alicia. When they get home, Leighton walks into the bedroom and lays down.
“Are you okay?” Alicia asks softly, sitting by Leighton on the bed.
“I’m fine. I think I just wanna sleep.” Leighton says defeatedly. Alicia nods and starts to leave their bedroom.
“Let me know if you need anything, babe.” Alicia says, but Leighton doesn’t respond.
Later, Alicia knocks on the bedroom door softly.
“Come in.” Leighton says from inside. As Alicia enters, she takes in Leighton’s appearance. Her girlfriend’s hair is tied up in a messy bun and she’s wearing her glasses, which she only does when she’s really bothered by her headache on top of any emotional stress.
“Hey, babe.” Alicia says, handing Leighton the water she brought in with her.
“Hi.” Leighton sniffs. Alicia sits on the bed next to her and Leighton wraps her arms around her.
“How are you feeling?” Alicia asks as she rubs Leighton’s back.
“A little better… I’m sorry you had to deal with Tatum.” Leighton says sulkingly.
“Leighton, you don’t have to apologize for that. She was way out of line and I’m sorry she put you through that.” Alicia replies, kissing Leighton’s forehead.
“Alicia… what if she's right about me?"
“Come here.” Alicia says, wrapping her arms around Leighton once again. "Leighton you are none of those things. You have grown so much as a person in the past two years, and I am so proud of you."
Leighton pecks Alicia's lips softly.
“I have so much love for you, you know that, right?.” Alicia says, kissing both of Leighton’s cheeks. Leighton nods with a small smile. They lay down together, Alicia holding Leighton, until they fall asleep.