'Bathroom' by Babs Kirby

 

I dreamt that there was someone in your bathroom and you said,

‘It’s ok, she’s just leaving’.

I hadn’t realised she was still on the scene. I hadn’t asked. I’d assumed she was long gone. It left me feeling insecure and vulnerable.

We’d not been together long but there was no indication your last relationship wasn’t completely over.

I got over it. She had left.

I should have heeded the warning signs, though. You were always less than transparent. You didn’t exactly lie. You just didn’t reveal the whole truth. It was often hurtful.

Particularly towards the end, when you got together with Tom. There was an overlap, and you left me to be the one to end it. Which in hindsight was cruel, as you were leaving me but forced me to make the decision.

I was walking on Clapham Common, tears rolling down my face, somehow knowing you’d consummated this new relationship the night before. You’d not told me, but I was right. Far too tuned in for my own good. You hung on to me, as you did with all your previous lovers. It took all my strength and several years to completely extricate myself. We’re still friends.