Aroha didnât hand over the package and now they were coming closer. Neil took a step back closer to his door, almost tripping over his feet in the process.
âWhat,â he said, eyebrows together, expression tightening in confusion. âWhat dâyou mean âwhat am I talking aboutâ?â They still looked too close to tears and Neil was really starting to get worn down by these varied tests and games. Hadnât he repented enough; hadnât he done the best he could do? Hadnât they made the right choices for themselves already by avoiding him completely?
âBe-be-because.â He took another step back at Arohaâs step forward, and now the doorjamb was digging into his back and he could retreat no further. âBecause I had you get me off in bed. Iâd denied everything else up until then, but Iâd been tired and I wasnât in the right frame of mind to tell you to quit, and I know youâve been forced to-to do sexual acts before and I didnât mean to make you do any to me, just because⌠BecauseâŚâ He watched her, frozen, too lost to even shrug.
âAnd thatâs why youâve been avoiding me,â Neil continued, âto keep yourself safe. I thought youâd moved house, honestly. A-and I really do appreciate you coming back here to give this to me, but if-if itâd make you feel better you really can donate it, or-or throw it in with the rubbish.â He waved his hand flippantly, âTo justâŚjust throw it away.â Like me.
A stunned silence overcame Aroha, as they tried to process what Neil had said. They stared at him, the cogs in their head slowly turning.
He thought-he really thought....
âNeil...â Arohaâs voice came out small, as small as they felt for putting Neil through this. âThat isnât why I-I cut myself off.â They looked back down at their feet, trying to find the right words. Lifting their head they looked at poor Neil, who looked very confused.
âYouâre the one Neil.â They whispered, allowing themself to let go of their fears, just this once. âYouâre the one that-that people introduce to their families. That people plan their futures with. That people dream of growing old with.â A lump formed in Arohaâs throat and they had to gulp to force it back down. âYouâre-youâre perfect. Youâre kind and handsome and funny and-wonderful. Just so wonderful , itâs almost like youâre not even real. And Iâm...not any of that.â
âIâm the one you call for a good time. Iâm the one you call if you want to fuck. Thatâs all I am.â Aroha shrugged and looked down, gulping again before raising their head. âThatâs all Iâve ever been. Iâm not the partner or the one you bring home. Iâve never been that, and I donât know if I ever will be.â
This thought had long plagued Aroha, but it had never really bothered them. Why would it? They had never met anyone that they would make it bother them. They had John, and that was all they needed. But then Neil happened, and threw everything so out of balance that Aroha was still trying to find their feet.
âAnd I knew that sooner or later, you would figure that out.â They tried to blink away new tears, but they still came out. âAnd when you did...you would throw me away.â They sniffled and wiped their eyes with the heel of their left hand, their right still clinging onto the package. âThis is what I do Neil. I cut people off before they can cut me off. Because I get scared.â It was a lot for them to admit, but they knew it was now or never, and they would rather scare Neil off with the truth than keep him with a lie. âIt was never because of you. I want to make that clear. You have never ever done anything to make me uncomfortable. I...â Another swallow. âIâm in love with you Neil. Totally in love with you. But Iâm no good for you. Thatâs the truth of it. Iâm sorry.â