Simone jumped slightly as Annabelle’s warm arms found their way around her hips, hugging tightly, her hands finally resting on Simone’s sleek stomach.

"Don’t do that", said Simone sharply, fixing her eyes on the horizon line.

Annabelle kissed her beau on the cheek, willing herself to think of something to say, lightly tracing "A & S" on Simone’s skin. She grinned to herself, remembering what Simone had once said to her. She placed her ear next to Simone’s, and began "The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in.." She was cut off as Simone tensed her shoulders, pushing Annabelle’s arms away from her and turning to face her.

"Don’t do that" she snapped, leaning back against the balcony railings.

"Simone, I’m sorry, I…" Annabelle moved forward, cupping Simone’s face in her hands.

"Annabelle, you don’t listen to me anymore, when I say no, I mean no".

Guilt swept through Simone once more as Annabelle pulled away roughly, crossing her arms over her chest and sighing, confused and hurt by the way Simone was acting towards her. Simone studied Annabelle’s face for a few moments, breaking her gaze when Annabelle’s eyes focused on hers. She stood up straight, pushing past Annabelle carelessly.  Feelings Annabelle’s eyes on her back, she began undressing, neatly folding her pj’s and placing them on the unmade bed. She bent down to search on the floor, picking up items of clothing and re-dressing in a pair of black pants and a loose blouse, finishing the look with a rainbow colored scarf and high boots.

"Are you going to even look at me?" asked Annabelle, leaning against the bedroom door, watching Simone busy herself around the room. Simone murmured in response, slinging her bag over her shoulder and snatching her keys from the bedside table. She took a few steps towards the door, expecting Annabelle to move so she could pass. Annabelle reached out and pulled at Simone’s scarf, bringing Simone closer to her. She brought her hand up to Simone’s face, lightly tilting her head until they were looking at each other.

"I love you", Annabelle said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Simone’s face. She waited for a reply, eventually giving in and moving from the door, watching as Simone made her way to the front door, stepping out and closing it loudly behind her.

Annabelle blinked away the tears as she climbed back into bed, kicking the covers away in the process. She pulled Simone’s pillow close to her, waiting a few minutes before opening her cell phone and dialling.

She buried her face into the pillow as a familiar voice sounded out from the receiver. She waited a few moments while the phone was handed to who Annabelle asked to talk to. "Hey…mom, it’s Annabelle.."