Shifting Plates

Chapter Five

     On Miranda's first day of being a team member, Jack let Timothy train her. All throughout that day, they talked and laughed. With Timothy by her side, it didn't really feel like a job. The whole time she was on cloud nine. 

     Months passed, events were worked, and Miranda found the job getting easier. Timothy worked almost every event that she did, and if they were stationed apart, he would find some way to at least spend five minutes with her. She was falling for him, and somehow she thought that he was doing the same.

     She soon discovered that she had been so wrong.

     Around five months they had worked together and Miranda was sure that it wouldn't be long until he asked her on a date. Miranda was working the city's fall festival by herself—Timothy had not signed up for this event. She was having a good time, nonetheless. The music was good, the food smelled amazing, and everyone was in good spirits. For a moment, Miranda looked through the crowd and to her surprise, she saw Timothy. She raised her hand to wave, and as she did, she caught Timothy's eye. However,  not before she saw a woman about her age slip her hand into Timothy's.  Miranda's heart dropped. Timothy was headed quickly toward her tent with the woman in toe and Miranda had to put on a brave face.

     "Hey Miranda! I forgot you were working this event!" Timothy said excitedly, and as the woman stood beside him he said, "This is Lucy, my girlfriend." Lucy waved as she smiled meekly.

     "Timothy has told me all about you. He says you make work bearable. I'm so glad you guys have become such good friends!" The word 'friends' stung her to hear. She tried to keep herself composed even though all she wanted was to run away and cry.

     "Oh yes, we are quite the pair! We keep each other company when the job gets boring. It's so good to meet you, Lucy." Miranda feigned friendliness to the woman.

     "Likewise." Lucy look to Timothy, "Hun, I'm going to go get some caramel corn really quick. I'll meet you back here." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and headed toward the refreshment stands.

     There was an awkward silence until Miranda found her courage. "So, you have a girlfriend? I don't remember you mentioning her," Miranda tried not to sound hurt.

     "Yeah, we've been together for quite a while—like, five years, I think."

     "That is a long time. I really wish I would have known that, Timothy," tears were brimming her eyes. They were about to fall at any  moment.

     "Why? What difference does it make?"

     "Oh my god, Timothy!"  Miranda was getting angry now. "It makes a big difference! You were being nice to me, we've spent almost every work day together and you are always making me laugh! The difference, Timothy, is that I thought you liked me!"

     "I do like you...as a friend, Miranda. I was being nice and you were being nice back. I had no idea that you...well I'm sorry I made you think that I had any intention...I have a girlfriend."

     "Obviously. Well, that's that then. I guess I'll see you around."

    "Actually, you won't. I haven't told anyone besides Jack, but I'm moving to Washington with my girlfriend to live with her parents. Lucy is pregnant."

     Miranda couldn't hold it in anymore—she began to cry. This was too much. Girlfriend, moving, baby? She couldn't process what that meant for him, only that she was losing a friend and, up until ten minutes ago, a potential boyfriend.

     Nothing more could be said however, because Lucy had returned. "Oh dear, Miranda, what's wrong?"

     Miranda was too choked up to answer, so Timothy did it for her. "I just told her that I'm moving with you to Washington. We're going to miss each other."

     "Oh, Miranda, it's not really goodbye. You can still call and text each other."

     Miranda finally had the strength to reply to her crush's pregnant girlfriend. "No, no we can't, Lucy. I don't think that's a good idea."

     Lucy had a quizzical look on her face, but Timothy didn't react. "Well, it was nice seeing you before we left, Miranda. I do wish you all the best."

     All Miranda could do was nod in response as Timothy and Lucy moved away from her tent.