TIFFIN 3

13

The following day, I didn't bother going into work. It probably wasn't the best idea, but I couldn't focus on my job. I needed time.

Jo rushed to my house much earlier than any of my other friends. She'd heard about my so called disappearance the night before and was in hysterics.

"We didn't know what happened to you guys! That damned Evelyn wouldn't say a thing!"

I lowered my eyes to the floor. 

"She's only doing what she thinks is best." 

Josephine grabbed ahold of my hand, staring deeply into my soul. It felt like that anyway. 

"What's the matter? You have the world's best husband- who adores you might I add-" 

I wanted to bite back at her like I did my parents, but for the life of me, couldn't.

All I could bring myself to do was bury my face in my hands and weep. 

Despite what I tried to convince myself all the pain hadn't disappeared.

Jo backed away in astonishment. 

"What-? Did I do something?" 

"It's over between us," I choked out, "he left me."

Her eyes went as wide as saucers. 

"What? No... he couldn't have. Kristina... he loves you. I know he does." 

I wiped at my eyes. 

"Apparently not enough. I'm no good for him. You've known that all along. He refused to tell anyone where we were; he'd taken me out to tell me that he wanted to seperate. That we needed to see other people. Does that not sound like him about a year ago?" 

Josephine continued shaking her head in denial. 

"I really don't know what to say..." 

"Don't worry," I spat, "I'll do it for you: this was planned all along. He's nothing but some jerk that wants to get his rocks off. You warned me to stay away."

"I thought that he had changed-" 

This time I stood to my feet making the table clatter.

"No one like that changes! Ever! Like I've heard people say around me... I need a good guy that goes to an Ivy League school. I have to let go."

Jo remained silent until I reached the living room. 

"What if he comes back?" 

I swiveled around, feeling too exhausted to think much on this fact. 

"So what if he does? That cheating man is never going to have me back. He can die six feet under for all I care." 

It was then that Rose, Kylie, and Brendan clambered through the door looking as worried as ever. 

Later on in the day after I'd kicked all my friends from my residence, I'd decided to visit the nearest Arts and Crafts store. Hero had purchased a small painting set though it hadn't been enough. 

I needed more supplies. 

I was surprised at how fast I forgot about him looking at all the things I loved. Maybe if I painted another photo of summer, it would help me heal.

I had almost made it through the store without any hitches, until I reached the register. The young woman had asked if I had any plans with my husband and I broke down.

I still wore my ring.

When I thought back on it, I knew I was not ready to forget about him. Call me ridiculous but I was terrified that if I did this...

He would cease to exist. 

So I headed to Home Depot for no specific reason.

I spent awhile trudging through the isles, fingering bulbs and strands of silver chains, thinking thoughtlessly about what I could build at home. 

I wasn't a fixer by any stretch but perhaps I could make a pretty shelf. 

"Excuse me?" 

I twirled around, my train of thought disrupted. Standing in front of me was a man I'd never seen before. He was middle aged and wore overalls that were covered in red soot. 

"Y-yes?" I stuttered.

Who was this guy? 

"My, aren't you a vision?" He went on, licking his rotting teeth. "I would sure like to bury myself in you." 

I blanched.

"Excuse you, mister. I am a lady and will not be degraded. You can kindly be on your way." 

"I don't think so."

My eyes widened as the man took ahold of my wrist. Fuck. He was strong. I did my best to keep in view of cameras but we were too close to the exit doors. 

Why the hell weren't the employees doing anything? 

"HELP!" I screeched. "AAGH!" 

We had stepped foot outside when a pair of strong hands yanked my kidnapper away from me. They knocked him out, now adorning bloody knuckles. 

As I looked into the eyes of a small redheaded girl, I was shocked. 

Holy-

"You're Mrs. Tiffin!" She exclaimed. "Oh my god are you okay?" 

I gulped. 

"I am now- gosh you're strong." 

The girl nodded. 

"I lift weights- hey let me call the cops!" 

I didn't know why I did this, but I rested a hand on her shoulder.

"No don't. It's no big issue. Really. Let me pay you."

I didn't think before pulling out a few hundred dollar bills.

The girl grinned as she hugged me.

When we looked back, the man had gone.

Shits already hitting the fan.

😶😶