Texting Olivia Large ((On Pause))

1

"People can be so selfish sometimes." Amanda huffed, sitting down on one of the plastic chairs. Her slender brown arms cross over her chest and her pink lips turned in a frown.

I roll my eyes and let an amused smile make its way to my face despite my annoyance. "Yeah, people like you."

Amanda lets out a dramatic gasp, trust her to make a big show of everything. "Me? How?"

Joey, who had been effectively ignoring her and the chattering of the café, speaks up, taking off his headphones and using a finger to push up his glasses. "Free samples are for everyone, if you finish it off, there won't be any left for others. So, yes. You are being selfish."

Amanda groans and leans down to rest on the round ceramic tables. The table legs groan under her weight, just to show how old it probably is.

I look towards the small pastry shop I remember her coming from severally, always with a different bite-sized pastry in hand and an excited grin on her face. She must have felt devastated when she skipped in, giddy and high on sugar, and trudged out, no miniature cupcake to be seen.

I almost felt bad for her, but the feeling of jealousy when she skips out with junk food, no judgmental stares or dirty looks trailing her always overcomes my sympathy.

It must feel nice to be skinny.

I imagine myself strutting out of a fast-food restaurant, three bags of takeout in each arm that I'm sure I won't finish. I'm not hungry, in ordering so much just because I can.

No one judges. Because in this fantasy, I'm as slender as Amanda. My chubby legs are replaced by much more slimmer ones are my stomach is flat and toned.

It's a nice image while it lasts because I am pulled back into reality when Amanda perks up.

"Quick! Olivia, give me your scarf! And Joey can lend me his glasses." Her chocolate brown eyes are wide with gleaming mischief, "I can go back as someone else! My name can be Kate."

I let out a snort that turns to laughter and shakes my head at her facial expression. She looks determined. Like she's actually going to do it.

And that makes it even more hilarious.

"No! Amanda." I shake my head. After calming down, I place a hand on her shoulder. "That's how criminals are made."

"But I'm so hungry!" She complains, the desperate look on my face makes me feel bad all over again.

I roll my eyes again, "Okay look, I'll buy you a cupcake." I place my phone on the table, showing off its sponge bob casing and pulling out my wallet. "No need to fake an identity."

"Joey, watch my phone," I say before getting pulled away by Amanda, he gives me a thumbs up but doesn't look up from his phone.

When we get to the double doors of the bakery, Amanda stops and shuttles away from the doors. I quirk an eyebrow.

"I've taken their samples about 5 times this week." She explains, her eyes darting for any signs of the employees, "They hate me now!"

I let out a sigh at her antics and push open the glass doors of the little bakery, welcoming the smell of freshly baked pastries and childhood wonder.

The theme is too shiny for my liking.

The walls are painted white and gold, tiny figurines of cakes and pies dangle on strings from the ceilings, with little plastic angel wings attached to them.

Little round plastic tables and chairs are pushed aside to make room for a golden carpet leaning to a counter for ordering with the words 'pastry heaven ' engraved in gold into it.

But what really catches my attention, is the brunette at the counter, filing her nails with a bored look, liked shed rather be anywhere but here.

Christine.

She sees me and smiles. It's a forced smile.

She adjusts her cupcake-shaped cap and dusts her uniform. Everything here is so white and surgery that I can almost taste it.

"Welcome to pastry heaven! Where the cakes are to die for. How can I help you?" She said with an overbearing enthusiasm in her voice that could deaf me. Though she's smiling her eyes trail up and down my figure. Analyzing me. Judging me.

I ignore her gaze and look through the glass for anything I think Amanda will like until they land on a chocolate cake, dripping in chocolate and caramel swirls and sprinkled with chocolate chips.

I wouldn't dare put such a thing in my mouth, just looking at it makes me want to throw up my breakfast. But I know Amanda will be all too happy to swallow it and crave more.

"Can I have a slice of that one?" I ask, pulling out about 5 dollars from my wallet and placing it on the wooden counter.

She nods and goes to a room in the back, leaving me alone to the partially empty store except for the little kid crying in her moms' arms.

I can tell business I slow for them around this time and I feel bad for being grateful, I don't know if I would have been as voluntary to come if it were filled with people.

My eyes travel lazily through the store until they come in contact with someone else's through the glass doors.

Adam Lynch.

That dick.

As he passes he gives me a little smile. I know it's a genuine smile but I also know he only gives them to me when no one is around to watch.

I never smile back.

My narrowed eyes trail him as he passes the shop. I feel a spark of anger ignite in my chest that always seems to grow when I see him.

But the flame is always quenched by the pity that follows. I'm pitying myself for feeling this way.

For still being angry.

"Here's your order." The all too chirpy voice calls out, pulling me from my thoughts.

I give her my own forced smile and take the little plastic bag from her. I'm about to turn and leave when she speaks up.

Her haughty voice rings with mischief and amusement. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you. That thing is filled with weight increasing calories, not the best thing for you, don't you think?"

A burst of stifled laughter amongst the employees.

I should have known she'd pull something like this. Her body language and eyes said it all. I just didn't think she'd actually say it.

I froze and slowly turned around, my face a mask of irritation.

I should tell her it's not for me, that I'm buying it for a friend. That would be the truth, whether she believed it or not.

But then again, why should I explain myself to her.

"I'm sorry, but I don't remember ordering your opinion. So why don't you take your advice to someone who cares?" I said, my lips turning in a snarl.

"Oh snap!" An employee laughs until the she glares at him.

When I come out of the store, I'm all too aware of my thighs rubbing together and my arms jiggling. I hate the effect that sentence had on me.

Amanda takes the cake from me and skips to our table, her kinky black hair bouncing as she moves and thrilling expression completely oblivious of my irked one.

When we arrive at the table, Joey is nowhere to be seen.

And my phone isn't the way I left it.

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