Just Following Orders

18 - Smile

ఌ𝙰𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚢𝚊𝚑ఌ

I sit here, unamused as I listen to Mom rant. Maybe I should have told her a little bit of a better lie as to why Alex and I 'broke up'.

I figured it'd be best if I tell her now rather than later. Alex is leaving in less than a week, I doubt I'll see him anymore after he leaves.

"It's okay, Aaliyah. Men suck." Mom dramatically nods at me.

Dad slowly walks into the room. "What did I do?" He quietly asks, whispering to me.

I shake my head at him. "Nothing." I dismiss. "Alex and I broke up." I casually inform him. I say it like it's just your typical Tuesday.

Luckily, I didn't go the cheating route. I went the more safer route. We broke up because he had a better job offer in Philadelphia.

Mom still acts like he cheated though.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. What happened?" Dad frowns. I think he actually liked Alex.

I shake my head. "Nothing, nothing. He just got a better job offer that's far away so.." I trail off and let him figure the rest out. It's a logical story so I figured it'd be the best one.

Dad still frowns at me as he nods. "Sorry, honey." He apologizes for something that isn't his fault as he sits on the couch next to Mom. "Boys are overrated, Aaliyah. Like I've always told you, you don't need to date." Dad decides.

I smile a little. "Right," I quietly laugh. He really did like Alex, but he'll act like he hated him the whole time just for my sake. He always does.

Mom clears her throat. "So, there's this guy at the gym," She begins.

I get the feeling she was waiting for me to tell her Alex and I broke up. She might have already had someone lined up for me before she even knew who Alex was so I guess that makes sense.

"Would you like me to set something up?" Mom smiles at me. I sigh as actually I think about it.

Maybe that'd be good for me.

I nod. "Sure. Yeah." I quietly agree. Mom smiles at me, excited. She liked Alex too, but she might like him a little less now that we're 'broken up'.

Dad shakes his head. "She just broke up with him, Angela." He reminds, looking a little disappointed in her. That's just Mom's thing though.

"She's happy though! Look!" Mom quickly defends herself, gesturing to me. I give an awkward smile.

Yep...super happy.

__________

"You wanted to see me?" I quietly ask as I hesitantly walk into Mr. Liam's office.

Mr. Liam smiles at me. "Yeah, come in, Aaliyah." I slowly walk in, shutting the door behind me.

"Uhm...you know, I'm not really supposed to talk to you." I quietly laugh as I sit down in the chair in front of his desk. It's awkward in here. I'd rather be in Alex's office.

Mr. Liam nods. "Yeah, yeah," He dismisses. "Alex needs to loosen up." He chuckles. "Speaking of Alex," He begins. "He's leaving."

I try not to frown as I nod. "He is." I confirm.

"And Maya is a bitch." Mr. Liam rolls his eyes as he speaks casually.

I blink. "Aren't you guys.." I trial off. That's a little harsh to say. Especially for their type relationship.

Mr. Liam lifts a shoulder. "A couple of times." He confirms everyone's suspicions. "But she's a bitch." He repeats. "I need a new assistant." He smiles at me.