Five Words

Chapter 11

~Cher

Adrian hasn't called ever since he landed. I have tried to call him several times, but I am directed to voicemail. He hasn't returned any of my calls. All I have received from him is a text, informing me that he is okay, and he is with his father, no further details are given. Just that. No replies on any of my texts. They aren't even read, which only adds to my guilt.

I have told my mom everything that happened with Adrian, and she agrees with me that I have done the right thing by leaving him, and not leading him on further than I have lead him to believe. She has allowed me to work more at the bakery. I work more than eight hours a day trying to distract myself. It is pure torture waiting for one text from someone, every single second, of every minute, of every day, and not receiving any.

Adrian is not my only problem at the moment, but also Ace is. I feel like if he leaves already, my life would go back to the way it has been before he has come and mixed my feelings. Ever since he has taken my crying as his source of amusement that night, I have been wanting to smash his head, slap him, provoke him. Yet, I have done nothing of the sorts. I don't know how to be mean to him, I don't know how to aggravate his anger, I don't know how to insult him, hurt his feelings as he did to mine.

Or by other means, I can't do any of those things, because deep deep deep down, I know that I don't want to do any of those things to him.

Plus even if I did want, he is not around most of the day. Not at home. Not at the bakery. He doesn't come with me on tours. He doesn't talk to me. He doesn't look at me. And it has been killing me. We don't even talk like we used to when he first came here. He doesn't glance my way.

All he does is hang out with Jolie. Yeah. Jolie. The beautiful redhead, with a charming smile and the beautiful personality. These are his words. She is funny. She is beautiful. She is smart. She knows everything. She takes him to the most amazing places in Rochefort-en-Terre. And the only time I see him smiling is when she drops him off after the go on their little hangouts.

"She takes him everywhere, Natalie. Everywhere." I say again as I roll the rolling pin over the dough. "And I was technically begging him to get out of the house with me. But no." I huff and I pick up the dough throwing it back harshly on the marble counter, "He likes Jolie."

"You seriously need to calm down, okay?" She reaches over the counter for a strawberry, "Why do you care anyway? Don't you hate him?"

No, I don't hate him. I am annoyed by him. Irritated. Angry with him. But hate him? No.

"He is so annoying, that is all."

"Cher." My mother says as she walks into the kitchen with the empty trays, "We will finish up early tonight. I am wrecked." She supports herself against the sink.

"Are you okay?" I walk to her but don't touch her, because my hand is covered with flour.

"I couldn't sleep last night, and it is really affecting me today."

"Go home, and I will finish till nine and lock up."

"No, I can't leave you here alone." She dismisses the idea completely.

"Mom, I'll be okay." I tell her as I wash my hands, "You go, and I will wait on the tables, till eight."

"Are you sure?"

I am already grabbing her coat and purse holding them out for her. She smiles appreciatively at me and turns around to slip her arms into the coat.

"Here are the keys, and take care."

"I'm eighteen. I can take care of myself." I assure her and put the keys in my pocket. "Now go home, and rest. You must be tired."

"I love you." She hugs me, "Bye, Natalie."