MY SWEET HELL

Chapter 5

''Don't forget what I said, chickening out is not an option, you got that?''

''You never know, Claire, something might come up. But I promise to try.'' Leni's tone was low and drawn out, silently telling Claire to leave it at that.

''That won't do. You still have to come no matter what.'' She swung Leni's arms. There was no end to her shameless pestring as long as she gets what she wants.

''There you go again! When I let you have your way you get carried away. Look here Barbie, when I say no, it's a no, when I say yes, it's a yes, and when I say maybe, then it can't be helped.'' Claire gave her a pouty look but her partner completely ignored it.

Leni untangled her arm from her grips when the bus arrived. ''Off you go or you'll miss the bus.''

''But it doesn't leave until the next five minutes. We can still talk while it's filling up.'' Claire hugged Leni's arm again urging here to wait along with her.

Leni sighed and rolled her eyes. ''That doesn't make sense! The seats would've been taken by then. I don't get this logic of yours''

Even though she thought it was silly, she no longer argued the fact and just went with the flow. They stood there at the bus stop right in front of the bus while other people hurried in. Until the very last minute, Claire hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then fled to the bus just before the door slammed shut. She waved at Leni with an obviously wide grin as the bus pulled away, while she stood there with a faint smile as the bus disappeared from view.

If her calculation was correct, Claire would be home at most in thirteen minute time.

She looked up at the sky and sighed. An hour and forty-five minute ride awaits her beore she could reach to the confort of her apartment.

Was it worth it?

Claire stepped out of the cab into the cool night, clutching her bold red fur jacket as she walked toward the entrance. Her black dress flowing behind her.