Corporate Secrets

CHAPTER 16

ANNE

It takes me an entire day to get it through to myself that I'm truly alone in the world now. I've cut ties with my family, and now I don't have Cole or Celine. How does it happen that one day you feel like you're on top of the world, and nothing can get you down, and the next things just spiral out of control?

I feel empty. Just like when I lost my job, I woke up early. Too early. Then I lie in bed for a whole day, wondering what I'm going to do, where I'm going to go from here.

How to move on from the wealth of hurt and pain I'm feeling? At random times, I feel tears beginning to leak out of my eyes. I warn myself sternly that I can't cry. I won't cry, because if I start, it'll never stop.

It takes me another few days to pick myself back up. To eat something more than just an apple here and there and wash my hair and look normal again.

One morning, I stand in front of the mirror and just stare at myself. I can't keep letting this happen to me. I haven't always been this timid, shy person who lets things happen to her. Something changed within me, and for too long I've allowed myself to wallow.

I've learned a lot of new things about myself in the past weeks. I am strong. And despite all the beatings I've taken in my life, I am whole. It's time to take charge of my life and look for something far better than what I have now.

To become someone I can be proud of.

Suddenly, my apartment becomes too oppressive and suffocating. Heading over to my closet, I grab an overnight bag and pack a bunch of casual clothes in it, as well as a few other things I would need over the next few days.

I'm leaving the room when I hear my phone buzzing from behind me. I almost head over to pick it up, but then I change my mind. Whoever it is can wait.

I take the subway straight through to my destination. I'm lucky enough to find a window sit, and I stare out the window the entire time, my mind running fast than I can catch up with.

Once I get to the small motel, I check in for a week. The second I dump my bag in my room, I head out again. There's only one reason I came here, to this little town where nothing has changed for a long while. One place, really.

★★★★

"I knew I would find you here."

It's a voice I never expected to hear again. I don't look up, because I don't know what expression will be on her face and I don't think I can take any more unkindness today.

"Hey," she says.

"Hi, Celine." I keep my gaze on the water, on the way the evening sun makes the surface sparkle.

"You don't sound too happy to see me."

I shrug, because I'm not terribly happy to see her, so she's right. I just want to be on my own, to gather my thoughts and think through the options I have now. I don't know if she's here as a friend or still mad about everything with Cole.

"We aren't together anymore," I tell her. I don't even try to sound alive. My voice reflects my mood. Dull, dead. "Cole and I. So I guess that chapter's done. Maybe you were right all along. I should have listened to you."

"I didn't come here to talk about Cole. Well, okay, I'll remedy that." From the corner of my eye, I watch her come closer. She looks runway worthy, as always. Her jeans are faded, but artfully so I know they are new. She's wearing ankle boots as well, black like her shirt.

"I didn't come here to talk about your relationship details. I came to apologize."

"Why?" I don't think I've ever heard Celine apologize, to me or anyone. She charms people out of anger. She's beautiful, and she can be very persuasive.