TEACH ME NOT 2 HATE LOVE

34

👧Tajea POV 👧

That jackass just makes me so angry. Purposefully messing up the place to get my attention. Following me around like a lost dog, because that ain't no puppy. Doesn't he have anything better to do than annoy the shit out of me? Ugh, I'm not his mother.

Anyway, today is not the day for it. I have no time for arguments or drama with that prick or anybody else. No matter how tempted I am to dismantle him and put him back together, I won't.

There is no apparent reason for doing so. I'm just not in the mood. You know, it's just one of those days.

So here I was gearing up to go get myself a nice warm bath to relax my nerves before going to bed. But, as you all know, things don't normally go as planned. Why Satan? Why!!!

Regina came barging into my bedroom, and she wasn't alone. Tyrone was here, too. Well, isn't this just freaking great?

I'm happy they made up and all, but what are they doing here at my house? Don't they have anything to do? Couple stuff or whatever KMFT. I'm not in the mood to entertain anyone right now. And yes, my sister, Regina, is not excluded.

Tyrone waved at me, smiling like a horse on crack, but I blatantly ignored him. Alright, I'm a rude ass. Too bad I don't have the energy to care.

"You are in that dirty mood today, aren't you?" What makes her ask that? Is it my silence or the unpleasant expression on my face? Or is it the fact that their very presence irritates my soul? Or all of the above? "That is why Tyrone and I came over here to cheer you up."

Oh, you shouldn't have?

"Tyrone, Taj gets these mood swings sometimes, so don't take it too personally if she behaves a little rudely. If we annoy her enough, though, she'll go back to her old self," Regina explained to her boy toy.

"Are you sure? It seems she wants to be left alone." Tyrone laughed tensely.

Not seemed to, I want to be left the hell alone.

"Of course, she wants to be left alone. (Thank you.) But what kind of sister would I be if I left her here sulking while I was out enjoying myself?" Regina said. "And besides, her boss was so worried about her well-being, he called me up to take care of her."

So that prick is the cause of all this. Grrr, even when I'm not at work, he continues to be a pain in my ass.

"Isn't Mr. Phoenix a great man, Taj?" She deliberately did that to annoy me, and it worked.

"Mr. Phoenix?" Tyrone uttered, appalled and excited. Is he having a stroke? Please, and die too. "As in The Mr. Phoenix. The man who is rumored to turn everything he touches business-wise to gold."

Why not just lick his boots while you're at it? Something tells me he wouldn't mind.

"Yes, why?" Regina is probably wondering if he was an idiot. Well, I sure am. It's just Nik. So there is no need for your panties to get wet, ladies.

"I've been trying to have a meeting with one of the most prominent businessmen in the world, like forever," Tyrone said. "But no one seemed to know much about the guy. What he actually looks like or his whereabouts."

The most prominent businessman? Try scumbag, a colossal prick.

"Well, Taj, can you set up a meeting for you," she said to him. Then me. "Can you?"

Why would I? If he wants to meet Nik that badly, then why doesn't she take him?

"Please, Taj." Tyrone requested, practically begging. The only thing left for him to do is get down on his knees and worship me. How pathetic.

"You help me win back, Gina." He started acting all awkward and weird. Ugh, sickening. "And that's a big favor that I will never be able to repay you for. But I'd truly appreciate it if you could set up a meeting with Mr. Phoenix for me. Please. Please, please..."

Desperate much. And curse you, Nik. I'll make sure to repay you for this torture.

"She will," Regina assured him after checking her phone. "Now let's all go out for drinks."

Heck no. But when did my no mean anything to Regina? Sigh. Next thing I know, I am well-dressed in Tyrone's car on my way to wherever.

Less than an hour later, we arrived at some fancy, top-class restaurant. Music playing, people dancing and conversing—having a marvelous time.

Ugh, what a nightmare.

We made our way to our table, which seemed to be reserved for us. But why are there six chairs? Will there be other people with us? Fu. I hope not.

Anyway, the two ordered drinks, which I didn't even look at. They talked, laughed, and kissed way too much if you asked me—expressing their 'undying love' for one another. Ugh, someone, please get me out of here right now.

"Good night, Miss. This bottle of Chardonnay is for you. It's from a secret admirer." A waitress popped up at our table, addressing me politely while presenting a bottle of wine.

That ain't creepy at all. A damn disgusting stalker buying me expensive wine. As if I'll accept that.

"I'll take that." Regina received the bottle of wine on my behalf. "And tell whoever it is; she said thank you."

No. I don't.

Again, I was being tortured watching Regina and Tyrone carry on like teenagers who had their first crush. And to make matters worse, some guy—I presume my secret admirer—came up to our table. He is well-dressed and put together in black. Handsome, but so what? That doesn't phase me.

He introduced himself as Arthur Riley. Like, I care. He asked me for my name, and I didn't even look at him, much less answer. Ugh, why does this guy feel the need to annoy me?

To end the silence and awkwardness, Regina answered his question and said way more than necessary. "Her name is Tajea. She's been single for a little over a year now. That's how long she didn't get any, either, if you know what I mean. Of course, you know what I mean. (Brief laughter.) Oh, and she's a little shy, too. And I'm sure she's pleased to meet a handsome fellow like you."

Lie. Lie. Lie. Lie!!!!! From the pit of hell. I am not pleased at all. I am not happy about him or any of this.

But the lunatic bought everything she said and took it as an invitation to sit at our table, talking to me even though I'm not responding to him—complimenting me and sh*t.

Yes, I know I'm gorgeous, so there is really no need to remind me of that. And can't he see I'm not in the mood to put up with him? Stop talking to me already. Go away.

Oh, I wish he would leave. But he was determined. He even asked me to dance with him. In front of everyone. Is he crazy? I ain't doing that. However, Regina forced me to go.

Since she liked him so much, why didn't she go dancing with him herself? Damn it.

Hate this. Hate this. Hate this!!! Every moment of this. This strange man touching my hands. His hand rested on my lower back, moving me from side to side and twirling me even like a spin top. To hell with this. I'm done.

As I was gearing up to ditch Arthur and go home, he forcefully pulled me into him just in time when Nik walked in well-dressed in a tux, looking dashingly handsome. But unfortunately, he wasn't alone.

There was a witch. B*tch. I mean a woman with him, hanging on to his arm like a damn armband. As if she were glued to him. She is also beautifully put together, like an artwork drawn by a famous artist.

I'd be lying if I said this didn't jerk me up a bit. Alright, someone pushed me down an endless bumpy mountain, strangled me with a rope, and ran me through with a spear. I don't like what I'm seeing. Not at all.

I know. I have no right to be upset about this. Nik and I aren't a thing after all. But I'm human. I have feelings, and this is not right.