Tomorrow's Promise

Living With The Past

I lay in my bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling as the first light of dawn began to creep through the blinds. I couldn't stop thinking about Jackson. Why couldn't he take a hint? I had made it clear that I didn't want to be near him, yet he seemed oblivious, constantly pushing his way back into my life. My mind replayed our last encounter over and over, each time more frustrating than the last. I felt trapped, unable to escape his persistent presence. The clock on my nightstand showed that it was nearly time for my alarm to go off, and I realized that I hadn't slept at all. The night had been a blur of restless thoughts and anxious tossing and turning.

My alarm blared, jolting me from my thoughts. I groaned and turned it off, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over me. I dragged myself out of bed and went through the motions of getting ready for work. My apartment felt eerily quiet, the silence amplifying my sense of isolation. I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if Jackson's presence lingered even in his absence. I got dressed quickly. When I arrived at the restaurant, I forced a smile and greeted Annie, who was bustling around, preparing for the day's customers. Annie paused when she saw me, her brow furrowing in concern. "Hey, are you okay? You look really tired," she said, her voice gentle. I plastered on a reassuring smile and lied, "I'm fine, just didn't sleep well last night. Nothing to worry about." Annie didn't seem entirely convinced, but she nodded and let it go, returning to her tasks.

The day dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to Jackson. I couldn't understand why he was so insistent on being a part of my life again. I had tried to be polite, to set boundaries, but he seemed to ignore them completely. It was as if he thrived on my discomfort, relishing in my unease. The thought made my stomach churn. I wished I could just disappear, to escape from him again.

As the hours passed, my exhaustion grew. I could feel my body yearning for sleep, but my mind refused to quiet. I went through the motions of my job, answering phones and greeting customers, but it all felt distant, like I was watching myself from outside my body. Annie checked on me a few times, each time looking more worried. I hate that I was causing her concern, but I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell her about Jackson.

The day was running smoothly until I saw Jackson entering with Thomas. A cold wave of panic surged through me as I realized Jackson was there again, likely continuing his unsettling pattern of stalking me.My mind raced as I tried to maintain my composure. Just then, I saw William walking into the restaurant. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I watched Jackson approach William and strike up a conversation. I forced myself to stay calm, my professional demeanor masking the anxiety that churned within. I knew I had to handle the situation delicately, all while keeping a vigilant eye on Jackson. William smiles at me and walks with Jackson and Thomas to their table.

I stood at the front of the restaurant, my role as the greeter demanding a warm smile and welcoming demeanor. But today, my smile felt forced, my hands slightly trembling as I nervously watched Jackson, chatting with William and Thomas. Each time the door swung open, I greeted new customers with a polite nod, but my eyes kept darting back to the scene unfolding in the dining area. They all seemed to be enjoying their conversations very much. My stomach churned, and I felt a cold sweat forming on my brow. I wanted to rush over, to pull them aside and tell them everything, but fear and shame held me back. The memories of his manipulation and abuse were still vivid, and the sight of him so comfortably integrated into my world was almost too much to bear. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the knot in my chest tightened with each passing moment. I knew I had to maintain my composure, to not let Jackson see the fear he still instilled in me, but it was a battle I felt I was losing with every passing second.

 "Hey, Adaline, are you okay?" she asked gently, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, jumping me out of my thoughts.

I forced a smile, trying to mask the confusion brewing inside me. "I'm fine, just a bit tired," I replied, my voice lacking its usual warmth and confidence. But the truth was far more complicated. I hadn't slept or eaten anything all day, and the toll it had taken on my body was becoming increasingly evident. I had been so preoccupied with my thoughts and worries that I had neglected my basic needs, and now I was paying the price.