A Change of Heart

Chapter 18

The next morning, I get dressed and have breakfast. My mom sent me a good morning text. I send her a heart and leave the house.

I drive over to work. The number of concerned expressions has increased since yesterday. Even the guards are looking a bit worried.

I sit in my cubicle and start working. In the middle of the day. Someone comes through the doors. My jaw drops while my eyes almost fall out of their sockets. It's Joanna.

A bunch of bodyguards are holding her up, so she doesn't fall. Her face is drowned in foundation to make her skin look normal and hide her eye bags. What is she doing here!?

Everyone is surprised to see her as she goes to her office. I think of the state I saw her in yesterday. There's no way she's in any better condition. I want to go to her office and tell her that she's insane and should be resting, but I know better.

Joanna seems to be the new song I don't like that's stuck in my head. It feels like all my thoughts are controlled by her. I notice Anna going to Joanna's office. I wish I could talk to her. I haven't talked to her in a while.

Wait, why don't I just ask her to hangout? It's not like I'm asking her on a date. I just want to go out like most friends do. Once it's 7pm, I look for Anna. I go to her office. She's packing all her stuff.

It smells like coconut and strawberry. The room is clean, but comfortable at the same time. Anna looks at me, a bit surprised. Her eyes look a bit sadder.

"Howard? What are you doing here?" Anna asks.

"Well, if you don't have to get home right now. Why don't we head to a cafe?" I ask. She smiles at me.

"I'd love that," Anna replies. We walk out of the building and head to my car. We get in and I drive.

"So, Howard. I've heard that you're going out with Joanna now. Is that true?" she asks. That explains her sad expression.

"We've been going on a few dates," I answer. Her face falls. It does not feel good making her upset.

"What cafe are we going to?" she asks, changing the subject.

"Garden tea," I say. I saw her sitting inside the cafe once while driving to the gym.

"That's my favourite place," she smiles. Huh, lucky guess. I park the car and we get out.

The place is cream and mint coloured. There're some tables outside with light pink umbrellas. The fences are covered in vines, leaves, and flowers. There are plants all over the window sills. We walk inside.

The place smells like pastries and coffee. There're potted plants everywhere, and little flower baskets on the tables. No wonder it's her favourite. It matches her personality perfectly.

"Let's take a window seat," she says. We walk over to a corner. The seats have fluffy cushions. I sit down.

"I'll go order for us. What would you like?" she asks.

"A slice of cheesecake and a cup of coffee. Two sugars and milk," I answer. She nods and waits in the counter line. After ordering, she comes back to our table.

"Howard, what changed? I thought you hated Joanna," she says.

"Well, I've been seeing a different version of Joanna. It's not very constant but it's there. Anyways, Joanna isn't what matters right now. I just want to talk to you," I smile. She smiles back at me.

"Right, I shouldn't have brought it up," Anna shrugs. We have a nice chat until our food comes.

After eating, we take a small walk along the street.

"It's so peaceful at night," Anna smiles.

"I wish I took walks like this more often," I sigh. A mom and her child walk past us.

"Mama, are those two dating?" the child asks. I almost trip over myself and Anna freezes.

"Sophie, you shouldn't be asking that," the mom whispers sternly. We keep walking before the mother can apologise. I notice Anna's blushing.

"Did the child fluster you?" I ask.

"Well, I definitely didn't expect that," Anna smiles. I chuckle.

"I don't think anybody would expect that," I say. Anna laughs with me. We walk back to my car.

"Where do you stay? I'll drive you home," I say, while going onto my GPS. Anna types in her address and I start driving.

Once we arrive at the house, my jaw drops. Her house is beautiful! How much does Joanna pay her!? There's a giant statue fountain in the middle of the lawn. You know those bushes rich people have that are shaped like statues, she has them.

"Wow, your house is..." I'm at a loss for words.

"Oh, it's not my house. It's my brothers. He lets me stay with him," Anna explains. That makes much more sense. She steps out of the car.

"Am I allowed to walk you to the front door? Or is that only for couples?" I ask. She giggles.

"I'm sure some friends do that," she answers. I get out of my car and wait for her to unlock the gate door.

We walk along the driveway, there's a pond on my left. I stop at the door. She unlocks it and goes in.

"Thanks for the night, Howard," Anna smiles.

"I thought it would be a nice thing to do," I explain.

"It was. Goodnight," Anna says.

"Goodnight," I reply. She closes the door and I walk back to my car. I want to talk to Arthur, since there were other things I had to do yesterday.

I drive to the grocery store. The place is empty, except for me, Arthur, and the cleaners.

"Took you long enough. I thought you found another 24-hour open grocery store," Arthur pouted.

"I'm sorry man, but the cashiers are pretty cute," I say. We both chuckle. I get my groceries, and he starts scanning.

"How have you been?" I ask.

"Well, I have a new neighbour. She's pretty creepy. Her door is always open, even at night. I saw some cult paintings on her walls, and everytime I pass her apartment, I feel a discomfort in my spirit," Arthur explains.

"If I were you, I'd be praying every night to cast out spirits. Just to be safe" I answer.

"Don't worry. I've been doing it since she first got there. No demons are touching me," Arthur smiles. I take my grocery bag and wave at Arthur. I head home and go to bed.