𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter twenty-seven

Vera

It's taken less time than I thought to get comfortable here. It's only been almost two weeks, maybe three? I've lost count. Everyday has been the same: wake up, work, break, more work, sleep then repeat. This routine has done more than a great job at keeping my mind busy from everything around me.

Honestly, I've rarely even had the time to think.

But in the back of my mind, the wedding date was creeping closer and closer. I'm no longer obligated to go since Katherine kicked me out, so that's one less thing for me to worry about. I haven't stepped foot near her house since my bags were tossed on the driveway. She made her decision painfully clear and I wasn't going to beg anymore.

On a more positive note, Ms. Kira doesn't seem to have a huge problem with me being here. Not like I expected her to, but that's just how my mind works sometimes. Unfortunately.

I chugged the remainders of the milk then brought the bowl to the sink to wash and dry it off. Slow, dragged footsteps came from the hall before coming into the kitchen, stopping behind me. Glancing behind me, Jesse brought his head to my shoulder with a yawn.

"Morning to you too," I chuckled, drying my hands.

"Surprised you're not at work right now," he mumbled out a reply.

"Maia gave me the day off. She physically wouldn't let me come to work," I said.

"Smart woman."

Jesse moved over, grabbing the box of Cheerios and fixing himself a bowl. I sat across from him on the counter, spinning slightly in the stool and bringing my attention back to the television. Jesse continued to munch from the side of me, occasionally swinging his feet towards mine.

I glanced over at him and brought my feet up to his lap to which he shoved them off, narrowing his eyes playfully.

"Keep those creepy crawlers over there," he said with a mouthful.

With a snort, I let out a chuckle then leaned back against the counter.

"How're you doing?" He then asked, wiping the corner of his mouth.

"Fine, as always," I told him.

He nodded slightly with a hum, eating another spoonful.

"Vera, you look like you haven't been sleeping," he says. "Have you?"

I met his eyes and he raised an eyebrow to which I crossed my arms. I was dreading having this conversation again. It's always the same questions and it leads to the same lectures that I have gotten from almost everybody.

"Yes, Jesse. I've just been sleeping in late because of work. Drop it, alright?"

If dropping it was a job, Jesse would have already been fired. He does it because he cares, I know, but god this is the worst timing to do it. It feels like words are just being drilled into my skull by force and I don't think he's noticed how tiring it is just yet.

"Vera, you can ignore every other piece of advice I've given you, but it doesn't mean I'm not right. You're working yourself to death and not sleeping which is not healthy," he says, following me when I left the kitchen.

"What else is new, Jesse?" I sighed, running my hands down my face.

"And instead of doing something about it, you're sitting in this depression and letting it take a toll on you."

"What do you want me to do, Jesse?" I snapped, whipping around to look at him. "You've been telling me the same crap since I got here. Don't you think I know how shitty I look, how shitty my days have been? I don't need the constant reminder!"