Chapter three "Running into her"

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On Saturday, I was working the morning shift at the store, that way, I could have my afternoon free. When I was done, I walked back home.

The house was a mess, there were empty beer and wine bottles on the living room floor and take out containers on the kitchen table. I sighed and started cleaning.

My mum doesn't like to cook, I usually make lunch for myself and cook some pasta with chicken, while she spends most of our money on alcohol and take out. She works 14 hours a day and spends the rest drinking and sleeping. I've tried talking to her about it, but she always yells at me for trying to control her. I eventually gave up trying to talk to her. She's an adult, and she's free to make her own choices.

After finishing cleaning up the house, I started making the pasta, I always make extra for her, but she never eats, so instead, I take the leftovers for lunch the next day. The food in our house is very limited, even with me working there is barely enough money to get through the month. I had to plan the meals carefully to make sure that they lasted for the whole month.

I ate and went in my room, I tried to draw something, but I couldn't come up with anything. I put some music and started reading my book. After a few hours, my door burst open.

"Turn down this shit that you call music" my mum yelled, and I turned it off completely. "When I come home from work, I need silence, can't you respect that?"

"I'm sorry, mum, I didn't hear you walk in."

"A friend of mine is coming over. Do you think you could just leave for a few hours?"

"I'll go for a walk" She left, and I got dressed, I grabbed my tote bag, my book, and my headphones and left the house.

I went to my favourite café and got an iced coffee with oat milk for takeaway, I paid and made my way to the park, the sun had set, and it wasn't as hot. I sat under the same tree from last time and watched people walk by, I wasn't in the mood to read.

The park was my favourite place to calm down and recharge. It had a fountain, multiple benches, and plenty of green. During the day, it was filled with families and little kids running around, while during the late evening, most benches were occupied by couples making out.

I kept people watching until I noticed Ms. Thompson crossing the park running. She was wearing basketball shorts and a loose white t-shirt, her legs were really toned, and she had her hair up to a ponytail. I averted my gaze and looked at my phone, it was 10.30 and I had gotten no texts from my best friend. I decided to call her.

"Hey Iz, I'm sorry I'm out with friends, I'll call you some other time" She hung up and I threw my phone on the grass. I know she doesn't have to be available 24/7, but I rarely call her, I just really needed to talk to someone, to her.

I must admit that I'm a little jealous of her, I wish I was in college with her, instead of this shitty town. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths to stop myself from breaking down. My life felt like a dead end. I remained like this for a while.

"Are you ok?" I opened my eyes and looked at Ms. Thompson, who was looking at me concerned. She was panting, and her face was red. I nodded and bit my bottom lip, avoiding her gaze. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine" She looked at her watch and frowned.

"It's late, shouldn't you be at home?" I looked at her amused.

"I'm not a little kid, I can stay out late" I chuckled.

"Mind if I sit?" She pointed at the grass, and I shrugged. She sat facing me and gave me a small smile. "You shouldn't be alone at the park, it's late." I shrugged again. You don't talk, much do you?" I once again shrugged, and she smiled. "I'll take that as a no" My phone buzzed, and a text appeared on my screen.

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