Mr.Brightside

Chapter 3

 Clara

The rhythmic clatter of the subway accompanied my thoughts as I made my way to work. The city was already alive with activity, people bustling to their destinations, but I felt detached, like I was moving through a fog. My mind kept drifting back to my conversation with Tom, replaying his words and the emotions they stirred.

I tried to focus on the tasks ahead, meetings, emails, and project deadlines, but it was no use. I needed clarity, and I wasn't going to find it at my desk. On an impulse, I got off the train a few stops early and headed to a nearby park. I needed to clear my head, to sort through the confusion.

The park was quiet, a stark contrast to the city's constant hum. I found a bench under a large oak tree and sat down, taking deep breaths. The meeting with Tom had been a mistake. I knew that now. But it had also brought unresolved feelings to the surface, feelings I needed to confront if I wanted to move forward with Jack.

My phone buzzed, and I saw a message from Emma, Jack's best friend.

*Hey Clara, just checking in. How are you?*

I hesitated for a moment before typing back.

*Hi Emma, I'm okay. Just needed some time to think. How are you?*

Her reply was quick.

*I'm good. If you ever need to talk, I'm here.*

Emma was always so supportive, and I appreciated her more than I could express. But this was something I needed to figure out on my own.

As I sat there, lost in thought, memories of my past with Tom flooded back. Our relationship had been intense, passionate, and ultimately destructive. We had loved fiercely, but we had also hurt each other deeply. Meeting him again had reminded me of the good times, but also of the reasons we had parted ways.

Jack was different. He was steady, reliable, and kind. He made me feel safe in a way I had never experienced before. But was that enough? Could I be content with safety and security, or did part of me still crave the wild, unpredictable love I had with Tom?

I sighed, standing up and deciding to head back to work. I couldn't afford to dwell on these thoughts forever. I needed to make a choice, and soon.

At Work

The office was as hectic as ever when I arrived, but throwing myself into my work was a welcome distraction. I tackled my tasks with renewed focus, grateful for the temporary reprieve from my inner turmoil.

Around lunchtime, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Jack.

*Lunch break yet? I was thinking we could meet up if you're free.*

I smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. I quickly typed back.

*Sure, that sounds great. How about the café near your office?*

*Perfect. See you in 20 minutes.*

I grabbed my coat and headed out, the fresh air clearing my mind a little. When I arrived at the café, Jack was already there, waving at me from a table near the window. I walked over, and he stood up to hug me.

"Hey, you," he said, kissing my cheek. "How's your day going?"

"It's getting better," I replied, smiling as I sat down. "Thanks for suggesting lunch. I needed a break."

We ordered our food and settled into easy conversation. Jack told me about his morning, a mix of meetings and project updates, and I shared some stories from my own hectic day. It felt good to just be with him, to enjoy his company without the weight of my thoughts dragging me down.