Lia's pov
I slumped onto my worn couch, wine-colored hair tumbling around my shoulders. My hazel eyes scanned the cramped apartment, the familiar walls closing in on me. Another long day, another dollar... or not enough dollars, to be precise.
I mindlessly scrolled through my phone, contemplating Chinese takeout for the third time that week. Liam, my best friend, would tease me about my lazy habits, but who cared? It was just me, myself, and I.
Just as I'd decided on Kung Pao chicken, my phone buzzed with an email from my boss. My heart sank. I knew what it said before I even opened it. Fired. Effective immediately.
No surprise, really. I'd been struggling to keep up with the demanding schedule, and my boss had made it clear I wasn't meeting expectations. I sighed, releasing the tension. Time to move on.
I began browsing job listings online, my mind numbing as I scrolled through endless descriptions. Customer service rep, data entry clerk, marketing assistant... nothing sparked excitement.
As the hours passed, my eyelids grew heavy. I surrendered to exhaustion, curling up on the couch with a throw blanket.
The doorbell jarred me awake. Chinese takeout. Right on time.
I smiled, swinging open the door to reveal a harried delivery guy holding a steaming bag. "Hey, thanks!" I exchanged cash for dinner and shut the door, inhaling the savory aromas.
For a fleeting moment, my worries dissipated. Just me, my food, and the quiet night ahead.
But tomorrow... tomorrow would bring new challenges, new job searches.
The next morning, I opened my door to find Liam standing on my porch, sporting his signature bright smile and designer sunglasses.
"Morning, sunshine!" He breezed in, carrying a coffee tray from our favorite café. "Thought you could use a pick-me-up."
We settled into my tiny living room, sipping lattes and catching up on each other's lives. Liam's parents were wealthy, and he'd always offered to help me out, but I'd consistently declined.
"Come on, Lia, let me help," Liam urged, his eyes sparkling with concern. "My parents would be happy to—"
"No, Liam, I need to do this on my own," I insisted, shaking my head. Wine-colored strands danced around my face. "I appreciate it, but—"
Liam sighed, knowing better than to push. He'd introduced me to some of his friends in the past, hoping to play matchmaker, but I'd politely declined. Little did he know, I harbored a secret.
As a little , I craved a caregiver's guidance and nurturing. My ex, Alex, had been horrified when he discovered my "weird little side." The memory stung.
"You're a freak, Lia," Alex's words still echoed in my mind.
Liam chatted on, oblivious to my inner turmoil. His own relationships had been varied and exciting, thanks to his confident, outgoing nature. I envied that.
"Hey, what's on your mind?" Liam asked, noticing my far-off gaze.
"Just...life," I replied, forcing a smile.
Liam's eyes narrowed, but he didn't pry. "Well, if you ever need an ear or a shoulder, I'm here."
After our coffee date, Liam left, and I retreated into my thoughts. Would I ever find someone who accepted me, little and all?
