Between the desks

Chapter 6

Elizabeth's POV

The first class of the year is finally over. As the last student leaves, I close the door and lock it behind them. I just need a minute—something I always do after class. A pause to breathe. I grab my water bottle, taking a few deep gulps, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

My phone rings, breaking the moment. I glance at the screen. Not again. I sigh and put the bottle down, answering reluctantly.

"Olsen," I say, keeping my tone flat.

"Hey," the voice on the other end sounds hesitant, almost pleading. "Can we please talk?"

"No, we can't," I say firmly. "I don't want to speak to you. Ever again."

"Please," he begs, his voice cracking slightly. "I miss you."

A wave of irritation washes over me. "You should've thought of that before you decided to cheat," I reply, my voice icy. What does he even want?

"Liz, please," he sounds desperate now.

I'm done. "No," I say, cutting him off with a stern finality. "Don't call me again."

"Liz, wai—"

I hang up, staring at the phone for a moment before blocking the number. That's it. I'm done with him. My chest tightens, a mix of anger and heartbreak rising. I hate him. I hate what he did.

I need air. A break. Something to distract me from the suffocating emotions that are creeping in. Grabbing my keys, I head for the door, locking it behind me.

"Hey, Liz!" A familiar voice calls out.

I turn around to see Scarlett, her warm smile offering a small sense of relief. "Hey, Scar," I greet her, walking over. "How've you been?"

"I've been great, actually," she replies, her eyes bright. "What about you?"

"I'm fine," I say, though the words feel heavy. "I just need a coffee."

"Let's go grab one then!" she says, linking her arm through mine.

Scar and I have been best friends for years. She's the one who convinced me to apply for this job, the reason I'm here. Together, we head toward Free, the little coffee shop across the street where everyone from campus hangs out.

We order two cappuccinos and settle into a quiet corner. "So, how's Robbie?" Scarlet asks, stirring her coffee.

"Good," I reply, but my voice sounds distant, the lie sitting uncomfortably between us.

Scarlet studies me for a moment, her smile fading. "Liz... are you okay?" She asks softly. I avoid her gaze, the weight of everything pressing down harder now.

"Liz, what happened?" she presses, her voice filled with concern. I meet her eyes, and suddenly, the tears I've been holding back threaten to spill. I take a deep breath, but my voice trembles as I finally speak.

"He cheated on me this summer." The words tumble out all at once, raw and unfiltered.

Scarlet's face changes, softening with empathy. "Oh my God, Liz... I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," I mumble, my voice shaking. "I probably deserved it." As soon as the words leave my mouth, I hate myself for saying them.

Scarlet's eyes widen in disbelief. "Are you crazy?!?!" she exclaims. "You did not deserve that."

I close my eyes, trying to hold back the tears that are now stinging. Scarlet reaches across the table and takes my hand, squeezing it gently.

"With whom did he cheat?" she asks carefully, as if she already knows the answer is going to hurt.

"His... his background singer," I manage to choke out, my throat tightening around the words.

Scarlet doesn't say anything for a moment. Then she stands up, wrapping her arms around me from behind, hugging me tightly. "You are beautiful," she whispers in my ear. "And you didn't deserve this. He's a fool and a dick. One day he'll realize what he lost. You deserve so much better, Liz."

I lean into her warmth, the words offering some comfort, even if I'm not sure I believe them yet. "Thank you, Scar. You're the best," I murmur, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Just then, the waitress arrives with our coffees, and for a moment, everything else fades away. We sit quietly, sipping our drinks, the comfort of her presence enough to get me through another day.

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