𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞|| 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐱𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝

24.

Reese twisted and turned on the sofa, which was extremely uncomfortable. She got up and checked her phone—it was 3 a.m. In the dark living room, the TV light flickered in the background. She checked her phone again. Zero notifications, except for a reminder from her calendar app that said, "Happy birthday, Reese!"

She got up, realizing Tamika was gone. Deciding to take an early shower, she let the water—neither too hot nor too cold touch her soft skin. After completing her morning routine, Reese casually tied her hair into a bun.

She stepped outside onto the veranda and began rolling a blunt. It was still dark, with snow falling heavily, and the trees had a blueish hue. She exhaled a cloud of smoke, feeling her nerves relax slightly.

Just then, a car pulled up in front of the house. Tamika stepped out and kissed the person in the driver's seat a man. As Tamika limped toward the house, she looked up, stunned to see Reese standing there.

"Hey," Tamika said awkwardly.

"Who was that?" Reese asked.

"Oh, he's just a friend," Tamika replied, blushing at her own words.

"Tamika, we're done. Get the fuck out of my crib," Reese said coldly.

"What?" Tamika looked at her in disbelief. "I told you, he's just a friend, Reese," Tamika repeated.

Reese chuckled bitterly. "Happy birthday," Tamika said softly, stepping closer to her.

Reese scoffed. "Don't fucking touch me , Tamika. Just get out," she snapped. "Go back to that 'friend' the one that has you limping and shit."

"Well, if you were giving me what I needed, I wouldn't have gone looking for something else," Tamika shot back.

"The fuck?" Reese muttered under her breath. "Giving you what, Tamika?" she asked.

"Love! You don't love me, Reese, and I know it. You treat me like shit when all I'm trying to do is be there for you. If you would just tell me what's going on..." Tamika's voice trailed off.

Reese  bit her lip, fighting back tears. "Tamika, just get out. I'm done—with you, with everyone, with everything."

Without saying another word, Tamika walked past Reese and started packing her bags, crying quietly. She took one last look at Reese before calling an Uber and leaving.

Reese sat there and took a deep breath. A message popped up—it was from her work colleagues wishing her a happy birthday. She smiled at the message and gave it a heart. She remained seated for a few more hours, lost in thought, as her mind wandered into its own world—or maybe it  was.

Finally, Reese got up and noticed the sun rising, as people started heading out for work. She checked her phone—it was 6 a.m. Her favorite coffee shop was probably open by then. She threw on a black North Face jacket over her plain black T-shirt, some black sweats, and Uggs, and hopped in her car. Deciding to play some music, she quietly sang along as she drove.

When she arrived at the coffee shop, it was nearly empty, with only two other customers and a few staff members inside. As she entered, an elderly man called out to her—George, the owner of the coffee shop. He greeted Reese with a large smile.

"Morning, George," Reese said, returning his smile with a small wave. They hugged briefly.

"What can I get you?" he asked, still smiling. "I barely see you around these days."

"I've just been caught up with work and stuff," Reese replied.

George gave her a knowing look. "You got married, and you didn't invite me?" he teased sarcastically. "Ooh, child, I have some tea to spill."