Make the Most of It

15. Grave Visit

It had been a week since the 'event' at Carter's. I tried to keep to myself for a while, not wanting to deal with anyone. I stopped going to Jake's gym, hoping he would get the message that I wasn't ever going. I didn't even feel like going to work, but I had no other choice. Work was a must. Unfortunately, I had to deal with many women today, for the dress-fitting for Jake's sister's wedding. They bustled into the fitting room. I led them in, followed by a few of my size-measuring helpers.

"So are you still coming to my wedding," Lacy asked me. I mentally groaned.

"I'm not so sure. Jake and I aren't on the best terms."

"Well forget him. You should come for me," she whined, playfully. I gave her a fake smile.

"I'll see."

"Good," she said, smiling back.

We spend a couple hours trying to get the perfect measurements for all the adult ladies. Then, it took even longer to get measurements of all the young children bridesmaids, who were extremely restless. I was finally on the last person, a girl about 5 years old, when she started crying.

"What's wrong, honey?" I asked her calmly.

"I'm tired. I want to sit down," she whined.

"Give me just a couple more minutes, sweety."

"No!" she protested, stomping her foot. I couldn't take it anymore. I had spent so many hours staying calm for this family. Jake's family. I hadn't had such a stressful day at work in so long.

The girl's mom tried to calm her down. In the midst of the mother-daughter arguement, my helper, Brittany, managed to get the last of the measurements.

"Yay! We're done." Britanny exclaimed, smiling down at the little girl. She immediately stopped crying and ran into her mom's arms.

"Ok thank you for coming in. I'll let you know when your dresses are ready," I said to them all. They thanked me back and I ushered them out, as calmly as I could. I took the file with the information and locked myself in my office. I threw myself down against the soft cushions of my chairs and let out a heavy sigh. This was all getting too much. Having to deal with everything at work. Then, adding Jake. Then, to top it all off, my mixed feelings for Zayn. I needed some way to calm myself down. I got it. The stream.

I got as much work done as I could in the last hour then quickly drove home. After changing into sweatpants and a comfortable t-shirt, I made myself a quick snack. Zayn's beanie was still sitting on the counter from Jake and I's last arguement. I debated whether I should put it on. My good side won, and I put it on, just for it's comfort.

I went outside, where the cool breeze greeted me. The weather had begun warming up, since it was already the beginning of March. I walked down the rocky path where I approached the tall fence. I climbed over, trying to he as discreet and quiet as possible. Once I was over the fence, I continued into the trees. The darkness had already settled and I only had the light of the stars to guide me. I was a bit fearful of what lurked in the dark and that made me wonder if I should have taken Zayn with me. But, I hated admitting that I had grown a fondness for him.

Once I reached the stream, I sat down on a large, smooth rock on the side. The sound of the running water did calm me and I ran my hand through the cold water. It was icy to the touch, making me shiver. If only my life was as simple as this stream. The water knew where to go and it was only heading in one direction. I sat silently for a few moments admiring the calmness, until I heard branches break behind me. My head snapped around with my heart beating out of my chest. I hoped and prayed that it wasn't the security; I had enough on my plate as is.