Cove

Needs

What I heard back there......I'm not gonna go into detail but it was, to say the least, heartbreaking. I slide myself back into my chair and place my napkin in my lap. I can't even describe the feeling or why I have it. The butterflies in my stomach flutter around faster and faster, until rockets are shooting around. I keep playing what I heard over and over in my head like a soundtrack. The words and names a girlfriend never wants to hear. Behind that locked door, a nightmare started that would never end.

My train of thought is suddenly interrupted when the chair across from me squeaks as it is pulled back and a familiar face is in my view.
"Well, the food should be here soon." He sighs as he scoots in his chair and places his napkin in his lap, smiling at me.
I sit, lacking the words to say and unsure of what to do. He looks at my eyes but I pretend to study my napkin. I can't look him in the eyes, I just can't bring myself to do that.
In the corner of my eye, I see Hallie walking slowly away from the bathroom hallway and wiping her hands on her apron. She sneaks into the kitchen, looking around her. Suddenly my brain decides on feelings and anger wells up inside of me just as Taylor reaches for my hand and pulls it across the table to kiss it. As his soft, pink, lips brush my hand I yank it back and frown.

"Mantha!! What's up?!?" He looks hurt and crosses his arms. The anger inside of me is joined by betrayal and hurt.

"DON'T call me that!" I growl and look away, tears pushing into my eyes.

"Sam. What's wrong? Please tell me!" He looks at me like I'M the one who's been sleeping around. The hot tears sting my eyes and blur my vision as I bolt up, knocking the chair over behind me.

"Don't play dumb. I know about-" Hallie suddenly appears with steaming plates in her hands. She sets them down and gives a sweet smile, lacing her fingers together in front of her.

"Here's your food, be careful it's a bit hot. Is there anything else I can get for you tonight?" A better boyfriend would be nice. I think to myself. She looks back and forth between us.

"Alright then folks I'll check on you in a bit!" She says, breaking the silence then skipping off. She looks very proud of herself. Maybe for ruining someone else's relationship.
Taylor looks down at the food, me, then back to the food. "Sit." He picks up his fork and knife. "It smells really good!" He lifts up his water glass after setting his silver ware in front of him and raises it for a toast. I smile and daintily pick up my cleaner fluid and right before our glasses touch I change direction and the clean-smelling fluid splashes all over him and his suit.
His mouth drops open and he shakes his arms to get the smelly liquid off of him. He wipes it off his eyes and looks at me with an expectant face. "THAT'S to make you smell better. You REEK of Hallie!" I slam the cup down on the table and spin around. Leaving him with the steaming plates and dirty ex, I scoop up my jacket and purse from the fallen chair and dash out the door. My fingers are madly dialing my mom on my cellphone. After several blinded tries I click the right button and breath heavily as I count the rings. At 5, my mom picks up.
"Hello?" She answers and I sniff.

"Mom? Hey can you come pick me up?" I inch towards the sidewalk.

"Uh, sure honey, what's up?" She sounds concerned.

"I'll tell you later, I just want come home." I shake my head.

"Alright honey I'm coming to get you. See you in a bit!" I panic.

"NONONO mom don't hang up!!!! I want to stay in the phone with you...."
She stays in the phone with me until she pulls up in front of the restaurant. The whole time, Taylor never once coming out to check on me.