Deadly Devotion

V

Mamrie sits in one of the booths near the window of the café. She is on break but she decided to stay instead of going home. She wanted to just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while keeping an eye on the place. But instead of paying attention to the café, she's in her own world, staring out the window. Her brain refuses to shut up. She keeps thinking about how she nearly told Hannah everything the other night. After Mamrie revealed that she had basically been in two relationships, Hannah didn't ask but Mamrie could tell that Hannah was confused.

"Charlotte...Earth to Charlotte! Hello?"

Mamrie snaps out of her daze and looks at the arm stretched out in her face.

"Oh uh sorry Hannah, what's up?"

"I asked if you wanted more coffee," Hannah held up the coffee pot.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you," Mamrie says with a smile.

Hannah shrugs and goes back to tend to another customer.

She's been thinking of telling Hannah. Not everything. Just some things. She feels bad because they're pretty close now and Hannah doesn't even know the real person that Mamrie is. She thinks Hannah deserves to know that Charlotte isn't her real name at the very least. She wonders how Hannah would take it. She wonders if she'd immediately go to the police. No. Hannah wouldn't do that. Mamrie knows that. But she can't help but think of the worst possible situation.

They head into the cold, crisp outside air when the clock struck seven.

"Hey, you seem stressed lately. Why don't you come out with me and my friend on Friday after work?"

"Uh no that's alright. I wouldn't want to interrupt," Mamrie puts her jacket on.

"See! That's how I know something's wrong! The Charlotte I know would've been pissed that I hadn't asked her sooner. She would've been surprised that I'm going out with a friend that's not her!" Hannah nudges her.

Mamrie sighs and ignores her friend. Hannah is right but she's not about to admit it.

"Come on! It'll be fun! Let loose for once. Besides, my friend is super cool. I met her about a week ago at a bar. She's hilarious and from America. You'll like her. Trust me."

"You're not gonna take no for an answer are you?" Mamrie smirks.

Hannah shakes her head and laughs.

"Fine. I'll go," Mamrie pauses and turns to Hannah, "I hate you, ya know."

"Oh please. You'd be lost without me!" Hannah jokes.

Mamrie giggles but she knows that Hannah is right. She would be lost without Hannah.

The next few days go by rather quickly but Friday seemed to drag on. Mamrie woke up in a stir like she usually does but it wasn't as bad as it could've been. She still thinks about that night everyday but she's been pretty calm lately. She was more calm when Louise was around and now she has Hannah. At least she has someone to live for now.

After pulling herself out of bed, she went across the street to Le Café Marie. She decided to go and set up early because she didn't want to be sitting alone with her thoughts in her quiet apartment for any longer. Hannah showed up an hour later and greeted her friend.

"Good morning Charlotte! Beautiful day today isn't it? You excited for tonight?"

"Oh fuck," Mamrie totally forgot that they were going out tonight "I mean...uh yeah! Trés excité."