The Taste Of Loneliness

Chapter 22

After that night of arguing over Rachel's apartment things went downhill slowly. At first only every know and then would she sleep there rather than in the house with him. Then it began being the weekends, then the entire week. He stopped counting after two months.

What hurt the most was it was a silent break up. Neither of them ever officially said the words they just drifted apart because of the argument about trust and secrets.

Secrets. He had kept plenty through out his life. Especially when he had the mistresses with Lucille. He couldn't even remember all the lies he told Lucille about where he had been. At the supermarket, or the bar playing pool, or staying late to do some paper work for extra money at the car lot. It seemed like now there would always be some secrets in his life coming between him and whomever he was with.

With the school year slowly coming to a close he was actually ready for the summer vacation. Knowing he'd be able to earn more at the car lot, and he was taking a vacation for himself. Not having thought about Rachel in weeks. Only having fleeting thoughts as he'd see her at work but he'd quickly shrug them off.

Remodeling the house had been a blessing for him, even though he was alone in it most nights now he felt at home again. Remnants of Lucille were long gone. Save for the small box beneath his side of the bed with some of her most personal items. Everything had been repainted and the wall separating the kitchen and dining room was gone to add a island.

"Fuck all these damned emails. " Negan grumbled scrolling through them as he munched on his sandwich during the lunch hour. Eyes flickering over the numerous ones confirming his purchases for gym equipment or imputing grades into the system. But one from the principal peaked his interest. Clicking on it and groaning loudly.

Dear faculty and staff.

This years chaperones were drew randomly from a box to keep the odds fair in those who must attend and chaperone prom this year. As a reminder no alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on school premise. School rules still apply.

Negan groaned again seeing his name on the list.

"Shit.. " He huffed annoyed now.  High school prom was one of the most ridiculous things ever. Hell he didn't even go to his own. That's how ridiculous they were to him. Rubbing a hand over his face he read the rest of the list and frowned. Rachel was on it too. Just his luck. Glancing at the date to see it was in two weeks on Saturday night at seven p.m in the schools gymnasium. Which also meant he'd be the one who had to help clean up and organize things.

"Just fucking great. " He grumbled wishing it would hurry up and get here. Two weeks wouldn't go by fast enough for him. What was even worse when he went to rent a tuxedo at the mall seeing all the teenagers gushing and gawking over prom. It made him sick to see them all so eager for something so pathetic.

"I look ridiculous.. " Negan uttered to himself as he got ready in front of his mirror. Adjusting the bowtie and straightening out his sleeves, slicking his hair back with some gel and splashing some cologne on. Knowing he had to go or he'd get hell from Arnold. Not to mention he'd see Rachel. And just to look at her would be a welcome sight. Donning his leather jacket he hopped onto his motorcycle and rode off to the school. The parking lot littered with some limousines and sports cars. Rolling his eyes as he parked away from them all. Chuckling as some students waved at him seeming slightly intoxicated themselves. Knowing prom was all about what happened before and after it.

As he walked inside the gymnasium he groaned shoving his hands in his pockets seeing the balloon arches and decorations. The theme being under the sea, light and dark blues plastered the room. Lights made it seem like waves were crashing against the walls. Making his way over to the refreshments he grabbed a cup of punch. Wishing someone would spike it to make this night more bearable for him. Glancing around as his eyes landed on the door seeing some others walking inside. He dropping his cup in astonishment as he saw Rachel.