Behind The Mask

[10] Disrespectful

Briana

One Week Later...

So far I've been doing okay with Michael. He stays as calm as I can keep him and he hasn't completely hauled off and hit me in a while. I'm planning on sitting him down and talking about his anger issues, hoping I can get him some help.

I've decided that I'm too much of a nice person to leave him completely stranded alone in this. It must be frustrating to be a victim of his own anger and not be able to control himself, so I'm going to try and help.

Walking across my room, I went over to my mirror and put my hair in a bun. I slip some shorts and tank top over my one piece bathing suit and grab my pool bag, heading downstairs.

Speaking of work makes me think of Dorian. He's been so sweet lately and he's been staying the friend that I needed him to stay, which is making me happy and making Michael happy too. I feel a little guilty that Dorian has to get stuck in the friend-zone, but I definitely don't want to keep him there forever.

I slip on my sandals at the front door and step outside the house, my blood instantly running cold as Michael's car is sitting on the curb.

Another problem with him is not only is he obsessive and abusive, he's also a stalker. I went out to the grocery store with my parents a few days ago and he was there, circling the aisle, just watching me. I take a deep breath and walk past his car, hoping he'll just acknowledge the fact that I don't want to be bothered with him or a ride from him today.

"Briana!" Michael shouts and I roll my eyes, turning to face him. He's staring at me hard while smiling a little.

"Let me give you a ride to work!" He shouts and I shake my head.

"It's nice out I think I'll walk, Michael." I smile and keep walking, ignoring his pleads for me to get into the car.

I know I should probably just listen, but he's getting on my last nerve.

"Briana please!" He whines and I turn around angrily.

"No Michael, I'm walking. Leave me alone!" I snap, making him frown, tugging at my heart a bit, but he then narrow his eyes and drives off without another word.

Oh I know we're gonna have problems later.

I cringe just from the thought and quicken my pace to the pool.

  ~•~

At Work...

"Hey, Briana! Come here for a sec." Dorian waves me over and I nod, twirling my whistle around my finger. I walk over and he smiles, throwing his arm around me.

"I just want to say thanks for being a great friend, I want to take you out and celebrate." He beams, looking down at me and I smile.

"Dorian, I can't-"

"No, let me do this for you, please? I promise I will keep my lips to myself." He grins, making me blush.

"Okay. I'll celebrate."

"Yes, I'm glad you're agreeing. You deserve this, Bri. I'm really grateful." He said seriously, his eyes glimmering and I reach up and pinch his cheek.

"Alright cutie. Thanks." I hug him tightly, ignoring the urge to faint as I feel his six pack press against my stomach.

"No problem, and you're the cute one, I'll text you the details later on." He winks and walks away, leaving me to drool at his back.

"Mmhmm... you know you have a boyfriend, right?" I turn quickly, looking confused but nearly scream as I see my best friend and sister from another mother, Malena. And her boyfriend Calvin was right by her side.