You Chose Mine

Chapter 33

I brushed the knots out of my hair before tossing the brush onto the wood table. I looked around the room and all I saw was files and filing cabinet, probably full of police records or parole files. 

“How did I get here?” I mumbled to myself.

The door opened with an officer in uniform standing behind it. “So, Shannon…” he began before he took a seat “I’m Officer John Graham” he introduced himself. “Can you tell me what happened?” he asked as he placed his hands folded on the table.

“Where do you want me to start?” I asked with slight sarcasm.

He chuckled at me before opening his notepad. “How about today?” 

*

I stood behind the desk tallying up the numbers from today, even though there’s still a couple hours until we close I wanted to get a head start. I’m surprising Liz and Luke with dinner tonight, prepared by my mother and I when he comes over, and I want everything to be perfect.

“Heads up, Kennedy’s come in” Derek said as he walked past the counter. I looked up to see her walking my way without eye contact. 

“Kennedy?” I called out. 

I received what I expected, silence.

“Kennedy can you come here please? I’d like to speak with you” I spoke in an authority figure tone. 

“What?” she spoke with attitude.

I turned and looked to her letting her tone slide, “Is there a reason you’re 3 hours late for your shift today?” I asked.

She scoffed as she rolled her eyes, “Yeah I had other things to do” she answered.

“And what’s the reason for your unexpected days off the past few days?” she scoffed once more before beginning to walk off. “Kennedy if you keep this up, I’ll have no choice but to fire you” I told her.

She spun and looked at me in disbelief. “You not only take the guy I should be with, but you also want to put me out of a job!” she screamed at me.

“Kennedy, lower your voice” I told her.

“What? You don’t want anyone else knowing you steal boyfriends?” she retaliated. 

“He was never your boyfriend!” I answered.

“Well he certainly isn’t yours is he?” she bit back.

“Kennedy this isn’t about Luke –“

“Fuck off! It’s always been about Luke” 

I looked around the store to see frightened customers leaving the store. “You’re now costing me business, drop this Kennedy or I will make you drop it” I warned her.

“How? You’ll get your boy band on me?” she teased.

“You know, it wasn’t long ago when you were hanging out with that ‘boy band’ and drooling all over the lead singer as well as their bassist and drummer” I pointed out.

“And yet, you picked the one that was mine” 

“He was never yours!” I screamed.

I felt sharp pain spread across my cheek as the force of Kennedy’s hand caused my head to turn, again. I looked to her as my blood began to boil.

“Hit me again” I dared her as I pushed her back.

“Go on” I said as I pushed her again.

“Stop!” she screamed as she shoved my hands away.