You Make The Pain Fade Away

Chapter Six

I scanned through a magazine, sitting on a stool, waiting for a customer to occupy me. My full attention was on the fashion section. I would love to buy the beautiful stilettos, dresses, and handbags. My God, when was the last time I went shopping?

It was with my best friend before my parents had passed away. My best friend whom I haven’t informed of the dreadful news, whom I also didn’t say goodbye to or even contact her since I left the school. What kind of a best friend have I become? Scratch that… Am I still considered her best friend, anyways? She would understand right?

I turned the page on my magazine, a Ralph Lauren cocktail dress was gained to my interests. It was a pure midnight black with a zebra design on the top where the torso is located. The old I would be jumping up and down, calling my best friend to get it. Right now that is not my ultimate reaction, even when I really do like it. It looks good on the model wearing it. I doubt it’ll look like that on me.

So, I’m giving John the silent treatment, mainly to annoy him. After our little dilemma, I realized it wasn’t entirely his fault. I shouldn’t blame him for things I have not introduced to him.

“Why didn’t ya tell me he was here!?,” a middle age women shouted. My eyes flickered at John, where I discerned she was yelling directly at him. She was weeping uncontrollably and she seems to be frustrated at John. The women had dirty brown hair like John’s and same sky blue eyes. John approached her briskly and the women attempted to shove him. He grabbed her wrists, preventing her from hitting him.

“Why?,” she screamed.

“Because of this,” he replied. “This is why I didn’t let him see ya.”

“Give him a chance! He’ll change!”

“So it can result like last time?,” he spat. “No. I won’t let that happen. He’s long gone, Mother. Thank me instead.”

John’s Mother stayed quiet, glaring at her son with bitter cold eyes. “Don’t come home.”

“What?,” John said disbelieving her.

“You’re not welcome at my house. I don’t want to see you till I calm down,” she said, yanking her hands loose and then storming out of the store. John stood there for a few seconds.

I was a little guilty for watching the whole scene envelope, but it wasn’t completely my fault. I also felt bad for John. His Mother just told him not to come home, which is appalling. My Mother would never tell me that, but then again, I don’t know the reason that caused John’s Mother to say that. This is probably overwhelming for him.

Suddenly I was eager to find what the conflict was. Maybe I can consult him and at least understand for myself.

“John,” I said softly, nearing him from behind. “Want to take a break?”

“Yeah, but alone,” he said then strolled out of the store. I took off my apron and went after him.

I knew this was childish of me, but maybe I can advise him or at least try to help what he’s going through.

“Wait up!,” I yelled, sprinting to catch up. He halted and spun around, glaring at me. I slowed down, regretting my decision, yet I didn’t turn around.

“I’m sorry,” I said sympathetically.

He snorted. “Don’t pity me.”

“Is there any way I can help?”

“Since when do you care?,” he asked coldly. Exactly! Since when do I care about him?

I’m afraid; I don’t know the answer either.