"So did he just like... appear out of nowhere?" Mica asks when I tell her everything on the phone once Bella was asleep.
"No, I saw him before but I hid" I realized how stupid my decision had been, and how it had completely backfired. If the situation was any different I would've laughed my ass off, and I'm sure Mica would have too. But it wasn't exactly laughing material.
"Well, that didn't work out" Mica said. "I can't believe it. What a jackass. I'm sorry, Em, but it had to be said."
"I know, and I totally agree with you. But, thinking back to what he said... I-I don't know what I should do. I feel like I can't just move on that quickly, you know? It took me four years to kinda-getting over him and all of a sudden he reappears into my life, you know? It's fucking crazy."
"Em, I know you're having second thoughts because you still... kinda... feel something for him. But that doesn't give him permission to just do that to you. The boy had his chance, that's all I'm gonna say."
I nodded even though she couldn't see me.
"It's still hard, Mica" I said, as I wiped the counter with some chops.
"Of course it is, honey. But like, did he give you his number or something so he could get ahold of you?"
"No, not really" I said. I didn't even think he tried to. He just walked up to me, apologized and that was it.
"See? He's no good, Emma. I'll be back soon, and I swear, if he gets near you..."
"Calm down, Mica" I said, picturing a fight between him and my best friend. No thanks. "It's fine. I shouldn't have to see him again, right? New York City is huge. And he doesn't know where I work and, if it's necessary, I'll start taking Bell to different parks on Saturday."
"Wow. Sounds like you've got everything figured out."
"I just thought about this all day, Mica, until I was able to call you, and you're right. Why should I let this guy stick around when he'll end up hurting me anyways?" my voice came out a little hoarse. I wasn't really sure if I was saying and doing the right thing. But, as my best friend, Mica could tell what I was thinking.
"You're doing the right thing" she reassured me. "You see? You say you don't miss me but you go nuts without me."
"What are you talking about?" I laugh. "First, I text you I miss you like every single hour. And second, I think I'm pretty good at making decisions."
"Whatever you say, sis."
.
.
.
"Mica!!" I yelled and ran to hug her when I saw her on Tuesday.
"Emma!!" she hugged me back and then turned to to Bella. "I missed you!"
"We missed you too!" I said.
"Love you Mikki!" Bell hugged her again.
Gretchen left her small office to say hi.
"Hey, girls! Micaela, it's nice to have you back" she said, smiling.
"Thank you. It's nice to be back" she smiled back. "Do you have your dress for the weekend?" she asked me.
"Oh, god, I was wondering why you hadn't asked earlier."
"Because I wanted to go shopping with you! Get the dress together!" she yelled excitedly.
"I already have one..." I said, lowering my voice, hoping she'd do the same.
"Hell no you don't! That black-collecting-dust-fabric that you call a dress doesn't count" she said, putting her hands on her hips.
