Wake Up, Reality's Calling

Chapter 11: That cliché crap

"Whoa whoa whoa, slow down. We broke up, remember?" I said, backing up slightly.

"But I'm back now," He followed up with. "And I want to make things right this time." He had this determined look on his face, which made his eye glitter slightly. Seems like his possessive side hasn't changed, I thought. I could see his 'ghost' circling around, desperate to get what it wants.

"I... I can't," I answered.

"Why not?" He pestered.

"After all that happened - after all you did - I just can't go back to that," I started, now I was the one getting teary eyed. Just thinking about it hurts.

"I'm sorry that I hit you that time, I already apologized for that-" I couldn't let him finish that sentence.

"No, Nick! You didn't just hit me once. I am not going to go through that once again. Never again." I said and felt a tear cooling down the heat from my cheeks.

He reached out his arm to wipe away my tear, but I slapped away his hand.

"Stop. Just stop," I said resentfully.

"I've changed, I've gotten better," He said, and tried to convince me.

"Like hell you have, do you think I'll believe that cliché crap?" I said with a sharp tone.

"I'll prove it to you! I swear," He followed up with.

"I don't want you to prove anything, I just want you out of my life," I started. "It took me long enough to get to the point where I am now, I am not going to lose all of that progress."

I turned around, ready to open my door and walk in again.

"I just came back out here because I still care about you for some reason. I don't want you to feel hurt because of me, unlike you." I walked in and closed my door, this time I wasn't going to go out again.

I went to the bathroom, and let the sink become filled with cold water. After I had let it run until halfway, I dipped my face in and splashed the cold water over my face to cool down.

I either need to rant to someone about what just happened, or I need to have something to eat and then take a nap. I couldn't call it a night yet since it was only 11 o'clock in the morning.

I decided to do the latter, I still had my coffee and sandwich from the café.

It was a typical BLT with guacamole all in sourdough. My coffee had now become cold, but I was fine with that. Nothing could make this day any worse than it already is. Nothing. Nada.

My phone started vibrating in my pocket. It was the familiar rhythm of a text. Who is it now? Liz?

God, I actually don't mind texting Liz right now. Surprisingly, this is going to be one of the highlights of today.

Liz: Hey darling. You haven't called nor did you text me. You promised!

Vic: Yeah, sorry, I've been busy.

Liz: Excuses, excuses. I call bullshit. Anyway, I think I saw Nick close to your building a few minutes ago.

Vic: Yeah, I know. I bumped into him.

Liz: Oh, honey. That's awful. I heard what happened.

I was relieved that she wasn't here, as I eye-rolled and sighed more than what would be acceptable in a normal conversation.

Vic: I don't wanna talk about it.

Liz: You have to! In order to move on, you have to!

Vic: No, I really don't.

Liz: Look, I know you don't ever listen to me and my advice, but you need to talk to someone about this. It doesn't necessarily have to be me - although I recommend it. I mean, I majored in psychology, so you better listen to me. 

Wow, I thought. This is actually not too shitty advice, and coming from Liz none the less. And she won't give up until she gets it her way. 

Vic: You know what? Fine.

I started typing away, leaving out some details, because let's face it, it's Liz. After I had written what seemed like a 500-word essay, which consisted of me basically ranting about what happened, I hit send and waited for her response. I felt a huge wave of relief come over me and the weight on my shoulders became lighter.  

I took a bite of my sandwich as I read her text. The saltiness of the bacon and the creaminess of the avocado mix really complimented each other. 

Liz: See? Didn't that feel better? I never expected Nick to be such an ass though. Anyway, it was nice texting with you, but I have a meeting to attend. Toodles!