Hate is a strong word

Chapter 12

I woke up later that morning and started to get ready for work. I looked into the mirror and smiled. I had streaks of dried tears all along my cheeks, but I didn't care. I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, and I was ready to face the world. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I grabbed my stuff and locked the door to my apartment. I looked up and down the road before making my way to the other side of the street. I looked at the map on my phone and located the H&M store a few stores down. Yes, my friends, I am going shopping. 

I had had a long day at work, so I ran home and grabbed a few things before going shopping. I haven't been in a while-which explains the map-so I thought I would treat myself. I needed some jeans and shirts anyway.

I walked into the store and was greeted by the familiar smell. I loved H&M, seeing that most of my clothes are from here. I always start with the $5 rack, then the $10, and then I go from there. I looked through a couple of racks before spotting a few shirts that I liked and decided to try them on. 

I got a number and picked a room near the back. I hung up the shirts and slipped off my own, shivering from the cold. I slipped on the first shirt and looked in the mirror before deciding it was too small and taking it off. I tried the other two on and decided to buy them. 

I made my way to the counter when I spotted the swimsuits. It was starting to get warmer, and I realized that I didn't own any swimsuits. Of course, I  wouldn't need them, but you never know. I picked out a black bikini and put it in my stack. Deciding that I had enough, I got in line to check out. 

"Hello, did you find everything alright?" The lady asked. She had long, dark hair, and a nose piercing. She had on way too much eyeshadow, but other than that she was really pretty. 

"Yes, thank you." I dumped my clothes on the counter and she rang them up. I slid my card into the credit card slot and she handed me my receipt. 

"Have a nice day!" She said in a very tired voice. I waved and made my way outside. 

I looked down the street and saw a little coffee shop and decided to get some caffeine. I was about to walk inside when I bumped into someone. 

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry!" She said. She had short, curly blonde hair and green eyes. She was short and thin and was wearing some jeans with holes and a t-shirt, which reminded me of tinker bell.

"No, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." I laughed a little and bent down to pick up my purse, which I had dropped. 

"Let me get that..." She said and also bent down. Our heads collided, sending us into a fit of giggles. 

"My name is Rebecca," I said, sticking out my hand. We had finally calmed down and picked up the purse. 

"Hi, Rebecca. I'm Jessica, but you can call me Jessi." I smiled and looked into the shop. 

"Have you ever been here?" I asked. She looked into the shop too and nodded.

"Yeah. It's ok. Would you like to get some coffee?" I agreed and we walked into the shop. I was immediately surrounded by the smell of coffee, and I smiled. We got in line, and I lost myself in the menu.

Jessi nudged me. "Hey, do you know that guy? He keeps staring at you." I looked at her, puzzled, before looking at the man she was talking about. My eyes widened, knowing exactly who it was before quickly turning away. 

"Oh, are you talking about the guy I have a crush on but also hate? Yeah, I know him." The line moved up, us along with it.

"What?! Spill." I looked at her surprised. 

"Oh, sorry, forgot we just met. Friends?" She stuck out her pinky finger, and I laughed before doing the same. 

"Ok, well, I don't know where to begin. I hate him. He is so rude, but sometimes very sweet. I broke up with my boyfriend this morning and realized that I liked him, and that brings us to the present."

She gave me a look. "That is so vague." I shrugged before stepping up to the counter and giving the worker my order.