The Advice Seller

3. Skylar

The next day, I wake up with a groan. It's 5:30 AM. 

I have to meet with a client before school, because they aren't free during the whole day. Why did I even agree to doing this ?

I climb out of bed, reaching for my clothes. As soon as I'm dressed, I hurry downstairs to find something to eat. I take a protein bar and an apple, my school things and I dash out of the apartment. 

I see Mrs. Wu take out her trash by the door. She's an old asian lady that kind of terrifies me, but I'm always grateful when she offers to babysit Lydia when Johnathan and I are out for the night. She also makes the best soup ever, although I'm a bit too intimidated to ask for the recipe.

"Hey, Mrs. Wu ! How are you ?"

"Don't 'hey' me. Say 'hi' next time. Very rude," she grumbles.

"Okay, sorry Mrs. Wu. Do you need help with your trash ?" I ask, blushing.

"No need help. I'm very strong woman. Go finish your studies. You're strong woman too," she declares.

"Yes, I will. Thank you, Mrs. Wu. Goodbye !"

She may be not as bad as I thought she'd be. 

I'm already 5 minutes late when I get to the agreed location. I notice Skylar typing very furiously on her phone while frowning. 

"Hi Skylar, sorry I'm late," I huff.

"Just a sec. My boyfriend is pissing me off !" she cries as she doubles the intensity of her texting.

"I'm guessing the session is about him ?" I try.

She looks up from her phone, looking miserable. I almost think she's about the burst in tears in front of me as she puts away her phone in her pocket.

"I think Brian is... cheating on me..." she wails.

"Oh no, Skylar... How do you know ?"

"Well, he liked a lot of this chick's pictures on Instagram. I know, I may be just jumping to conclusions, but he also commented on other girls' pictures. I know he's allowed to do whatever he wants, but I really think he's not in love with me anymore," she squeals.

Apparently, Skylar has been with Brian since kindergarten. Although you might think they've been dating on and off, they always have been loyal to each other. Rumours say, they've never had a couple fight since they've started dating. Skylar is a gorgeous popular girl and Brian is on the school's basketball team. They both seem perfect for each other, but Skylar's outbreak might indicate the opposite.

"We can't be sure he's cheating on you just by Instagram posts. Have you tried talking to him ?" I ask.

"It's kind of hard to talk about. We're a perfect couple, you know ? Everything has been great... until now," she weeps.

"Okay, and how is the sex ?"

The question evidently startles her. She almost jumps in surprise. 

"The... the sex ?" she mutters.

"Yeah, how frequently have you been having sex ? Unless, of course, you haven't lost your virginity yet."

"Oh, I have. But... come to a think of it, we haven't been having sex as much these days."

"Okay, well why don't you guys have fun this week and if he seems hesitant, come see me right away," I propose.

"Are you saying that if he's hesitant to having sex with me, he might be cheating ?" she deduces.

"It can be a possibility. That is why I want you to make plans with him and if he doesn't seem too happy with spending time with you, then that is a possibility too. I think the biggest step you can take is actually talking to him about how you feel. Maybe he will confide to you right away," I explain.

She nods slowly. She doesn't look too convinced, but she reaches in her pocket for a 20$. 

"Thanks, Taylor. Sorry for making you get up so early."

"20$ ? That's almost twice my regular fee ! I can't accept this," I gush.

"Hey, consider it a treat. You help so many people with their stupid problems. You make your life hell for us, so just keep the 20$, okay ?" she smiles.

Do people really think of me that way ? I don't have that many clients yet, but word is going around and every two weeks, I gain one more customer. Do people really think my work helps them ? I'm not friends with everybody at this school, and some people are extremely mean to me, so how can I have this type of reputation ?

"And I also want you to come to the dance tomorrow night. It's at Brian's place. You in ?" 

"Sure, I'll be there. Thanks, Skylar," I grin.

See, this is what I mean. I don't get invited to parties very often, and when I do, I always reject the invitations. Parties aren't for me. I don't have time to get drunk and have fun with my friends. Lydia needs me and I need to earn as much money as I can for our family. But maybe, just maybe, this one time won't harm anyone.

It is almost time to class when I leave Skylar, thumbing away at her phone again. I can't help but feel a little excited for the party this Friday night. I remember to text my brother about my absence this morning.

Sorry, had something before school this morning. Also can't be there tomorrow night. Can you babysit Lydia ?

He immediately replies back.

cant. already have something planned. shell have 2 go 2 mrs wu's.

I sigh. I know how much our old neighbour scares my little sister, but she'll have no choice but to visit her yet again.

Author's note

i'm done chapter 3 !! 2 chapters in 1 day (^: how do you like the story so far ?