For days, I've been consumed by a sense of emptiness, as if I was never sufficient. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, as I sat there, trying desperately to suppress my sobs, but they flowed like an unstoppable river.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from upstairs. Reacting swiftly, I rushed to the bathroom to wash my face. However, my eyes remained swollen and red. My best friend Haley entered, calling out for me.
"Jade, are you alright?" Haley inquired, to which I closed my eyes and let out a sigh.
"Um, yeah, I was just about to take a shower," I replied, struggling to hold back my tears.
"Are you sure? I heard crying," she pressed further.
"Oh, I was watching a movie," I quickly responded, hoping to evade any further questioning.
"Alright then, I'll be downstairs," she said, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I swiftly undressed and turned on the shower. As I stepped in, I closed my eyes, allowing the water to trigger the memories of our last encounter.
I had been so excited to see him after my shift.
A wide smile adorned my face, causing my cheeks to ache. One of my favorite customers, Mrs. Scott, arrived.
"Hey, Mrs. Scott, the usual?" I greeted her, and she nodded in affirmation.
Looking at me curiously, she asked, "Jade, why are you so happy?"
"Oh, it's my anniversary with Max today," I replied, my smile growing even bigger. Mrs. Scott's eyes widened, and she started jumping up and down with an infectious brightness.
Despite being an elderly lady, she still had the energy to leap. Grabbing my hands, she exclaimed, "Oh, honey, I can't believe it! Take this." I glanced down and saw a hundred-dollar bill in my hands.
"Aw, Mrs. Scott, I'm sorry, but I can't accept this. It's too much," I protested, but she laughed heartily. "Jade, you know you're my favorite. Take it... it's yours now," she insisted, refusing to take no for an answer.
"Well, okay. Your coffee will be ready in about three minutes," I acquiesced, and she took a seat by the window. Tucking the money into my pocket, I proceeded to prepare the coffee.
Three minutes later...
"Here you go, Mrs. Scott. It's on the house," I offered, and she nodded, returning to her seat. In my haste, I accidentally spilled some hot water on myself.
As I reached for a fresh apron, I noticed my boyfriend walking in. It struck me then—I had told him I wouldn't be working because I wanted to surprise him. So, why was he here? Something felt amiss.
Looking beyond him, I spotted a blonde woman, laughing together with him. When Max turned his head in my direction, all the joy within me dissipated instantly.
Approaching me, he requested a cappuccino, feigning ignorance of our relationship. His companion, the blonde bimbo, stopped laughing and glared at me. I looked at Max, then at her, and she spat, "What's your problem?"
Max swiftly dragged her out of the coffee shop, aware that I could cause a scene. But before leaving, he softly uttered, "Screw you." Screw me? That's all he had to say. I seethed with anger and frustration.
After that day, I returned home feeling sad and bewildered. Shaking off those haunting thoughts, I began to cleanse my body, determined to suppress any tears that threatened to escape.
Once I finished my shower, I stepped out, drying my body. I dressed in a black hoodie and sweatpants, securing my curly hair into a bun.
As my hunger raged like a lion on the hunt, I went down the stairs to find something to eat. A pizza box caught my eye on the counter, and I swiftly grabbed a slice.
Entering the living room, I discovered Haley engrossed in an intense conversation with the television. She hadn't noticed my arrival, so I decided to plop down on the sofa.
Startled, she turned slightly and asked, "Feeling better?" Knowing that I wasn't okay, I chose to remain silent. I had been crying for four days straight.
"Jade, you can't continue crying over him, he broke up with you over text girl" she exclaimed.
"I know, and you keep reminding me even more," I replied, feeling the pain of her sadness. She was always spirited and full of energy, but witnessing her in this state was agonizing.
"I'm sorry, Haley. It's just- it's hard," I admitted.
"Girl, if you don't stop crying over that pathetic boy, I swear I'll slap you," she threatened playfully.
"Okay, fine," I said, mustering a laugh. It had felt like an eternity since I last laughed. Suddenly, Haley exclaimed, "I forgot to tell you, Jade, the job you applied for they sent you an email today." I turned to her in shock.
"Really?" I questioned, and she nodded, handing me the laptop from beside her. With anticipation, I accessed my email, observing the contents of the message, barely containing my excitement. "Oh my word, I got the job!" I exclaimed.
"Jade, I knew you would," Haley responded.
"Let's celebrate with some Chinese food," she suggested.
"You're so greedy," I teased, laughing. "No, you're the greedy one. You took a slice of my pizza," she playfully retorted.
"Consider yourself lucky that you're my best friend," I joked, laughing along. "It's good pizza. Besides, there's more, greedy girl."
"I'll order the food, just don't kick my butt," I declared, and she laughed. "Okay, I promise. But if you dare touch my food again, I'll kick your ass."
YOU ARE READING
His Secret (BWWM)
Romance"I have authority over you; I dictate what you must do." He said, staring at me, making it clear that he had control over me, dictating my actions. I swallowed hard, feeling intimidated. As his lips gently pressed against mine, my whole body filled...
