Raine and her Storm

freedom

"will that be all Miss Carlisle"

The teller looks at me. His eyes wide after cancelling my accounts with Carter. We were both in well fitted careers. Him a business man working mainly in accounts, while myself I was doing my practicum for a law office as an assistant.

"Yes, thank you" I grab the brown worn envelope from his hands and walk out of the bank, when suddenly a rain drop falls onto the bridge of my nose. The rain was always something I loved, but lately had come to dislike. My hair was naturally a light curl so I had the chance to straighten it without too much struggle. The minute it got wet though, it seemed as it had a mind of its own making it jump into little auburn ringlets surrounding my face.

Not only had the rain made me think of my hair but it made me reminisce to the night I had met Carter,

The lights cascading down on the sweating bodies of the large groups of people, wearing close to nothing for clothes and alcohol seeping from their skin. I turn to my best friend Anastasia , telling her that I'm going to go outside for some air. The hands grabbing me and trying to pull my ass to their front is disgusting.

While standing out in front of the club, looking at the busy and bustling streets of New York not grasping the idea of living in the big city. I don't notice the boy who was standing beside me talking. His hair a like brown and his eyes a dull but cute green, with dimples standing prominently against his skin. "Hi I'm Carter, what's a girl like you standing alone outside for huh?" He had the boy next door vibe just throwing itself off of him, like a huge neon sign.

After we had talked for a while he asked to go for coffee and just like that I had made a new friend...

"I should've known, never go for the boyish looking ones" I say to myself adding to ever so appartent distraught woman look.  Walking forward I trudge onto the white steps to Anastasia's house, she had just boughten this place with her long time boyfriend Scott.

"Honey I'm home!"

I scream hoping I've interrupted something that I don't want to hear.

"Why do you have coffee, why are your eyes red, and why do you look homeless and like I should be texting Scott to buy a gun?"

I could never hide anything from her, even when we were in school. It'd be as simple as not eating breakfast or not sleeping properly and she would notice a change in my mood. For the longest time I thought she was into me and I didn't know how to let her down so when I finally did, she busted her ass laughing and explaining she had a boyfriend. I remember her words so clearly,

"well since I obviously am so into you wanna be my best friend"

and just like that we were attached at the hip

"Hey, there's something I need to talk to you about," I began, my eyes welling up with tears. "I... I found out that I've been cheated on, and it's been eating me up inside."

Sitting down with my best friend, I could feel my heart pounding as I struggled to find the right words to confide in them about being cheated on. The weight of the betrayal bore down on me, and I knew I couldn't keep this painful secret any longer. Taking a deep breath, I finally broke the silence, my voice trembling with a mix of vulnerability and hurt.

My best friend's face immediately softened with concern as they leaned in, offering their unwavering support.

" I thought you and Carter were happy, last time I checked you guys had all these plans."

They placed a comforting hand on mine, wordlessly conveying their empathy.
Tears began to flow as I recounted the painful details, describing the moment I discovered the betrayal and the whirlwind of emotions that had followed. My best friend listened attentively, their presence a soothing balm to my wounded soul.

As I continued, I shared my confusion, anger, and the overwhelming sense of betrayal that had consumed me. It was a difficult conversation, but with each word I spoke, the weight on my shoulders felt a little lighter. My best friend offered words of solace, reminding me that I was not alone and that they would be there for me no matter what.

In that vulnerable moment, confiding in my best friend became a crucial step in the healing process. Their unwavering support and understanding provided the comfort and strength I needed to begin the journey of moving forward from the painful experience of being cheated on.

"Remember, this is not a reflection of your worth or character. It's a reflection of their actions."

My eyes sticking to the white creases folding into the sides of my cup as I begin fidgeting with the label trying to ignore the situation at hand, just so I don't start crying before I have a shower. Anastasia seeing how I'm reacting to the conversation picks up the Remote turns on our show, and then lays beside me just giving me the comfort both of us knew I needed.

After binge watching the bachelor and a season of friends, Anastasia suggested that we go out.

"Embrace the fact that you are free"

The idea of freedom is amazing, no responsibilities and no ties to something that will inevitably end. As a child my mother and father loved. No, they adored each other with almost a borderline obsession for their other half. Almost reminding me of those cheesy romance erotica books you buy at the local book shops.

I don't want the feeling of freedom but I do, I love my independence and my need to strive to the top without the help of any man, but I also want a man to be there, to challenge me. To fight for us, and in the end to be proud of my accomplishments even if they are greater then his own. After tonight I'm going out first thing tomorrow and finding a place that will make me stronger.