When The Clock Strikes (ONC 2020)

3| Einstein & Sin

I rolled over in my bed and glanced at the clock. It was nearly one in the afternoon. After our late night out, I came straight home and crawled into bed. I even put on my flannel pajamas. After all, it was Christmas. I was usually sad this time of year because I didn't have any family. My parents passed away when I was little and I was raised by my grandparents. Two years ago, they both passed away six months apart. What are the chances of that? But this Christmas was a different story all together.

I glanced at my dresser and saw the picture of Adam and I when we went to Europe. We were kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower. How did two people so in love get from that point to this one? It's hard to think that I was the girl in that picture once upon a time. Irrevocably happy and in love. Now, heartbroken and alone. Life truly was a mystery.

I thought about my choice last night to not sleep with that frat guy. I didn't even remember his name. Even though most of the night was a blur, I remembered stumbling into the women's bathroom with him...and him sitting me on the counter. I remember kissing. A lot. Then, as soon as he tried to put his hand under my dress, I told him I couldn't do it and I came home.

When I emerged from the bathroom, I saw Cam leaving with the bartender that flirted with her when we had first arrived. She texted me early this morning to let me know she got home safely. It was a thing we did to keep an eye on each other. One time, I forgot to text her and she came over to my apartment. She totally walked in on me and Adam going at it. Oops. I still loved her though. I still loved Adam, too. I didn't want to, but that's why I couldn't sleep with that guy. After all, I spent over two years of my life with him. 

My cell phone chimed and I knew who it was.

Cam: Stop wallowing.

Me: I'm not wallowing.

Cam: You're still in bed and in your flannels. STOP wallowing.

Did this girl have to know everything about me?

Me: I hate you.

Cam: Pleaseeeeeee. You love me. Now, get out of the flannels. It's Christmas.

I didn't care what day it was, I was not leaving my apartment. I didn't want to be around strangers today. I didn't even want to be around my friends and have to answer their questions when I explained why Adam wasn't with me. I knee I was going to have to deal with them sooner or later; I just preferred later. Or never, if I got my way. But that's not how the world worked. Not for me anyway.

Me: Fine. I'll change and shower, like a real human. But I'm not leaving.

Cam: I'll be there in thirty minutes with chocolate, wine, and slasher movies :)

I couldn't help but smile at the text. I really did love my best friend.

Me: Sounds good xoxo

As promised, I crawled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. After showering and washing my hair, I put on comfy pants and a tank top. Suitable for company, but not for the public. It was the perfect outfit for my situation.

I walked to the kitchen in my one bedroom apartment. Adam and I moved in here eight months ago. Now, I needed to figure out how I was going to finish off this lease by myself. Waitressing was decent money, but it didn't cover all of the bills. Oh, well. That was next week's problem. Today, I was going to stay-in, probably cry a lot, and eat my weight in Ben & Jerry's. That was the standard protocol right? 

There was a knock at my door and I didn't need to ask who it was. "Coming, Cam!" I skipped over to the door and opened it for her. She came inside with her hands full and placed the snacks and DVD's on the table.