Unfinished Business: Branded for Revenge

You Don't Have to be Lonely Being Alone

The sound of incoming notifications echoed through the quiet room, I snatched my phone off the counter swiftly putting it on silent while glancing at the students hoping they were not looking at me. None seemed to have been disturbed as their eyes remained focused on the books in front of them. A sigh fell from my lips as I averted my gaze to the screen reading the texts from Jada. She and Bec were making plans to have lunch after their class, they were asking me to tag along. I replied confirmed I would make it seeing that my schedule was empty for the rest of the day, Fridays are dedicated to relaxing. They probably have tons of things to tell me, from everything new about their love lives to school and anything in between. I don't mind listening, normally I have nothing to say so them oversharing saves me most times. The most I've told them was my mother's passing, leaving out certain details for obvious reasons. Otherwise, from that I kept most, if not all, truths about the real me locked away. Can you blame me? That's kinda why I took this path, to leave the past in the past. At least my intentions aren't to harm anyone. It's been amazing so far, I met delightful people and my mental health has improved. Doesn't feel like a dark cloud is dangling over my head anymore, the feeling of a heavy weight on me is nonexistent. I feel like I can breathe again.

"Ahem."

Instinctively my body jerked slightly startled and I tried my best to put the device away since it's prohibited during work time. When my eyes met with Riley's I relaxed instantly and a smile took over my face. He stood there with his hand over his mouth as he chuckled at my reaction, it's the typical way for him to greet me. I wonder how I haven't gotten accustomed to it yet.

"How may I help you Terrence?" I asked politely and he returned a smile, flashing his pearly whites.

"Meeting this girl from my lecture, I missed half the lesson this morning and she offered to help me out."

"Why'd you miss?" I questioned.

"I overslept," he leaned on the desk that separated us. "I was up late working out last night."

"Couldn't sleep?" I moved closer to him so he wouldn't have to speak aloud. The library is meant to be a quiet place, it would be hypocritical to break my own rules.

"I just wasn't sleepy," he glanced at the screen of his phone. "Did some light work so I could tire myself out, why don't you stop by, it's been a while."

Usually, I would've met with him at the gym to exercise, he would play the role of my trainer since most times I was ready to give up. Not only that but he would educate me on self-defense, training, and testing me about tactics that could save my life. That's how we grew close, not in a romantic way but rather purely platonic, this was before I started working at the library so we would spend hours together. I only stopped to focus more on school but I wouldn't mind making it a routine again, even if it's just once a week.

"Saturdays?" I suggested and his eyes lit up with enthusiasm which made my smile grow wider.

"She's here, I got to go now."

"Alright, be safe today."

"Same to you, wanna have lunch when your shift is over?"

"Already made plans with the girls."

"How about a movie tonight?"

"Yes! I wanna choose."

"And I'll have the snacks, namasté."

I waved at him as he made his way to the young woman who approached him and engulfed him in a long hug. She is definitely not here just to give notes, she has something else to offer. The way she squeezed him before they pulled apart says it all.