The Rainbow at the end of my storm

•13•

"Hey, Bree" I heard Mason say, he sounded so confident and cocky. He was loving what he'd just saw. Of course he was Victoria, he's a boy! Ergh!

"Hey bree-eee" Jason's voice trailed off shakily as he realised Bree was right in front of him. Probably because he'd just confessed he was in here for her. Bet he felt embarrassed.

I listened to the awkward silence that occurred between the three, while hurrying to get dressed. I wanted to leave and never see Mason Leighway again. And I definitely did not want to enter another lingerie shop, they were cursed!

"Bree, can we go?"  I asked, fumbling with my bag as I shoved the pink outfit on the racks in the changing room. Mason was still standing there, only this time he was leaning sideways against the side of the entrance, with a sexy smirk on his face.

"Hey, Victoria." dick.

I fake smiled before purposely pushing past him, Bree could follow me but if she chose not to I didn't mind. I just had to get out of here.

Before I could leave the store, he grabbed my arm to whisper in my ear. "Just to say, you looked sexy in that little thing." He smirked again, his hot breath tickling the side of my neck. "You should buy it."

His expression soured when I said my next words. "Why? So you can fuck me and leave me while I wear it? You don't date right? I've been told, and I'm not interested."

I left before he could formulate a response. Bree didn't follow me and I was quite thankful. I just needed some space.

I considered walking the whole way back to the dorms, then realised it would take me way too long and I had no clue which direction I would start in. So I decided to wander round the rest of the shopping centre instead. The stroll was refreshing and peaceful. I barely entered any shops, but I still managed to enjoy myself. Since Kieran, I would take small walks by myself. I never used to enjoy the idea of a simple walk, or understood the meaning of needing to get air or space; even when the divorce happened, I never felt that way. But after Kieran, I did. It helped me deal with a lot of my emotions and thoughts.

Right now, I didn't know what was going through my head. I didn't know why I was being so cold towards Mason either. I just know I need him to stay away from me, but he keeps coming back like a boomerang. I sighed to myself. Maybe I was being cruel and over exaggerating.

As I passed more shops, I saw an advertisement for a job. It was a small café called 'tea and cakes'. It was cute. I stood contemplating whether to go in and enquire or to leave it, but then I realised how much I needed a job, a car, and money for myself, so I walked straight in.

The inside was decorated chocolate brown and cream, with chocolate brown swirls adorning the walls. Alongside them was photography of their cakes and drinks beside an artist view. It looked stylish and contemporary, but still comfy. The cushions scattered across the sofas had tiny cupcakes stitched on each one, making it feel homely and warm. I love it already.

"Hi! What can I get you?" A strawberry blonde with black rimmed glasses stood behind the counter with a magnificent smile across her face.

"I was actually wondering about the job you've advertised outside?" I pointed towards the advert stuck to the door.

"Oh yes! Give me one minute" she said, and walked towards the back.

I turned my back to take in more of the space around me, absorbing the aroma of fresh cakes and coffee as I did.

"Excuse me?" The strawberry blonde, whom I noticed was actually called Liv from her name badge, returned. "Come this way please."

I nodded and followed, presuming she would want me to meet her boss.

"Right," she began, leading me into a small white room with a two seater table and chairs. "Firstly, what hours can you do?"

Shocked that I didn't have to fill out an application, I stood perplexed for a second. "Sorry, I was expecting an application and everything. Errm, well, I attend classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday and Friday afternoons, so I can do weekends and anytime in the week before or after classes." I smiled brightly, waiting for her next question.

"Okay, great. If you could just write down roughly which times and then I can begin sorting a contract for you." She passed me a piece of paper and a pen, again I was surprised. That simple?

After I finished writing down my schedule, she passed me a T-shirt with the logo on. "I'll call you later to discuss your first day and we'll complete training on the job"

She led me back out towards the front of the shop. "So, I'll speak to you later" she said, happy and bright.

"Thank you so much!" I left towards the exit, almost tripping over my own feet when I saw who was leaning against the door frame.

"Are you following me?" I growled, folding my arms over my chest.

He was relaxed, cigarette between his fingers. He always looked so calm.

"Maybe. Maybe not" he answered.

Was he for real?

"Don't start talking in riddles or whatever, just give me a straight reply"

He looked straight at me, smirking again. "I'm waiting for Jason and Bree. They're over there" he gestured towards the fast food place opposite. A feeling of stupidity rushed through me.

"So, no, I'm not following you. I'd say you're following me, considering" he said, edging closer as he chucked his cigarette on the floor and crushed it beneath his trainers. "I'd even say, you like having me in your presence. You just refuse to admit it. I also feel there's something your hiding"

We were so close, inches apart, and I wanted so bad to kiss him. Why was my body doing this to me? Betraying me. I couldn't do this. He didn't date, I didn't want to date. Win-win situation. But it wasn't that simple.

"These lips-" he caressed his thumb across my bottom lip, pinching ever so slightly. "-they're so soft, so beautiful. Just like you. Why do you keep avoiding me, Victoria?" His eyes bore into me further. I felt under pressure, I couldn't speak. I wanted so bad to tell him but I just couldn't.

"I can't do this" I turned around, failing to escape when he grabbed me for the hundredth time and pressing me against his body.

"Come with me, don't leave. Please" his begging did nothing for my determined mind, instead it made me weak. So weak, I complied.

He pulled me towards the car park even though I hadn't replied. I felt if I didn't verbally give an answer then it would be better if I decided to flee again like a scared animal in the jungle. But in reality, it wouldn't make a difference.

"There's this place, somewhere my parents own." He slipped into the drivers seat and slipped in beside him.

I knew I'd regret this, but a part of me was slightly excited to see where we were going.