Unfinished Business: Branded for Revenge

Nice for What?

Mia Johnson

"I can't believe you just up and quit your job like that, could never be me," I shrugged listening to Jada and reached for a few M&Ms from the bowl that sat at the centre of my bed. I had my books open in front of me and a highlighter in my hand, the cast made it much harder to move around. My class begins in the next two hours and I thought it was best to study a little before seeing that I missed a few days. Jada and Rebecca agreed to spend the day at my apartment. The plan was to have a small study session. Unfortunately every other minute we find something to discuss, instead of us being focused the room was filled with chatting. The books sitting so neatly before us is the least of our worries.

They're currently talking about the fact that I quit my past job, which was the part-time position I had at one of our schools library. It's the way how I left without already scoring another job, for them it seemed extremely risky but what they don't know is that I applied for a position as an administrative assistant at a popular company not too far away from campus. I have been sending out applications left and right, hopefully I receive a callback.

"I grew tired of being there and with the accident I'm gonna be missing a few days so I just left," I replied, my mouth filled with the sweet sensation of M&Ms. "And I really don't feel like going to work right."

"With no other job lined up? No plan?" Jada asked with her eyebrows raised.

"I'll figure it out," I shrugged once more whilst reaching for more M&Ms.

"When I grow up I wanna be like you," Rebacca chimed in and I chuckled at her response. "I am so serious, you literally have everything under control."

"Your grades are great, no man to stress you out, clear skin, a stunning body, I've never heard you complain, not once, about money or anything rather, you literally give the best advice and you're just . . . Perfect." Jada added.

My heart melted at the sweet words coming from them, I couldn't hold back the smile that continued to grow on my face, I had no idea they admired me this much. It's a pity they don't know I am far from perfect.

"You guys are going to make me cry," I pouted. "Trust me when I say I am not perfect."

"Either way, I wish I had control of shit like you because life really beat me up sometimes girl, " Rebacca pouted, copying my actions.

"Just take control, it's not that hard."

"Trust me, girl, I've tried. It's like no matter how hard I try my happiness does not last, " a frustrated sigh came from Rebecca.

"That's because you always make something or someone else your happiness, when they leave so does the bit of joy you had. You never really try to enjoy yourself instead you fake your happiness and when you do that eventually your act is gonna wear out, " I explained.

"And what are you doing Nayeli?" Anthony appeared from the corner of the room. Dressed in the same clothing he wore the day he died.   The top of his shirt was entirely covered in blood, the slit of his neck narrowly opened. My heart slowed for a second, and so did every other thing around me, my breath included. Eventually my heart felt like it began to beat again, just this time it was thumping against my chest and that's when everything started to move in real time. I lowered my head and blinked rapidly hoping that would make him vanish. When I looked at the exact spot he was no longer there, however, Jada and Rebecca were giving me a look of worry.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom."

I rushed to the sink, quickly using the water to splash my face hoping it would help me to feel more awake. Truth is I've been having trouble sleeping, every night I would basically take naps. Not so easy staying asleep when all I get are repetitive nightmares. Whenever I wake it's even harder getting relaxed enough to fall asleep because I start to feel as if I'm being watched, as if I'm not alone. I know it's just my head playing tricks on me, my past experience is continuing to haunt me. Regardless, I am not going to let it get the best of me.