Forkful Kisses

#12 At My Worst

Dedicated to @decaffeinatxd for all the lovely comments <3 Enjoy the chapter! :) More things to come, and the plot should move faster in the next chapter!

#12 – At My Worst

"Don't you worry,

I'll be there, whenever you want me."

- Pink Sweats$ "At My Worst"

You are a part reflection of me.

I scoffed at Nic's words ringing in my head as I downed the last drop of beer from my can. Some people passing through the aisles of the convenience store recognized me and began to whisper. But I couldn't care less. By now, I was immune to the hate and the criticism. I was numb.

Finished with my drink, I crushed the can with my tight grip, and the aluminum surface crumpled under my force. Heat rose up my cheeks as the alcohol entered my system. I was ready to leave when I heard my phone buzz: it was a text from Alex.

Hey, are you okay? Mel, Nat, and I are going to grab sushi for dinner. Wanna come?

It was a text from Alex. Ever since the incident, I had received numerous texts from Alex, asking if I was fine, but I haven't had the time to reply him. Or maybe, I just wanted to avoid everyone.

I was about to reply him when another text arrived.

It's okay if you don't want to come.

Feeling slightly guilty, I typed back: I'm coming. Where are we meeting?

As soon as I sent the message, my phone began to ring. I scowled when I saw the caller's name: Nicholas Wilson.

"Hello," I said as soon as I answered the call.

"Hey, sorry, I just finished a meeting. Where are you? Do you want me to pick you up?" Nic asked in a hurried manner.

"It's fine. I'm going out to eat with my friends. I'll see you at home."

It felt weird to call Nic's penthouse my home.

"You're going to eat out? Where are you eating?" Nic's tone rose. "Emily, people are out there to bite you, and you still want to—"

"I know, it'll be a quick one."

There was a moment of hesitation. "Fine, on one condition," he said.

I raised an eyebrow. "What condition?"

"Text me the name of the restaurant."

I texted Nic the name and address of the restaurant as I rushed in my black heels. By then, the rain outside had stopped pouring. Speed walking across the streets, puddles of water splashed against my leg. Before I knew, I was in front of the restaurant: Nobu Fifty Seven.

My jaw dropped as soon as I landed my eyes on the restaurant. The place literally screamed fancy. From high ceilings, dim lights, and the lanterns hanging on one side of the wall, I was mesmerized by ambience—a fusion of both American and Japanese culture. No doubt that Mel must have chosen where to eat tonight.

Inside, I saw Alex waved at me. Nat and Mel were already there as well. From Mel's narrowed eyes, I could already tell that she has a lot of things to say. Marching towards them, I mentally braced myself for what's to come. To make it worst, I could feel other people in the restaurant began to point fingers towards me as I made my way to my friends.

"Em! Finally you came!" Alex said in delight as I sat down.

"I know right, it's been a while," Nat agreed.