Shattered Illusions

CHAPTER 2

Prisca was trying to distract herself from the pain her conversation with Jimmy had brought her by scrubbing the kitchen counter. There was something almost reassuring about the sound of tumbling dishes and gushing water, a little diversion from her mess. Zack walked in, his expression unidentifiable.

"Hi, Prisca," Zack leaned cautiously against the door. "How are things going for you?"

Prisca did not look up as she worked on her task. "Hey Zack, how are you? just trying to keep busy.

Zack groaned and ran a hand over his hair. "Today, I saw Jimmy."

Prisca froze, her fists tightening on the sponge. "Oh?"

Getting disturbed, Zack said, "Yeah, he was with some girl." "They appeared quite comfortable."

This made Prisca cry. She'd thought Jimmy was just confused, so maybe there was still hope for them. Which young lady?

"I'm not sure, a blonde." Zack stated, crossing his arms, "They were at his house." "I didn't wait to observe more."

Prisca's mind was racing. Jimmy had moved on so quickly, and it hurt more than she wanted to admit. "Zack, thanks for letting me know."

Zack moved forward, his eyes becoming softer. "Prisca, this is not what you deserve." You deserve someone who cares about you.

Her attempt at a smile faltered before it reached her eyes. "Yes, Zack, I know. I just need a little bit of time.

Zack politely noted, "Take as much time as you require." "And I'm here to talk if you want to."

Even though his assistance did not lessen the anguish in her chest, Prisca nodded in gratitude.

Prisca decided she would talk to Jimmy the next day. She could not let this go unanswered; she needed answers. She walked over to Jimmy's house, her mind a whirlwind of feelings. She walked over and spotted Jimmy sitting on the porch laughing with the blonde girl.

Prisca took a deep breath and walked toward them, her heart pounding. "Jammy."

Jimmy looked up, his expression full of surprise. Hello, Prisca.

The blonde girl glanced at them, seeing the tension between them. As she stood up, she said, "I'll give you two a minute." "I'm going inside."

Prisca said nothing till the girl was gone. Who's that lady, Jimmy?

Jimmy grumbled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Her name is Hannah. It has been a few weeks since we started dating.

Prisca felt a surge of anger and betrayal. So you just moved on? just like that?

Jimmy remarked, a little irritated in his tone, "It's not like that, Prisca. Our relationship was over. I thought you were done with me, as you barely talk to me these days.”

Prisca spoke angrily, "I didn't want to break up." "You're the one that is bringing this whole thing up."

Jimmy's expression softened. "Prisca, I never intended for this to happen. It just happened on its own. I'm sorry.

"Apologies?" Prisca's voice was shaking. "You believe saying "sorry" will make this better?"

Jimmy acknowledged that it doesn't. But what exactly do you want me to say?

Prisca, unable to control her feelings, balled her hands. What I want to know is why you didn't stand up for us. What made you give up so easily?

Jimmy looked down, unable to meet her look. "Because I had no idea how to make things right." You were so self-absorbed and distant from everyone else. It seemed to me that I was out of place there.

"I was, of course, distant!" Prisca started to weep. "While tending to my sick father, I'm attempting to maintain order. You knew it.

Jimmy said, "I get it. It hurt, Prisca, still. It hurt to feel like I was always your second priority in life.

Prisca took a deep breath and let his words settle in. "Jammy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say it to you that way.

Jimmy reached out and took her hand. "Prisca, you'll be on my mind constantly. Maybe this isn't the right moment for us to be together, however.

She removed her hand, tears streaming down her face. "Maybe you're right. Goodbye, Jimmy.

That evening, Prisca was alone in her room, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. The home was quiet; her father had gone to sleep. She felt deeply bereaved and filled with fury and anguish. She had to let Jimmy go even if he had been her love.

The next several days appeared to go very quickly. Prisca threw herself into taking care of her father, hoping to take her mind off Jimmy and Hannah. Still, the pain was constant, a constant reminder of her losses.