Being His Substitute Bride

Chapter three

Elora..

I leaned against the window of the bus. Everything was blurry as I stared at the evening view. The bus stopped and I walked back home less enthusiastic than I was in the morning.

I opened the front door and saw my boyfriend, Mike, on my couch that was barely standing. I smiled a little as I saw him focused on the game he was playing.

"Hey babe" I said as I kissed his cheek. He turned and gave me a small smile.

"You look stressed" he said and I nodded. I dropped my bag on my bed and face planted on my bed. "I wanted to talk to you El" he said in a serious tone and my heart fell. I sat up on the bed and looked at him but he avoided eye contact.

"Mike?"

"You've been busy this past year and.. you have a lot on your shoulders" he started, "I've also been busy and we barely see each other."

"What are you trying to say Mike?" I asked, holding my breath.

"Our relationship is not as it used to be." He said, taking a hold of my hands. I tightened my hold on his hands not wanting to let go because I had a feeling this might be the last. "Let's take a break El"

I felt the world pause. It felt like hours passed but it was just a few seconds. I blinked repeatedly, I wanted him to tell me that it was a bad joke or maybe a late April fool in July.

"El?" I snapped back to reality as he looked at me in worry.

"Why Mike? Is it something I did wrong?" I asked as a tear slipped down my face.

"No babe, not at all" he reassured me wiping the tears from my face, "we are both focused on our school and job. Let's just take a break. For a short time, okay?"

"What if the short time becomes forever Mike? If you are tired of me just tell, please" I said and the second tear rolled down my cheek and the rest followed in an unbroken stream.

"I love you El, I really do but.. but let's just see how this break goes ok?" He said slowly letting go of my hand.

"Mike.."

"I'll go now" he said before leaving. I heard the door close and slid down to the floor. Today could not get any worse.

**

"And he just broke it off like that?" Raya asked and I nodded before realizing we were on a call.

"Yeah but he said we were on a break so on the bright side.."

"El, don't keep your hopes high. It might not happen you know" Raya said stating the sad truth.

"I know but it just might" I said before entering the cafe with the help wanted sign, "I'll call you back later, I have an interview" I said before hanging up. I wanted to be like the other girls who sit at home and mourn their broken heart but I literally couldn't afford it.

Three places later, I sat on the bench in the bus station tiredly. No luck at all, not even the pizzeria that looked like a mad house wanted to employ me. I boarded the bus and sat at the back, my head against the window. My phone rang and my younger brother's name showed on the caller ID.

"Hey El, what's up?" I heard him say cheerily and I smiled.

"I'm fine, stressed but fine." I replied.

"Ok, umm-" he said and I chuckled, "have you eaten?" He asked randomly.

"Is your tuition due?" I asked him knowing the reason he called.

"It was due last month but I felt bad so-"

"I told you to always call me. I'm sending you the money right away" I said and he sighed.

"Thanks a lot El" he finally said after a long pause, "I worked for half the tuition but the doctor said mum needed some drugs so.."

"You don't have to explain Eden. You are my responsibility and as an older sister I should provide for you so don't hesitate to tell me okay?" I assured him even though I knew that apart from his tuition, I had close to nothing.

"I love you El"

"Love you too" I replied before hanging up. I sent the money to him and stared at my sad account balance.

I walked back to my house and saw my landlady waiting by the front door.

"Good evening Mrs Miller" I greeted and she smiled.

"Good evening dear" she replied

"I know it's overdue but I'll pay bit by bit" I tried to assure her.

"The rent prices has soared these days and I have children to train. Try and do something before next week ok? Or I'll have to find a new tenant" she said before giving me a small smile and leaving.

I turned around and walked to the quiet arch bridge famous for it's beautiful evening scenery. It had less cars everyday because people thought it was haunted yet it was turning to a mini tourist centre at night. As I got closer to the bridge, a cool wave of fresh air hit me. It made me feel lighter like I wasn't a laughing stock for the deities up there.

An expensive looking car parked by the bridge and a girl came out. She might be a little older than me but everything about her screamed money. It made me uncomfortable in my t-shirt and jeans that barely cost a dollar.

I just slowly followed girl as she entered the bridge. I got lost in my thoughts and totally forgot about her. Just as I was about to head back home, I saw the girl standing on the slippery rails of the bridge. Before I could even understand what was happening, she jumped.