Broken Together

Chapter 18: Secrets

CHAPTER 18

AMELIA

 “What is it?” Vincent asked and I can’t seem to peel my eyes away from Rebecca. She looks at Vincent, then back to me before her window rolled up.

Turning to Vincent, who regards me with curiosity. “I saw Rebecca.” I whispered and his expression immediately change from concern to furious. Glancing outside one more time, but Rebecca’s car is not there anymore. She must’ve left right away before Vincent sees her.

“Where?” Vincent asked.

I looked back at Vincent and he’s scowling, “She just left.” I replied, confused and bothered. Did she follow us? Why?

Vincent stood up and he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and left a $100 bill on the table. “Let’s go.” He demanded as he looked around, I think he’s searching for Gavin.

“That’s too much.” I said to him, referring to the $100 bill.

“Amelia, I don’t really care about that right now.” He said, annoyed as he turned to look at me.

I pursed my lips and scowled at him. Why is he suddenly getting mad at me? Is he mad Rebecca saw us together? He extends his hand to me to help me stand up. I ignored it and rose from my chair. I pushed past him and head towards the door.

Gavin paused when he saw me, he’s holding a tray in his hands. “Leaving so soon?” He asked, smiling.

I smiled back at him. And I can sense Vincent walking behind me. I don’t know what’s gotten in my brain but before I can think logically, I stepped forward and leaned to Gavin then whispered in his ears, knowing that Vincent can see us, “He left you $100 dollars, keep the change.” Stepping back from him, Gavin’s face turned to red.

I immediately feel guilty by using him just to get back at Vincent. I glanced back at Vincent and he’s glaring at me; I turned towards the door, ignoring him, and rushed outside to feel the chilly breeze against my heated skin.

I hear the door slammed open behind me and Vincent yanked my hand to face him. “What the f**k is that?” he demanded as he loomed over me.  

“Why? Are you jealous?” I snapped back, crossing my arms in front of me, tilting my head up.

He’s looking me in the eye as if trying to figure me out. He continued to scowl, then he stepped back and ran his hand on his hair.

“Why are you mad at me all of a sudden? Is it because Rebecca saw us together?” I inquired.

He looked back at me, stepping closer as he looks into my eyes, “I am not mad at you, Amelia. I just…” he paused he thought of something. He clenches his jaw again, and he closes his eyes for a few seconds. “Let’s go. I’ll drive you back to your apartment.” his eyes opened, and he’s still mad at something, but he’s trying to control his temper.

“I’ll just take an Uber.” I stated, turning away from him.

“Damn it!” He strides past me and stopping me in my tracks. Looming over me, “Get inside the damn car or I’ll drag you inside?” He warned, and something inside me says that he’s not joking. His sudden mood changes just because I mentioned Rebecca makes angry, but I don’t want to push it too far. Peeling my eyes away from him, I looked around for his car, when I spotted it, I walk past him saying no word. I can hear his footsteps behind me as we approach his car. I can’t remember at which point he called Gustav to bring his car here, but that’s not important right now. What concerns me most is how immediately his mood change when I mentioned her. It’s like I turned a switch on and I hate it.

He was about to reach for the car door but I stopped him, “I can open it.” I muttered without looking at him. I opened the door and climb inside; He let out an exasperated sigh before I closed the door. He went around and opened his door. As he climbs inside, I can sense him looking at me, but I refuse to look back so I faced the window instead. 

A few minutes passed. And he’s walking me towards my apartment. I opened my apartment door and stepped inside. I expected him to go in as well, but he didn’t enter.

“I need to go somewhere.” He explained, emotionless. He shoved his right hand in his pocket while his other hand carries his car keys.

I cleared my throat and nodded slowly. “Okay.”

We looked at each other for a few seconds, then he spoke, “Good night.”

“Good night.” He’s really not going to stay over tonight. My heart sank. He left without a kiss, a hug, or anything. Letting out a sigh, I slowly closed the door. I stood against my door for a good minute or two, letting my emotions wash over me. I am mad and sad. Mad at Vincent because of his reaction and sad because he didn’t stay over.

Why is Rebecca there anyway? I’m sure it’s not a simple coincidence. She clearly was following us. But why? Wait… is Vincent going to meet her now? Is that why he doesn’t want to stay with me tonight? We were having a great day until she appeared and ruined it. The stabbing sensation in my chest is slowly clouding my judgment, and it’s overwhelming me. My throat and my eyes burn as millions of scenarios flash before my eyes: what or where Vincent is right now. 

I contemplated if I should call him and ask where he is, but his angry expression from earlier keeps appearing in my head. After what seems to be a long time, I rose from the floor and head to my bed. 

Checked the time on my phone, and it’s almost midnight. I checked my messages and I don’t see a text from him. I will not cry. I refuse to cry. Repeating it to myself. But my eyes betrayed me as tears fell slowly on my pillow. 

Monday. My eyes hurt after all those crying and I didn’t get enough sleep again. I groaned against my pillow and my head is throbbing. My phone vibrated from my bedside table and I immediately sat upright to grab it. 

My heart sank as I read Andrew’s name on the notification. I slide open the screen and read his message: 

Good morning, Mel! See you at the Gallery at 7:00. - Andrew 

I checked the time, and it’s 6:30am, so I still have time. I checked back on my messages and there’s still nothing from Vincent. Turning my off my phone and the frown on my face reflects on the screen. I shook my head to throw the empty feeling inside me. What happened to me? I used to be content being alone, but ever since I met him, his absence makes me feel so alone. 

I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. Even here in my small bathroom reminds me of him. I groaned, annoyed because of how pathetic I am acting right now. As I stare at myself in the mirror, I keep repeating to myself in my head; you need to snap out of it. You need to snap out of it. You did nothing wrong. If he decides he doesn’t want to see you anymore, let him be. Rebecca seems to be important to him, if he’s that upset that she saw him with me. Just thinking about it annoys me so much that I can’t help it. 

I stepped inside the shower and let the cold water wash away the anger. 

I arrived in front of the Gallery at 6:40. As I walk around the spacious gallery, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned around to see Andrew with a polite smile. He’s wearing a black buttoned up shirt and jeans. 

“Good morning, Mel.” He greeted as he paused in front of me. He’s a good-looking guy, but not compared to Vincent. 

“Good morning.” I smiled back as I look around the place. “Am I the early bird?” 

“Yes. In fact, it’s the first time an employee came in before the call time.” He confessed. I smiled, proud of myself. “So,” he gestured me to walk beside him as he talks, “I was thinking of an introduction first. Is that okay?” He asks me as he led me to another room filled with tons of pictures hanging on a blue painted wall. 

“Yes, of course.” I answered as I looked around the room. It’s so fascinating. 

“Okay. Ahm... well, I think I’ll start with myself.” He paused in front of a huge photo. I looked at it and it’s in black and white view of a city, but a little blurred. “My love for photography started with this one.” Andrew explained as we both admire the photo. “I was at the lowest point in my life when I took this photo. When I hit rock bottom, this was the view I saw when I looked up. The lights amid the darkness. It gave me hope, and ever since then, I enjoyed taking photos of everything that inspires me.” He looked at me, then around the room. “some people have libraries with all their favorite books… I made my library that has all my favorite photos.” He smiles as he looked around the room and it made me remember feeling that way when I worked at the bookstore. I always wanted a house with an immense library but a room full of photos that captured moments that are special to you, I’d like that too.

I walked around the room, appreciating each picture, but one photo caught my eye. I stepped closer to it and the picture is a little blurred, but I can make out two figures close to each other. It’s a man and a woman. The man looks like his face is buried in the woman’s neck as the woman wraps her hand around the man’s waist. The person who took this photo looks like he or she is peeking inside the cracked door. As I stare at it, I feel like I’m invading their privacy. So I glanced away to see Andrew staring at me.

He’s looking at me with no type of emotion on his face then when I was about to open my mouth to speak, Andrew’s face lit up and he slowly smiles like he’s thinking of an inside joke. “Let’s go meet the other employees.” He said before turning around and starts walking. I followed him to the other room, completely baffled. 

When we reached the lobby area, I saw two women and 1 man talking to each other. They turned to us when Andrew greeted them good morning. 

They all looked so stylish meanwhile here I am, wearing my blue jeans, white shirt and blue cardigan. The two girls whispered to each other while looking at me, and the man with pink highlights in his hair smirks at me.

“Team, this is Amelia Hale and she will join us.” Andrew announced.

“Hi.” I immediately smiled hoping to see them smile back but so far, only the guy with pink highlights was the only one who smiled back. While the two girls looked bored. 

Andrew turned to look at me, “You can buddy up with Leon, right here,” he touched the shoulder of the guy with the pink highlights. “He can teach you what we do around here.” Andrew’s phone rang, and he turned to us and excused himself before answering the call, then disappearing in the other room.

Leon smiled brightly at me, “Nice to meet you, Amelia.” He said extending his hand to me. 

I immediately took it and smiled back at him, “Thank God you joined us because I’m getting really bored with those two.” He whispered, referring to the other two girls. 

“Whatever.” The other girl with a blonde hair said as she rolls her eyes at Leon. She and the other one with a long brown hair turn to leave after looking at me from head to toe. 

“Ignore them. The blonde hair is Jamie, and the brunette is Kristine. They are madly in love with our boss, but he’s just unavailable.” He rolled his eyes at the two girls, then looked back at me. “You’re so pretty.” He gushed, leaning closer to look at my eyes, “And beautiful eyes.” He said in a sing-song tone, then he stepped back to look at my clothes. “Okay... we can work on your fashion sense.” 

“Why? My cardigan did not pass project runway?” I jested.

“I can find you a much better cardigan than that after I burn it.” He replied, grinning. And I know that Leon and I will get along.

I spent the entire day helping Leon with filing documents and scheduling events for the Gallery. The only time we took a break was to get lunch and I have no complaints because even though Jamie and Kristine ignore me, Leon doesn’t. in fact, we bond over talking about his love life and how difficult it is to find a guy who wants to be in a serious relationship. I keep thinking about Leon and Alice. They could become friends too because they both have a positive aura.

Andrew checks in from time to time, asking if we would all like to get coffee and of course, Jamie and Kristine jump at the opportunity to spend time with Andrew. We all went to the nearest coffee shop to drink our coffees there and then, after a few hours, we went back to the Gallery.

When it’s time to go home, Leon gave me a flying kiss before walking to another direction while Jamie and Kristine climbed in on their Uber. I walked to the direction of my apartment.

“Hey, Mel!” Andrew called out, and I turned around to see him in his car, his window rolled down so I stopped walking to smile at him.

“Hey.”

“I can drive you home?” He offered, smiling politely.

I looked around and noticed that only a few people are out on the streets at this hour, but I don’t think it’s dangerous to walk. Turning to look back at him, “That’s okay, Andrew. I’ll just walk from here. Thank you, though.” I assured, smiling politely back at him. I could’ve booked an Uber, but my budget is really tight right now.

Andrew checks the time on his wristwatch, and then he scans the streets. Looking back at me, “Can I please drive you back to your apartment just for my peace of mind?” he pleaded.

I can see the genuine concern in his eyes and I know that I’ll feel bad if I decline his offer. I sighed before nodding yes. Then he opened his door to step outside, and I followed him as he walked to the other side of his car. He opened the passenger door for me and I climb inside.

As he drove, we talked a little bit about his family. He’s an only child, his mother and father are unfortunately in the process of divorce. He said that he doesn’t blame his mom or his dad because he said he’s old enough to understand that his parents doesn’t love each other anymore. Even if he says that he’s okay with his parents separating, I still feel sad for him.

After an a few minutes, I’m thanking Andrew for dropping me off and I watch his car drove away before going inside the building. The elevator door opened to my floor and I walked to my apartment. As my keys jangled on my door, the lady from next door, peeked from her door, “You should tell your boyfriend not to keep banging on your door every 2 hours.” She scolded before going back inside of her apartment, slamming her door.

Vincent came here? For what? I shrugged it off and decided not to think about him. He might not come here again anyway. If he and Rebecca is in a relationship, then I don’t want to be included in their business.

I walked inside my apartment and head to my kitchen to make me a sandwich. Why does he have to keep coming here when he can find out where I am with whatever stalker app he’s developing? Oh no. I totally forgot that I turned off my phone. I rushed to fished it out from my bag and I quickly turned it on.

As soon as it’s on, it’s pinging nonstop. I waited for at least 5 minutes for the notifications to stop. When it stopped pinging, I slide open and checked my messages. 10 messages from Vincent.

Where are you?

I need to talk to you. Where are you?

It’s pretty tempting to break your door down.

Your neighbor needs to mind her f*****g business.

Amelia… I swear to God

Where are you?

I stopped reading and checked my call log. 20 missed calls from him. I’m tempted to call him back, but I need to hold myself back. I have to control myself not to give in.

A loud thud startled me. I waited another minute to make sure if I really heard it or it’s just my imagination. I tiptoed towards my door and waited for any sound coming from outside my door.

It made me jump when I heard a loud thud again and then followed by someone muttering something I can’t understand. I leaned closer to the door to understand what the person is saying, then my phone rang. Vincent is calling. Wrong timing. I quickly declined it, then I heard the person outside mentioned my name.

“Amelia?”

It took me a few seconds to figure who it was. I opened the door, and I saw a disoriented, but still handsome as hell, Vincent. 

He smirks as he steps towards me, and the way he looks at me is lethal to my self-control. 

“There you are.” He purred. 

“Why are you here?” I ask, squaring my shoulders and crossing my arms in front of me. 

“You tell me” He slurred, grinning as he stops in front of me. 

“Are you drunk?” 

“Maybe” He snickered as he sways a little, “where have you been?” 

“At work.” I replied. His playful smile is forcing me to tear my guard down. He looks wasted. I think he’ll pass out any minute now based on the way he’s swaying side to side. 

His eyebrows furrowed, “I didn’t see you at Josie’s.” 

“Because I was not there.” I admitted then I remembered Vincent and Andrew seem to not like each other. I’m not sure if I should tell him where I’m working now. 

“Okay... where were you then?” He asks, standing in front of me, tilting his head to the side, his lips sucked in and I can see how deep his dimples are. His gaze burned everywhere on my body as he looks at me up and down. “Well?” He urged.

I want to slap myself from this trance and build a wall between us to fight this urge to get closer to him. 

“At the Gallery.” I whispered and almost instantly, Vincent’s eyes widen and his lips pressed together.

“What the f**k happened with me specifically telling you to stay away from him?” He snapped, stepping towards me.

I forgot what he said about staying away from Andrew. “Well, I can’t because he’s my boss now.” I replied, backing away from him.

“Boss?!” He scoffed then he turned around from me and paces around the room. He ran his hand on his hair and muttered to himself, “Just when you think you’ve handled it.” He then turned to me, “So you’re working for him now?”

“Yes. What is your problem with him, anyway? What happened to you two?” I demanded.

He continued pacing around the room without looking at me, “That’s no concern of yours.” He muttered.

“Well, it concerns me now that you’re making this a big deal.” I pointed out. 

This time he turned to look at me, and he’s furious. “Why do you always disobey me? Is it so damn hard for you to do what I say?” 

I tilted my chin up and looked at him in the eyes, “I am not your property, Vincent. Don’t expect me to OBEY you.” 

He stared at me for a few seconds and I see a hint of a smile on his lips, “Why didn’t you tell me about this?” His voice settled down and his fury slowly diminishes. 

“Well, I’m not the only one keeping secrets.” I replied. Me, working for Andrew is not exactly a secret because I just simply forgot to mention it to Vincent. I just want him to take a hint so that he’ll tell me where he went last night. 

He pressed his lips together, then he looked down. Placed his hands on his hips before looking up, “What do you want to know?” He muttered. 

“I want to know what you’re keeping from me.” I answered. 

His eyes softened, and he cupped my cheeks as he stares into my eyes. I sighed in response to his touch, it’s like all the tension in my body slowly diminishing. 

“I might lose you.” He whispered as his forehead touches mine. He closed his eyes as I waited. 

“You won’t.” I whispered. He smiled a little, but he kept his eyes closed. Whatever it is that he’s hiding from me... it’s really weighing him down. 

Vincent opened his eyes and pulled away from me. I can see determination in his eyes as he spoke, “The day you went to our house with Alice, I was with Rebecca.” 

Even if somewhere inside me already knows that, it still makes my heart ache now that it’s coming directly from his mouth. He stares at me waiting for my reaction, but I try to not show any emotion on my face. When he realized that I will not say anything, he continued, “I slept with her but...” he paused as he looks at me. My attempt to hide my feelings is not working because he stepped towards me and reached for my cheek. “Please don’t cry.” He cooed.

My body jerked away from him and I feel like everything is spinning even though I’m not the one who’s drunk. “You went to her last night?” I whispered as I looked around for something to hold on to. 

“Yes.” He confirmed. Then he moves towards me. I held up my hand to him, stopping him from getting any closer. Turns out, I don’t have the strength to do this. 

“Get out.” I mumbled without looking at him. 

“Amelia, please, let me explain...” He pleaded

“No. Get out of my apartment, Vincent.” He’s still with her while he’s sleeping with me. What am I, a side chick? Something to pastime? I gave my virginity to someone who doesn’t deserve it. I feel like throwing up. 

“No. Listen to me...” he insists   

I turned to look at him, and the stabbing sensation in my heart is increasing. “You’ve done enough, Vincent. Get out!” I yelled at him as I walk towards him, pushing him to the door. 

“Amelia please...” he tried to hold my arms that are pushing his chest.

“Don’t touch me!” I snarled at him. When he backs away to the hallway. I slammed the door in his face, saying nothing else.