Shattered Boundaries!!

Chapter 3.

About two hours later, we arrived safely at the tarmac and the plane was slowly emptying. I waited for the entrance to be less crowded before walking out with my mom and mister annoying followed behind in a comfortable silence until we got to the gate at the other end of the tunnel.

We walked to baggage claim and I sighted our suitcases on the conveyor moving towards me. Immediately it stopped, my mom and I grabbed them and I watched Mister Annoying grab the next duffle bag that followed after ours.

I rolled my eyes then turned around and made my way towards the exit. I could hear and feel his prescience from behind me and I almost accused him of following me but then I realized that we were both heading to the exit so I decided to just ignore him. And besides, I was glad that he was trying to speak to me anymore so there was no need to make him have a reason to speak to me.

“Honey I need to go use the restroom.” My mom informed and I nodded in understanding.

“Okay. I’ll wait here.”

“No sweetie. Just take the bags to the parking garage and I’ll meet you there. I might take a while and I don’t want you standing here like a lost kid.”

I c****d a questioning eyebrow at her as my eyes scanned the four big suitcases in front of me.

“Mom, come on. How do you expect me to take this out all on by myself. I’ll just wait till you get back from the restroom and then we’ll leave together.” I protested.

“Uhmm….. I could help lighten your load.” A familiar annoying voice spoke from behind me and I let out a frustrated groan.

“I appreciate the offer, but I can handle my luggage, thank you.” I disregarded his offer curtly.

“Oh dear.” My mom chirped excitedly as she spoke to him. “That's so kind of you! Marlene, let him help. It's nice to have a gentleman around."

“Let this gentleman help you out here, Marlene.” He said with a familiar proud grin on his lips as he emphasized my name.

He had asked for my name earlier on the plane and I didn’t tell him, so I could imagine how glad he was now that he knew my name.

I rolled my eyes and heaved a tired sigh.

I seem to be doing a lot of sighing and rolling my eyes since I met him.

“Fine, whatever. If it'll make you both happy then he can help with the bags.”

“Great! I'll make sure everything gets safely to the car."

“You see, sweetheart? Sometimes it's okay to accept a helping hand.” My mom turned to me and spoke with a smile.

“Mommy please just go use the restroom already.” I ushered her towards the restroom then grabbed the two suitcases by my side before making my way to the exit.

We successfully arrived at the parking garage after going through the terror of the nameless guy trying to initiate a conversation.

“Thanks for helping with the bags. You can be on your way now.” I said curtly.

“No ma’am. I told your mom that I was gonna make sure everything gets into the care safely and that’s what I’m gonna be doing, Marlene.” He retorted. “So if you wanna get rid of me quickly then take me to the car.”

I stared at him with a blank expression because I didn’t want him to know that he was having a huge effect on me. No matter how much of a gentleman he tries to be, I find him to be really annoying

“Whatever.” I brushed off dryly as I brought my phone out of my purse and then ordered an Uber. Thankfully the ride was gonna be arriving in five minutes so I only had to endure his presence for five minutes and then he’ll be out of my face for good.

A black Camry pulled up in front of us and my phone beeped, signifying that my tire had arrived. Once he was done helping to transfer the suitcases into the car trunk, I thanked him half-heartedly and just when I was about to open the car door, he spoke.

“Marlene hold on a sec.”

“What do you want this time?” I sighed exasperatedly.

“I can't help but feel a connection between us. I think we could be really great friends.”

My patience had worn thin, and I was no longer willing to tolerate his persistent advances. I decided to make her feelings crystal clear.

“'I’m sure I already made it abundantly clear that I have no interest in getting to know you. I don't want to give you false hope, so please respect my boundaries and leave me alone."

He looked taken aback by my harsh response, finally realizing the gravity of his actions. He tried to salvage the situation, but I was resolute.

“I guess I came off too strong, Marlene.“ He chortled softly.

My frustration was slowly turning into anger, and I wanted to make sure he understood the severity of his actions.

“Your persistent advances are enough to make me not wanna be friends with you. I hate when my space gets interrupted. So for the record, I have no wish to ever see or speak to you again."

His face fell, realizing the impact of his actions. I’m sure he already realized that he had crossed a line and had no choice but to accept my decision.

He nodded lightly as he spoke.

“I understand perfectly, Marlene. I apologize for my behavior. I'll leave you alone from now on."

“Thank you.” I retorted.

“But I need you to know the city is quite small and we might just run into each other sooner or later. I believe we’ll be meeting each other really soon though.” He said, the proud smirk making a grand return. “See you around beautiful.” He added with a wino before turning around and walked away.

Confusion was etched on my face as I stared at his retreating figure disappear before jolting myself back to my senses and entering the car to wait for my mom.

Some hours later…

We arrived at the address Gracie had sent to me about an hour and some minutes later and headed up to the apartment number with our bags.

Moving to LA was a rushed decision so we couldn’t prepare an apartment ahead and Gracie was so nice to offer us her apartment when I told her about our relocation to Los Angeles. Since she recently got engaged, she offered to let us stay in her place while she lives with her fiancé until we get an apartment of our own.

I feel slightly uncomfortable about the situation because a part of me feels like we kicked Gracie out of her house but I have no other options at this point. It’s either we take Gracie’s offer or my mom and I end up under the bridge. And the latter sounds really horrible.

Getting an apartment in Los Angeles is gonna require a fortune because houses here are super expensive. It’s gonna take two months of my salary to be able to afford an apartment of my own. I honestly didn’t think it was going to require that much money when I applied for a job here.

“Thank you so much for letting us stay here cousin. My mom and I really appreciate your help.” I said to Gracie as I pulled her in for a hug.

“It’s fine Marlene. I’m glad I could help.” She retorted with a warm smile as she pulled away and then gave me the key. “You guys can stay here for as long as you like and you don’t have to worry about the rent. My dad already paid three months advance payment.”

“I owe you one Gracie.”

“Really sweetie. Thank you so much. We would forever be indebted to you.” My mom interjected.

“You don’t have to feel indebted towards me Aunty. You’re my family and family should help one another. I’m only doing the most logical thing to do in this situation.”

“You are so nice, Gracie.” My mom said as she smiled at her.

Her cell phone rang and she excused herself to go answer it while my mom and I continued to mutter about how grateful we are towards Gracie.

“My fiancée is waiting downstairs so I’ll be leaving now,” Gracie announced as she walked back to us. “Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

“You’ve done more than enough for us already sweetie. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” My mom said to her and Gracie nodded in understanding before turning her gaze to me.

“How long until you start working?” She asked me.

“I’ve got a week left until I start,” I answered.

“Alright then. I still have a few weeks to spend in LA so we can go out one of these days whenever you’re free and just catch up. I can also be your tour guide and show you around the city. There’s a lot to see here and I’m sure you’re absolutely gonna love it here.” She finished with a warm smile.

“Sure. Of course. I’ll love that.” I gave her a tight hug and waved her goodbye until she walked out of the house.

“I’ll take the bags up to the bedroom.” My mom informed me.

“Should I order some pizza? I’m kinda craving some right now.” I told her as I brought out my cell phone from my purse.

“Go ahead, sweetie.” She called after as she pushed the suitcase towards the bedroom door.