Evan Apologizes
1932 Words
Nia sat at the dining area, quietly eating her meal, her fingers tapping on her phone as she scrolled through Pinterest. Just as she was lost in her own world, Evan walked into the room, a conflicted expression on his face. He approached Nia cautiously, his face showing his remorse.
"Uhmm," Evan cleared his throat to get her attention.
"What's up, Evan?" Nia looked up from her phone screen to reply, her tone half-hearted as she was still angry with him.
"I just wanted to... uhmmm, how are you doing?" Evan asked softly, his eyes searching for a glimpse of forgiveness.
Nia glanced up from her food, eyeing him warily. "I'm fine," she replied curtly, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and hurt. "Where have you been, Evan? I haven't seen you for the past three days. You just walked out on me like that."
Evan sighed, his remorse evident. "I'm sorry, Nia. I just figured you needed time," he said, trying to explain his actions.
Nia rolled her eyes, her guard still up. "Time? Time? Evan, you walked out on me," she emphasized, her voice filled with exasperation.
"I know, Nia," Evan said, taking a step closer to her. "I'm sorry," he continued, hoping to bridge the gap between them.
"Leave me alone," Nia shifted her shoulders, distancing herself when he tried to touch her.
"Come on, Nia," Evan insisted, a pleading look in his eyes. "We've been friends for so long. This can't possibly come between us," he tried to persuade her, flashing a charming smile and puppy eyes.
Nia felt her resolve weakening as Evan's charm and persistence chipped away at her anger. After all, he was her best friend. She couldn't stay mad at him forever.
"Alright," she replied, her lips curling into a small smile. Evan, not content with just her smile, decided to tickle her, causing her to burst into laughter. "It's okay, Evan," she managed to say in between her laughter as he finally stopped.
"Where did you go?" Nia asked, now in a lighter mood. They both moved to the living room, continuing their conversation in a more relaxed atmosphere.
"I went to see my mom. She wasn't feeling too well," Evan explained, his voice filled with concern.
"Oh," a look of genuine concern spread across Nia's face. "How is she now?"
"She's much better."
"Thank goodness," Nia said, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"I have something for you," Evan said, handing her a letter. His heart swelled with anticipation as he watched Nia receive the letter from his hand.
"What's this?" Nia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Open it," Evan replied, a warm smile playing on his lips.
Nia hesitated, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She carefully opened the letter, scanning through its contents. "I can't accept this, Evan," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. The letter was an employment offer from Evan's tech company. She couldn't bring herself to accept it. The last thing she wanted was to depend on him even more, living with him was already a big enough favor, and she didn't want to feel indebted to him.
"Why?" Evan asked inquisitively, his mood changing at the thought of her rejecting the job. "Isn't the job good enough?"
"It is, Evan, it is," she handed him back the letter. "But it's too much to take from you. You have showered me with so much already—clothes, skincare products, letting me stay here—and now this," she shook her head. "I can't accept this, Evan. It's really too much."
"Nia, I'm not complaining."
"But I am. I don't like feeling indebted to you," she defended. "Please, Evan," her tone pleading with him, "just let this one slide. Besides, I'm sure I'll find another job soon enough."
"Alright, alright, Nia, I hear you," Evan succumbed to her pleas, understanding her point. "But at least, can you take this?" He flicked a bag he had dropped earlier on the floor and handed it to her.
"What's in it?" Nia asked, about to tear his head off. "I said no more gifts, Evan."
"Just open it," he stretched forth his hand further. Nia reluctantly collected the bag and opened it, her eyes widening when she saw its contents. "It's a teddy bear!" she said, elated.
"You like it?" Evan asked with a smile.
"Well," Nia paused, not wanting any more expensive gifts from Evan. "It depends on how much you got it for."
"It's just $20, Nia."
"Then I'm keeping it," Nia said as she excitedly hugged the teddy bear. "Thanks, Evan."
"You're always welcome." He smiled. "So, you didn't even check on me for the past three days." His voice tinged with hurt.
"I was angry with you, Evan, plus you left without telling me," she shrugged nonchalantly and rolled her eyes once again. "I'm glad you're back though. "It's boring here all alone. All your staff seem to avoid making meaningful conversations with me."
"Really?"
"Yes, I wonder if you told them to stay away from me," Nia asked playfully.
"No, why would I do that?" Evan rolled his eyes dismissively, causing her to let go of the question.
"Okay, Evan, maybe they're just professionals doing their job and nothing else."
"Yes, they are," Evan said. "Do you want to play a game before bed?"
"No," she rubbed her belly with her hand, "I'm too tired and my tummy feels so full. I want to shower and go to bed," Nia said before standing up to take her leave.
"Alright then, goodnight, Nia."
"Goodnight, Evan. Thanks for this," she said, smiling as she hugged the bear.
Nia retreated to her room, feeling the weariness of the day weighing on her. She stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her body, washing away the remnants of the day's toil. As the water flowed down her chestnut hair, she found herself longing for something. Thoughts of Ryan consumed her mind as she pondered why he hadn't sent her a video today. For four consecutive days, he had faithfully shared glimpses of himself through those videos.
Now lying on her bed, Nia picked up her phone and opened their chat. Each video she played brought a smile to her face, the heat in her belly increasing with every replay. She couldn't quite comprehend why she had an inexplicable attraction to a man older than her. There was just something about him, something different. It was the way he spoke, the warmth in his eyes, and the genuine affection conveyed in his texts that stirred something deep within her. Nia watched one particular video of him working out, his biceps flexing and sweat glistening on his sculpted chest, and a surge of desire coursed through her veins. She had an urge to reach out and kiss him.
In that moment, Nia abruptly dropped her phone, sensing the heat creeping down her spine and settling in her belly. She tried to compose herself, rationalizing the countless reasons why being involved with a captivating 35-year-old CEO like Ryan was simply out of the question. Firstly, she had come across various articles online painting him as a playboy, a Casanova. One headline even declared, "Another woman falls into the web of Crestmont's irresistible CEO." Nia refused to be just another conquest, another name on his long list of conquests. But it wasn't just that. Nia didn't want anything from him, even if he was genuinely interested in their planned date. She knew deep down she couldn't go through with it.
The memories of her father's abandonment haunted her. He had disappeared from her life when she was just four years old, leaving a void that could never be filled. The nights she cried, yearning for his return, and the relentless bullying she endured at school because she came from a single-parent household flooded her thoughts. Nia carried the scars of those experiences, vowing to never give love a chance. Love, in her eyes, had only brought pain and disappointment. The notion of opening herself up to someone and risking further emotional wounds was a risk she simply couldn't take.
With a heavy sigh, Nia closed the chat and set her phone aside. Determined to focus on her own well-being and happiness, she made a conscious choice to steer clear of the complexities that accompanied love and relationships. She had built a life for herself, independent and strong, and she intended to keep it that way.
As Nia lay in the tranquil confines of her room, she embraced her resolve, reminding herself that love wasn't meant for her. Drifting off to sleep, her dreams were filled with visions of a future where she found contentment and fulfillment without the need for anyone else.
The next morning, Nia turned in bed slightly, her face nestled deeper into her pillow. Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to be greeted by a sharp pain in her stomach. She winced, throwing the duvet off her body and sitting up. Proceeding to stand up, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, but another wave of cramps shot through her legs. Placing a hand on her neck, she could feel her temperature flaring up. The abdominal pain, leg cramps, and flushing temperature only confirmed what Nia knew was coming – her period. It was the moment she dreaded the most.
With great effort, Nia tried to stand up gently, groaning in pain and biting her lip. It was the deadly mix of diarrhea, leg cramps, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, heightened s*x drive, and more that made her despise being a woman during moments like these. She wanted to curse the god or goddess responsible for her monthly suffering.
Hobbling towards the bathroom, Nia knew that a hot bath and a tampon would provide some comfort. As she walked past the mirror, her reflection reminded her of the need to use her skincare products today. She knew how much her skin acted up during her periods, causing breakouts and irritation.
Now out of the shower, Nia stood in front of her mirror, a towel wrapped around her body and her chestnut hair. She began applying her skincare products on her face, but a strange feeling washed over her. It felt like someone or something was staring at her. Glancing down at the makeup drawer, her eyes landed on the purple fluffy teddy bear that Evan had gifted her the night before. Suddenly, an odd sense of creepiness overcame her. The teddy bear's eyes seemed too large, too intense. Feeling uneasy, Nia turned the bear's face away from her and looked at it again. It still gave her an eerie feeling. Shaking off the discomfort, she hurriedly finished applying her skincare products, the weird sensation making her even more apprehensive.
Once she was done, Nia headed out of her room to meet Evan. Seeing him preparing to leave for work, she quickly approached him.
"Morning, Evan. Are you heading to work?" she asked, trying to hide the pain she was feeling.
"Yes, I am," he replied, glancing at his watch.
"Could you grab me some Tylenol or Advil?" she continued.
"Why? What's up?" Evan inquired, concern evident in his eyes.
"I have some cramps," Nia replied, her voice laced with discomfort.
"Oh, I'll send someone to bring it to you as soon as possible," Evan assured her, his eyes filled with understanding. "Sorry, I have to run now."
"That's alright," Nia replied, forcing a smile as she tried to endure the pain.
- Writer
