Collided

CHAPTER FIVE

Melissa's POV

I lay in bed trying to control the tears coming out of my eyes. Pieces of tissue lay spread all over

the bed and I couldn't be bothered to worry about picking them up.

I was heartbroken. My breathing was labored and I was coughing. The door to my room

unlocked, and I quickly threw the covers over me.

“You can't keep crying,” Molly said, sitting next to me. She was my best friend from high school.

She yanked the covers to stare at me.

“Why does it have to be me?” I questioned.

“I don't know. Bad things happen to good people too. You just have to get back on your feet.” She

replied.

“He didn't just cheat on me. He took the money we saved up together,” I said, sniffing.

She drew me near and hugged me tightly.

“I'm sorry he did that. You'll be fine. I promise, okay?” She soothed.

“How can you be so sure? I lost my job as well and I don't have any money. Where do I even start

from?” I wailed.

“Melissa, listen to me. This isn't the end for you. You're alive, so that should qualify for

something, right?”

She rubbed circles on my back with her right hand and caressed my hair gently.

“Where's Nathan?” I asked.

“He's fine. He's with Zoe.” Zoe was her sister.

“Thank you. I wouldn't have figured out what to do without you.”

“I'm sure you would have. You're strong and resilient.”

“You think so?” I asked.

“I know so. And if you ever feel low, I'm here for you. Okay?”

“Thanks.”

“I'm sorry to say this, but you stink. Go get a wash,” Molly said, standing up.

“I'll see you in the sitting room.” She watched me go into the bathroom.

“You might want to shave your legs.” She yelled out.

“Why?” I asked, but I got no response.

When I got out thirty minutes later, the room was tidied up and all the tissues were missing. I

guess she came back to clean it up.

“Molly, this was a bad idea,” I said as we strolled into the club. The sound was deafening and

lights glinted everywhere. Molly had dragged me to a club, expressing I needed to loosen up.

“Trust me, you're going to love this.” She said,

She sauntered to the bar and requested two martinis.

“Come on, let's find a table.” She said, tugging me along. We spotted a table at the back, which

was okay by me as it wasn't close to the speakers. Sweaty bodies were dancing on the dance

floor, but I had no appeal whatsoever.

“When are we leaving here?” I asked.

“We've just arrived. Relax.”

“This was a bad idea,” I said, but she shunned me as she took a sip from her drink. I took a sip

and squeezed my face. It tasted bitter and seemed to burn my throat.

“Hello, ladies.” I choked on the drink in my mouth at the sudden intrusion.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you.” the voice said. I glanced up, and a chill ran down my

spine as I met the intruder. It was him. It was Nathan's father. What was he doing here? Where

has he been for the past five years? Don't tell me he's come to take my son away from me.

“Are you alright? Hello?”

“Melissa!” Molly cried out. I jolted from my reverie at the sound of my name.

“I'm fine. Sorry about that.” I said looking away.

“I'm Ethan, and I'd like to buy you girls drinks,” he said.

“We already got...” I started,

“Thank you, that will be so nice.” Molly interrupted, glaring at me from across the table.

“I'll be right back,” he said and left.

“What was that for?” Molly probed.

“What?”

“You spaced out once you saw him, and you appeared to recognize him.”

“I didn't realize, and I didn't know him,” I replied, taking a shot from my drink. Molly could

sense I was lying, but I wasn't ready to spill anything to her, mostly not here.

“So, what are your names?” Ethan asked, lowering two glasses on the table. I could feel his gaze

on me, but I would rather not find out.

“I'm Molly, and this is Melissa.” Molly introduced. “Thanks for the drinks too.”

“Nice to meet you girls.”

“I'm sorry, but have we met before?” Ethan asked, referring to me. I gobbled the drink down my

throat and quickly said,

“I don't think so. I would know if we did.”

“I guess so. Do you girls come here frequently?”

“No. I dragged her along with me. She's heartbroken because her ex cheated on her.” I yearned

for the ground to open up and swallow me at that moment.

“That's sad. Maybe he didn't deserve you after all.” Ethan consoled me.

I excused myself and went to use the washroom. I was sweating, even if the air was cold in this

part of the building. I stood outside a door and took deep breaths.

“You can do this, Melissa. He doesn't remember you,” I said to myself.

I went back to the table to see Molly and Ethan laughing at something of which I had no idea.

“You're back. I was just notifying Ethan, about how you lost your job recently, and he offered to hire

you.” Molly said.

“I'm sorry you lost your job. Here's my card in case you're interested,” he said, and brought out a

paper from his wallet and dropped it on the table.

“Uhm… I don't need a job,” I said rather.

“She's joking. She'll certainly come for an interview,” Molly said and picked up the card.

“Alright ladies. Have a pleasant night.” With that, he left.

“What are you thinking? This is a golden opportunity,” Molly scolded.

“I would rather not work for him.”