Working Days

chapter one: her

Ollie Day had learned early on in life that things just never went as they were supposed to for her. From high school to getting her business degree, every milestone she reached came with a complication she could never seem to avoid. She just did not think that this would also apply to her engagement to the love of her life, Ryder.

"I'm sorry, baby. I just can’t do this anymore." Ryder forced out unprompted, just as Ollie took a bite out of her cake. They had just started cake testing at the vendors shop, about to decide the flavour of the cake that would be at their wedding in 2 months time.

"Huh? You don't like chocolate cake? Why do you never tell me things on time?" Ollie chuckled, putting her fork down and gesturing to the attendant to bring another slice of the cakes they had shortlisted. They stood at the counter which Ollie leaned on as she waited, anticipating that it would take quite a bit before they could move on to another flavour.

"No, like," he sighed, pinching his forehead. He stepped closer to his unassuming fiancé, a strained expression on his face. "I can't get married to you anymore." This came out louder than he anticipated, the nerves eating at him.

Ollie froze, furrowing her eyebrows. "What the hell are you saying, Ryder? What even... I don't know what to say to you. Stop whatever you're trying to do right now. I hate your dumb jokes." She rolled her eyes at him and pressed a palm to her temple, getting annoyed at his antics.

Ollie most definitely wasn’t in the mood for games; not when she had spent practically every waking — and sleeping — moment planning her wedding. She was too exhausted to deal with that, especially when they were about to make just another decision for their big day.

"For the love of God, Ollie! I'm calling off this engagement! How much do I have to spell it out?"

This caught the attention of other customers in the bakery. They looked up from their baked goods with curiosity, mumbling to each other as their eyes flitted between the agitated man and the confused woman who had a pep in her step when they first walked in, hand in hand.

The attendant came back with another slice of cake and they both instinctively turned to look at her. The tension was palpable, causing her to excuse herself and monitor the whole ordeal through the window of the staff door.

Ollie looked around at the eyes stared at here and began to feel embarrassed.

"What do you mean you're calling it off?" She stammered out after a beat of silence, standing up straight.

"We came to do cake testing together, didn't we? What's suddenly the problem, Ryder?" Her voice croaked with anxiety as she tried to make eye contact with Ryder, the love of her life who was so adamant on not reciprocating it at that moment.

"I'm really sorry. I… don't know what else to say. It all just feels too rushed. I'm overwhelmed, Ol. I don't think I want this.”

“What in the world do you mean by that?” Ollie exclaimed, beginning to get agitated. The customers seated pretended not to listen or very obviously tuned in, but people paying attention to her dilemma was the least of their worries. At least, at that moment.

“You literally proposed a year ago,” she had begun to jab her finger into Ryder's chest. “You told me this is all you've been waiting for ever since we met, Ryder. When you proposed, you said you yearned for me! f*****g yearned! I didn't put you up to that!”

At this, 2 elderly women seated in a chair distant from the troubled women gasped, seemingly on a tea date. Everyone's eyes looked towards them, causing them to quickly and sheepishly avoid the gazes.

“For the love of God, Ollie. What do you want me to do? Follow through with the marriage now that I have this resolution? Do you want to be in a loveless marriage?” He finally made eye contact with her, a pleading expression in his gaze.

“And please, stop making a scene. People are looking!” Ryder whisper-yelled, reaching out to grab her elbow and drag her away. Ollie was not having it as she jerked her body away from him, scowling.

“‘Stop making a scene’? When you decided to drop this nuke on me in public? What sort of dumb idea is that?” Her arms were waving in the air, almost as though her frustration had begun to take over her whole body.

Ryder groaned, fed up with his disposition which he truly brought upon himself.

“You know what? Fine. I don't care. Maybe we should ask people what they think. Yeah?” He said, gesturing to the person closest to him; a man on his computer with one earbud out as he was also eavesdropping. He shrugged and shrank into his seat, pretending to type.

Ollie facepalmed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Of course, Ryder would take it miles too far.

“Look, Ollie. I'm sorry it turned out to be like this, but I really can't continue on to marry you. You're an amazing woman, and it breaks my heart to do this, but me breaking things off is also in a way protecting you.” He started, practically holding himself from reaching out to her. Guilt was eating at him, and he felt disgusted in his actions.

“It's for the best, baby. I-”

“Don't you dare call me that.” Ollie sharply cut him off.

“You're right. I'm sorry. I just don't think it would be in our best interest to continue.”

Ollie blinked back tears, her vision getting blurry. “But what is the reason?”

“I already gave you a reason, Ol.” Ryder said softly, trying not to betray his emotions.

“It’s not good enough, and you know it! This is all so sudden. Where did this come from?” She sniffled, feeling her knees begin to buckle below her.

“My heart?”

That was not what she wanted to hear, and he definitely knew it. With a nod of resignation, she picked her bag off the counter and left the bakery, the bell over the door ringing as she stormed out. Ryder sighed and called after her, leaving the restaurant as well just as the manager came out to diffuse the situation. The occupants unanimously heaved breaths of relief, their eyes following the newly separated pair.

“Wait!” He called out, crossing the road to where Ollie's car was parked. Ollie aggressively swiped at her eyes, ready to tell him off.

“What could you possibly want now?” Her voice came out strained and exasperated.

“I… carpooled with you. Can you take me back to yours?”

“Oh, for heaven's sake-”