THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US

CHAPTER 20

Ann checked her phone for what felt like the 100th time as she cut some pieces of fabric on a table with Mike. Mike had occasionally glanced at her wondering why she was so uneasy but he didn't have an idea that it had been because Ann and Mike hadn't spoken for three days now since they last spoke about the virtual date. she was worried but also very unhappy too.

"are you okay, is everything alright" Mike asked as he placed the scissors down on the table focusing his gaze on Ann who really actually looked restless.

"it's nothing you need to worry about"Ann assured as she looked at him

"you do seem fine though and I don't like to see you this way"Mike said concerned

"I will be fine really"Ann said as she forced a smile at the side of her lips.

"I really want you to be or what about we both go out to get some drinks. like just cool off about all that has happened in the week and have some fun"Mike suggested but Ann wasn't sure if she was up for any of that now.

"I don't think I want to though"Ann said

"just think about it for a while. we will leave after work anything you decide by then will be final but right now, just think about it" Mike said. he really didn't like the fact that she wasn't so happy and even though she wouldn't talk about it. he still wanted to find a way to make her happy.

"okay then" Ann responded as they continued with their work.

On their lunch break Ann decided to go to get food without Mike, she wanted some time alone. Sophie already told about about how she was over reacting to all that was happening but she still didn't seem to want to see it that way.

Ann sat by the side of the window in the cafe across the street.

"Hello, please can I get a burger please" Ann requested

"I will bring it right away" The waiter said before turning to leave

Ann decided to go through her social media, it had been a while since she went on **. She opened the App and the first post she say was that of Troy. It was a video of him and some other people in a place that seemed like a party. Ann clicked on his profile to check if he had other recent pictures and then she realized all the pictures had been from the same place and it was posted today.

It seemed like he was having a lot of fun though and Ann couldn't understand why he didn't mention any of that to her.she felt really heartbroken. They told each other everything and now this. She couldn't make any excuses for him because what reason would make him not talk to her for three days and also have parties without telling her. Ann stood up from the cafe even before her order was brought it and walked back to the shop.

Ann met Mike immediately she entered the shop.

"Where were you" he asked having looked for her around since he got lunch for both of them.

"Can we still go out for drinks" Ann asked

"Sure, why not" Mike answered immediately with a smile.

Ann didn't know what she was doing, why out of impulse the place she didn't want to go before suddenly became a place of interest. She didn't know if it was because of the post she had seen earlier and even though she knew it somehow had something to do with it, she waved it off her mind.

Ann and Mike got into the car after the shop was closed. Mike was excited to have another night to spend with Ann but Ann had other things on her mind. She was an overthinker and she was already thinking stuffs like whether Troy found a new girl, maybe he got tired of her, maybe he realized he couldn't do long distance anymore. She had so many things on her mind and no matter how much she wanted to just let all those thoughts out she couldn't, she knew she really needed a drink.

Troy was probably enjoying himself and having fun where he was so why couldn't she do the same.

Ann and Mike got to the bar few minutes later, they got down from the car and got in. It was a big bar with not too many people. Some people were having drinks, while some others just danced to the music playing in the centre of the bar.

"Can I get two shots please" Mike requested as they both sat down

"You good" Mike asked trying to make sure Ann was okay even though she still looked the same way she did earlier today, she was much better now.

"Yeah, I am"Ann answered as she picked up the shots that had just been dropped in front of them and drank all in one gulp.

"Another one please" Ann requested

"Wow, that was fast, you should probably slow down, the night is still young" Mike said

"That's it, the night is still young so we still have plenty of time to have fun and enjoy the night" Ann said as she gulped the next one.

"Wow, this is my song"Ann said as they played Beyonce's "Single ladies " in the background, Ann gor up immediately from her sit as she pulled Mike along with her.

"Let's dance" She said as she pulled him to the dance floor. Ann wanted to have fun tonight and she knew it all just started. She and Mike danced to the songs and songs they played after it. Ann went back to order for more shots as she danced and no matter how much Mike tried to stop her from taking more, she did. She was determined to get drunk tonight, she didn't want to be sober. She drank more and more and Mike who had tried to take as little as possible ended up taking more than he wanted to but not as much as Ann because he was a little sober.