Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 26 - A prick or a coward

“Honey, are you OK?”

Miriam knocked gently on Isabel’s door before she opened and went in. Isabel was still in bed, staring into the wall, her eyes all puffy and red .

“Oh, my poor girl,” Miriam sighed and sat down at Isabel’s side, soothingly stroking her on the shoulder.

Isabel had come home late the night before, escorted by Marcus, who had been chivalrous enough to leave her by the front door with a peck on the cheek. Her heartache had been somewhat relieved by his company - he had been quite the entertainer, telling her drolly stories about his friends and colleagues. He had even made her laugh a couple of times! It had been nice to think about something else, and his undivided attention had been quite soothing...

But the very moment they had said their goodbyes and she had entered her home, it was as if she couldn't hold it together any longer and she got emotionally flooded, her feelings completely overwhelming her. Miriam had been sitting in the living room, reading, but had immediately come running when she had heard her distress, and Isabel had fallen into her mother's arms with her tears streaming down her cheeks.

Miriam had put her to bed, tucking her in like when she had been a little child, but Isabel hadn't been able to sleep, her mind constantly obsessing over John.

Why did he behave like this? Why hadn't he told her about his new job? Was it even true, or was it just some excuse to stop seeing her? And even if he had this new job and these business trips planned, why did he have to end it with her so abruptly? He hadn't even given them a chance! Maybe they could have endured a long-distance relationship? Now, they would never know...

Was it something she had said? Something she had done? Or had she simply misinterpreted his feelings? Maybe all he had wanted was to get her into bed, just like any other man... Maybe he had been playing her. Thoughts like these were tearing her apart.

John had really got under her skin, and now her heart was shattered into a million pieces.

“I can’t believe I was so stupid,” Isabel blinked a few times, trying to hold back the tears, as she addressed her mother. “I thought we had some special… connection. Beyond attraction. He made me feel so valuable, so precious. And I sincerely thought we were made for each other, like two pieces of the same puzzle. But apparently, I was nothing but a piece of meat to him.”

“Don’t be too sure of that,” Miriam smiled sympathetically. “Maybe he felt the same but got scared. You said he left the city?”

“Yes... And he said he wouldn’t come back,” Isabel nodded.

“Well, it was extremely bad he didn’t tell you sooner! I mean, if he already knew he was leaving..." Miriam sighed. "But maybe he didn’t dare say it to your face? You know, men are not always that brave when it comes to dealing with women’s feelings.”

Isabel contemplated her words. Well, maybe that could be the case. But was that even better?

“So, either he’s a prick, or he’s a coward. I don’t know which one is the worst,” she scoffed.

“True. Maybe not boyfriend material, after all,” Miriam snickered, arching a brow.

“I guess you’re right,” Isabel exhaled. “I can’t believe I’m this upset, but he really broke my heart. I know it sounds ridiculous, we have only known each other a few weeks, and I just broke up with Dave, so I shouldn’t be so eager to jump into a new relationship…”

“Yes, that was actually what I was thinking," Miriam admitted. "I think you should try to focus on yourself for a while. For example, we need to find you an apartment of your own. Besides, I think it will do you good to not be in a relationship! Imagine all the things you can do! Nothing is holding you back, you are free. You can travel the world if you’d like.”

“It sounds like something you would like to do,” Isabel replied wryly, her lips curling into a half smile.

“Yes, I would actually,” Miriam shook her head. “I’ve been working too much lately, just like you. And speaking of it,” she looked at Isabel with concern. “I’m going away to a conference this weekend. I leave on Thursday already. Is that OK? If you want me to, I can cancel and stay here with you.”

“Of course, it’s OK,” Isabel squeezed her mother’s hand. “I’ll be fine. I just need to mourn a little. And I will go apartment viewing tomorrow already, so don’t you worry about me.”

“My strong girl,” Miriam smiled. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’ll manage. Now I have to go work, but I'll see you tonight,” Miriam kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Isabel stayed in bed for a few hours, scrolling through the news and social media on her phone to distract herself. When she was done reading all the gossip about the British royal family, she finally managed to get out of bed and walked over to the window to look out. The weather was as gloomy as her mood, with dark clouds rolling in from the horizon.

Isabel felt an urge to go running, to clear her mind, but running in rain? It wasn't her cup of tea. But she couldn't stay in here, alone with her thoughts... She needed to move, or she would go crazy! She put on a pair of tights and a sweatshirt, and was just about to leave her room when her phone buzzed. 'Emma', it said on the display, along with a photo of her friend with a big grin on her face.

“Hi Em,” Isabel answered the call.

“Hey, how are you? I got your text earlier, but I couldn’t answer, I was too busy at work.”

“I know, don’t worry about it,” Isabel went back to the window, seeing tiny raindrops beginning to fall from the sky.

“I can’t believe he’s such a d**k! I checked with one of the nurses at the Surgical Department, and it’s true. He has resigned. And he is no longer on their rosters,” Emma’s voice was full of disbelief. “I knew he had a bad reputation, but this...”

“I know,” Isabel breathed in and held her breath. “It sucks,” she exhaled and bit her lip. She was not going to start crying again! “I’m furious. And disappointed. And heart broken,” she continued. “But I’ve decided to move on.”

“That’s the spirit,” Emma cheered her on. “You hardly knew him anyway. And as I’ve told you…”

“There’s plenty of fish in the sea, yeah I remember,” Isabel smiled sadly. “But right now, I’m pretty tired of fish, to be honest.”

Emma burst out laughing at the other end.

“I bet you’ll get back your appetite soon enough!” Emma chuckled. “You should go out with Helen and Eileen on Friday. I have to work, but I’m sure you’ll have a good time without me.”

“I doubt it,” Isabel looked at her hands, remembering she really needed to fix her nails. “But maybe I’ll give it a try...”

“Well, I know someone who is desperate to meet you..."

"What? Who?" Isabel was confused.

"Our new friend, of course. The hottie."

"You mean Marcus?" Isabel knew Emma fancied him, so she was not sure how to tell her that she had seen him last night.

"Yes, him. He was very, and I mean very, disappointed when you left Paradise with John. He stayed with us for a while, we danced and were having fun, but then he just left! It’s a shame, I had hoped for some action, but… it seems he is more into you, to be honest.”

“Too bad! I’m sure you would have liked to tick him off on your boyfriend list,” Isabel teased.

“Yes, I would! But you should never say never. Maybe next time he will come running into my arms and tell me I am the love of his life!”

"Maybe!" Isabel sincerely doubted it, but held it to herself. "I must confess, I had a drink with him last night."

"What? With who? John?" It was Emma's turn to be confused.

"No! For God's sake. I mean Marcus," Isabel laughed nervously.

"Oh... Well, how did that go?"

"It was OK. We bumped into each other, right after John dumped me over the phone, and Marcus offered a drink and a shoulder to cry on... He was very kind."

"Well, I told you! That's a real gentleman," Emma affirmed. "If you're nice, I might let you share him with me!"

"That would be something!" Isabel chuckled. "What a wonderful threesome!"

They both started giggling and after they hung up, Isabel felt a little easier than before. The rain was now pouring outside, and she seriously started to question her idea of going out running. Maybe she should just stay at home with a cup of tea and watch a good movie? Yes, that was probably a better idea.