5: Messy Valentine's Eve
1043 Words
Brianna’s POV
I maintain a frown.
When John and Cleo arrive to take over as usual, I don’t say as little as ‘hello’ or return their smile. I’m still very much pissed from the embarrassment from earlier.
Cleo must think Regina has finally won me over and Regina, on the other hand, is so overjoyed I didn’t budge. I bet this is the happiest day of her dramatic life.
“That was cool.” She whispers to my hearing after they walk off to the staff room.
“Gina, you should stop your Cold War with Cleo already ” I bluff.
“Wait.” She makes a face. “I thought you joined me because it’s the only real thing at this reception.”
I scoff, and give her the ‘you wish’ look. The drama queen has gotten so far into the play, and she’s now being delusional.
“And this was me thinking I would help you get your bag and prolly a cup of Donaldson’s best scoop.”
I gasp. She knows how to hit me hard. Donaldson’s cold stone and pastries are to die for. Why didn’t I see this coming? It wouldn’t hurt to pretend to be her fan for a moment. I sigh, realizing how much I’ve messed up.
“Would you have a change of mind if I said I’m not Cleo’s fan and your...”
“No.” She snorts with a frown.
I out my lips in a pout and blink my special watery cat’s eyes... So sad, Regina has gotten used to it. She doesn’t budge, instead she keeps walking away like I’m not trying to please her.
“Let’s go get our bags.” She leads the way once John and Cleo return.
There is no need to nurture a dead plant, so I follow her to the staff quarters to get my bag. Today’s Valentine’s Eve, and I need all the rest I can get.
“Hi John and cute Cleo, have a good shift.” I wave at them and give a not-so-obviously fake smile while Regina’s cheeks turn red in a minute.
I’m about to roll on the floor and laugh my butt to hardness. Regina is so pissed, and I’m loving every bit of it. How dare she snatch my treat after dangling it in my face?
“Really?” She sighs once we’re past the door.
“What? They are my colleagues, besides I greet them daily.” Which is surely not true. Maybe I do, but just not in a way to rub it in Regina’s face.
“Well, the nice treat is finally off the table, no change of mind.” She informs me regardless.
I bend my lips in mockery, all aware Regina wants to get back at me. Oddly, she joins the bus going in my direction and doesn’t say a word to me. Throughout the ride, we shoot each other daggers. She’s up to something... But what?
“The next stop.” She calls out to the driver.
Oh, she’s stopping at Donaldson’s bus stop. A nice payback. I look ahead of me, trying not to show how hurt I am, by the realization. She throws a lolly in my lap and gets down.
“I’ll send you pictures.” She yells out as the bus starts moving.
Nice turn. I will be sure to kiss Cleo tomorrow. The ride back home is painfully slow, partly because I just realized how much I wanted a treat. For weeks now, it feels like the world is on my frail shoulders and I desperately need to cool off.
Inserting the key into the lock, I enter my apartment and slop on the couch. For long minutes, I remain in the exact spot, breathing like a chased deer.
I reach out to pull out the white envelope beneath the couch, it’s my savings for the tips I get at work.
Even though the Satanic gecko wanted to jinx it like yesterday, I managed to smile my way through. An old Attention Deficit patient gave me two hundred dollars, just because I grinned foolishly. My jaws froze like they would break the next minute. Thankfully, it was worth the stress and she tipped me just before I collapsed.
I take out the paper, fold in it and insert a hundred-dollar note into my mortgage and the last in my medical bills. I would focus on all the bills simultaneously, once I get my February salary.
Needing a cold bath to unnerve at least, I do just that before heading to the bar to have a drink. There are just two bottles of wine and both are nonalcoholic. Besides, it is a pack of six cans of beer, Jack’s brand. I take a random bottle of fruit wine and a glass.
Today marks our third year anniversary, and sadly Jack is nowhere to be found. Maybe I should make a wish. Valentine is for love. After all, it won't be a bad idea if the spirit of the loving Valentine grants this puppy her wish.
“I wish love finds me tomorrow dear Valentine, and...” I stop once my phone buzzes.
In haste, I scoop it from the tabletop and open the text. Oh my god, I smile seeing Jack on the screen. Spirits are real, and I might make one more wish to spice...
’Brianna dear, I hope this meets you well. Happy Valentine’s Eve and our supposed anniversary. I guess you’ve moved on by now because I have.
I needed something more stable. You can’t fault me.
Your ex, Jack.’
The glass and bottle of wine fall from my hand and shatter, with the contents spilling all over. Did I get pierced by the broken pieces?... I don’t care.
I’m visibly shaky, not from another attack but Jack’s bad news. What does he mean by ‘stable’? I begin to sob. Is he laughing at my condition or... I sniffle, not wanting to make him win while my back flat on the wall mocks me.
“I hate you!” I sob really hard and reach out to grab all 6 cans of beer.
After this, I will cast a spell on Jack.
- Writer
