Song: Breakeven - The Script
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I was sitting in my cubicle, trying to make an outline for my article. Blake was sitting next to me, wearing his headphones, listening to something. I couldn't see his screen but I was pretty sure it wasn't work.

I turned my gaze back to my laptop, trying to find the right time to talk to him. We're suppose to go to the museum together, to take pictures and notes for the article.

I didn't want to go with him, he was annoying and irritating and I liked to work alone. Also ever since Blake had accused me of having a crush on Carter I have been trying to avoid him. Which was actually easy since he didn't bother much with me either.

"What is it?" said Blake in an irritated voice, taking of his headphones. His sudden voice making me jump a little.

"What?" I asked turning to him.

"Your constanly fidgeting and peeking at me, its very annoying. So say what you want to say and get it over with" he said facing me.

"Don't you have any manners?" I asked crossing my arms, trying hard to stay composed.

"What is it?" He asked again in a monotone voice.

"We have to go to the museum for the article. When do you want to go?" I gave in, wanting to finish this conversation as quickly as possible.

"Tomorrow. We'll leave at 2 pm sharp. Now stop bothering me"

With that Blake put his headphones back on and stared back at his laptop. I rolled my eyes at him and turned back to my work.

The time in the office went by swiftly after that, I finished the work given to me and chatted with some of my colleagues. Trying my best not to think about Carter and what happened between us.

It was an hour before the off time when Kaisey stepped out of her office and asked for our attention. We all gathered in front of her in a semi circle.

"Hey guys, thankyou for another day of hardwork. I really appreciate it alot." She said with a smile.

She was wearing a white blouse with a pencil skirt, her hair even after all the hours in the office still perfect.

"Since its our first time working together and you are such a great team I was thinking of having a staff dinner with you all. So we can get to know each other better and in an environment which isn't professional."

I could hear the approval around me. Everyone was nodding and agreeing to her suggestion. Everyone thought it would be a great idea to get to know each other, to spend some relaxed time outside office.

I remembered having these annual dinners with the staff at 'Red Woods'. Leigh would buy these cheap, aesthetic dresses from forgotten shops for us to wear at the dinner. She had a thing of doing something apart from normal and carried me with me her.

"Okay great then!!! We can arrange the gathering sometime after our first magazine is published next Sunday, so we can celebrate too. I'll let you guys know the venue and date." Said Kaisey.

She walked back to her office after that and everyone else got back to their work too. Excitement could be smelled in the air as the chatter was still present. This dinner will be the talk of the office for the rest of the day most probably.

I was still standing in front of Kaisey's office because I had something to talk to her about. Taking a deep breath I knocked on the door, wishing this will go swiftly.

"Come in" came her sweet voice and I twisted the door open.

"Oh, Eva, come on in, have a seat" said Kaisey looking up at me.

Her tone and gesture friendly like always.

I walked up to her desk, my eyes falling involuntarily on the small table on the right. A new bouquet of flowers was placed there and I wondered for how long he will send flowers to her.

My breath suddenly got hitched at a sudden memory. I remembered the name Carter gave me after we started dating.

'Flower'

I could hear his voice echo in my mind. I remembered how much I used to love it. And how on some days that's all he used to call me.

I tucked the unwanted memory away and sat down on the chair.

"What's up?" She asked, giving me all her attention.

Looking back at her I decided to get straight to the point.

"Can I have a leave for next Friday and Saturday?" I asked.

Kaisey kept quite for a moment then asked.

"What for?"

I contemplated for a second if I should tell her the reason. Mom's surgery was next week on Friday, I wanted to be there with her when she went in and be there when she came back. I knew it would be a hard and anxious day for her and she needs me to be there with her to feel strong. I would also not be able to work even if I wanted to. Besides Henry couldn't get an off for Saturday and someone had to stay with her.

But I didn't want to tell Kaisey that. I did not want to let her in my life, to share something private. There was no need for her to know that my mom was sick. I did not want to see her symapathy filled eyes looking down at me. Her saying 'I'm here if you need something' and 'everything will be fine'. I could bear that from Ally but not from her.

"Its a personal matter. But its really important. I would be grateful if you could grant me the leave" I finally said.

Kaisey leaned back a little in her chair. Her smile gone, replaced by a serious expression. She was thinking but I didnt know what.

"Eva, its just the second week of work. I can't give you a leave this early. We have a lot of work to do and-"

"I...I understand that" I jumped in. "I won't take a holiday after that, I promise. I just really need to take these two days off"

Kaisey sighed, her eyes shifting away from me for a moment before they were back.

"Kelly was very strict about the attendance. If I give you the leave
this soon it will set a bad example. It will also look bad on your resume."

"Please Kaisey, I really need it" I said desperately.

"Unless its something urgent, I can't give it to you. And since your not sharing the reason with me I can't judge the severity."

I let my shoulders sag, I wanted to shout at her and I wanted to cry. Everything seems so frustrating. I considered the choice of telling her the reason again, maybe she'll agree.

I didn't know if she already knew about it, if Carter or Ally would have told her. But I really did not want to tell her about my mother, about what I was going through.

"Okay, I'll get back to work then. Thankyou for your time." I said looking away from her.

"I'm really sorry" she said as I stood up.

I walked towards the door, ready to go back home and sleep. As I was about to leave the office Kaisey called my name.

"Me and Ally were thinking of baking again, maybe you can join us this time." She offered with a friendly smile.

"I don't think that will be possible. I have a lot of work to do" I replied bitterly and left.

.........................................

"Lets go" said Blake, standing over me.

I was in the office cafeteria, talking to Olivia, a co-worker. It was our break time and I had just started eating the sandwich I bought, my tea left untouched.

I looked up and stared at Blake. He was wearing a light blue baseball cap, with a white T-shirt. His backpack slung over his shoulder.

"Its not 2 pm yet" I said, looking at the clock hung in the cafeteria.

"The quicker we go, the quicker we return" he replied.

"I'm still eating" I added.

"I don't care. I'll be outside come quick."

And after saying that Blake walked away. I huffed and sank down on my chair.

"Blake's a little weird." Said Olivia next to me.

"A little?" I asked,

Olivia laughed at my comment as I took a bite of my sandwich. I wasn't going to leave before I was done eating. I had already skipped breakfast so couldn't skip lunch.

"But everyone likes him, he's funny and witty." Said Olivia.

I didn't agree with her at all. I thought he was rude and abnoxious. And if I could change my partner I would.

After making Blake wait outside purposefully for fifteen minutes I stepped off the building and walked towards him. I could see his scowl from all the way here.

"Very professional" He said dryly when I reach him.

"I told you I was eating" I replied.

He was standing next to his bike and after rolling his eyes at me he leaped on it. After wearing his helmet he started the vehicle.

"Hop on" he said, bringing the bike infront of me.

I stared at him strangely.

"I have my car, I'll meet you there-"

"Your car will slow you down. We will reach quicker with my motorcycle, so hop on, quick."

I regarded what he said for a second. He was right going by the car would slow me down. But I didn't want to sit with him on the bike either. Sighing I climbed up his bike, sitting behind him.

"Don't get too close" he said handing me the helmet.

"As if I'd want to" I scoffed behind him, making sure I keep my distace as he speed us out of the parking lot.

We reached our destination in thirty minutes. And It took us about four hours to gather everything we wanted for the article. First, we walked around the museum, looking at all of it. The museum was huge and although I had visited it multiple times before, I had never completely seen it. And even that was a long time ago.

After seeing the whole place, Blake started taking photographs while I listened to the guide about the history and importance of each artifact placed inside the museum. Noting down everything he said, I learned alot about the place.

Having Blake with me there wasn't that helpful. We constantly bickered while we were there. We decided to pick five artifacts who's significance and history we would write about in the article.

We couldn't even agree on one.

To finish the argument we decided to choose two each and let the guide pick the last one.

It was strange seeing Blake work. He seemed like he was in an another world altogether. A serious expression covered his face as he took the pictures. Calculating the precise angle, look and lightening.

He refused to show me the photos until they were edited but I was sure they were good.

"Okay, we'll all done here!!! I have a feeling the article will turn out great." I said excitedly then realized I was talking to Blake.

He was standing next to me and as I looked over at him I could see a small smile on his face.

"Yea, me too. We aren't a bad team after all" he replied.

I nodded at what he said but before I could say anything to him my stomach growled louder than the lions in a zoo. Embarrassed I looked down, waiting for Blake to make fun of me.

"Do you like burgers?" He asked me instead.

.......................................

Blake took us to a far off place to eat burgers. I had never been to that area and for the most part of the ride I was sure he was going to kidnap me. The sun was setting as we sped down the road, an orange shade painting the whole world. Making everything look beautiful.

Blake stopped in front of small fast food diner after a while. It was located on the side of the main road in a lone area and was surrounded by buildings that didn't look friendly at all. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Maybe I shouldn't have come here with him.

"Relax. I'm not selling you off to someone. I know the place looks shady but I promise it has the best burgers in the city." Said Blake jumping of the motorbike.

After inspecting the place once again I got off too. The diner looked bigger inside than it did outside. The upper portion had chairs and tables surronding the whole place, there weren't many people inside. On the other end were stairs leading down to the basement. A neon sign titled 'POOL' was attached to the wall above the stairs.

We sat down at a table near the windows. The menu card was already placed on the table.

"Do you come here often?" I asked Blake.

"Not anymore. I used to when I was in high school" he replied looking at the menu.

After deciding what to eat we placed our orders. I picked a cheese burger that Blake suggested.

"So are you over your crush on the bosses boyfriend." Said Blake with a smirk.

"I don't have a crush on him!! Stop saying that!!" I snapped back at him.

Blake let out a loud laugh, crossing his hands over his chest.

"It's so much fun annoying you." He said with a cheeky smile.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" He then suddenly asked.

I looked up at him, wondering why he asked me that question.

"No...." I replied.

"Of course. Have you ever had a boyfriend?" He asked playfully, a grin on his face.

Before I could reply to him though our food arrived. Blake was right, the food really was amazing. The burger and fries with salad tasted delicious and after all the tiredness of today I was thankful for a meal like this.

While we were in the middle of eating, I decided to ask Blake if he had a girlfriend but before that a booming voice came from the other side of the diner.

"BLAKE MY MAN!!!" Said a man about same age as us.

He had dark brown hairs and height shorter than even me. He was standing on the first step of the stairs, more men standing behind him.

"Shit" I heard Blake whisper as they walked towards us.

"Hey Conor, long time no see" said Blake getting up and giving him a hug.

I squint my nose at the sharp smell being radiated from the men. They smelled like cigarettes and all the wrong things.

"Haven't seen you in the area for a while now Blake, where you been?" Said another guy from the gang.

But before Blake could say something, Conor jumped in.

"And who might this be?" He asked looking at me, a weird grin occupying his face.

I was sure the man was drunk.

"Yea Blake, you got yourself a girlfriend?" Said another one of them.

Conor was leaning towards me, his uncanny smile still plastered on his face. His eyes travelled down my body and I felt disgusted by him I wanted to get out of here. The people and place both seemed disagreeable to me now.

"She's no one" said Blake, coming in between me and Conor.

"Its been such a long time since we hung out. How about a pool game?" He said.

Conor finally shifted his eyes away from me and onto Blake.

"YES!!!! POOL GAME!!! LETS GO!!!" He finally replied laughing.

"Let's go then" said Blake holding him by the hand and trying to pull him towards the stairs.

"Will the pretty lady come with us?"

I could feel my heart beat rapidly in my chest, I should have never come here with Blake. This was a bad idea and I should have realised that.

"No, she's just leaving" said Blake, finally able to drag Conor with him. All the other men following behind them.

As they disappeared down the stairs, I rushed out of the diner. I ran and ran and ran until I couldn't anymore. The road seemed endless with no one around. I didn't know where I was or which way to go.

There was no light outside anymore, the sun had set and the sky was darker than ever. I felt lost and was about to break down into tears when I suddenly remembered I had a phone and I should call Henry.

As I took out the phone, I heard a car coming towards me. I stepped back a little in hopes that whoever it was won't see me. But it seemed like they had as the car stopped right in front of me.

The car door opened and Carter stepped out. A sudden wave of relief washed over me upon seeing him.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" He asked, bewildered.

I didn't reply, I rushed over to him and embraced him in a tight hug. All I could think was that I was safe. That I was found and eveything will be fine now.

I knew this was Carter and I knew that I promised myself to stay away from him but right at this moment I was thankful that he was here.

It took Carter a few moments to get over the shock of what was happening. Slowly, his hands wrapped around me too.

......................................

I was sitting in Carter's car as he drived me home. The night sky outside was crowded with stars. I didn't dare look inside the car, at Carter. I was ashamed at the way I threw myself on him.

There was an awkward silence surrounding us ever since we broke the hug and I wasn't going to do anything to break it. I just wanted to get home and sleep. The exhaustion of the day was catching up on me and I wanted to leave all the events of today behind.

"What were you doing there all alone?" Asked Carter, breaking the quite of fifteen minutes.

Finally I looked away from the car and at him. He was staring straight ahead, his face stoic.

"How many more times do I have to ask till you give me a reply?" He said when I didn't give him a reply.

"I went with Blake to the museum today, for the article." I said.

"And how did you ended up there?" He asked, traces of urgency and anger in his voice.

"We went to eat thereafter that-"

"What!? Of all the places to eat, you ended up in one of the most dangerous area's in the city" snapped Carter, his anger becoming more visible now.

"Bla....Blake said the burgers there were good..." I stuttered.

"Eva, are you kidding me right now? Did you not see with your own eyes what kind of place that was?" He said shifting his gaze at me.

I didn't say anything cause I know he was right. I should have asked Blake to leave the moment I saw how desolute the area was. Infact, I should have never gone anywhere with Blake.

I felt a sudden rush of anger towards myself. None of this would have happened if I had thought sensibly.

"Every kind of crimes that place there. All kinds of creepy people roam around there. Where is your car?" He asked.

"Its back at the office, I went on Blake's motorbike."

"How much more stupid can you really be? Huh? Who goes to places with strangers? What is honestly wrong with you?" Said Carter angrily.

I flinched at his raising tone, his rage.

"You have a thing for bad company dont you? You just love getting in trouble, whether its with Kaiden or-"

"YOU WERE THE ONLY BAD COMPANY I EVER HAD" I screamed.

Surprised by my sudden outburst Carter stopped the car. His face twisting towards me.

"Kaiden might have been the one pointing a gun at me but you were the one who broke my heart into millions of pieces." I said, tears falling down my eyes.

I was angry, angry like I have never been before. I was angry at Blake and at my circumstances. I was angry at Carter for what he did to me. I was angry at myself for not being able to move on from him after all this years.

I was angry cause I realized I was still in love with him.

"You hurted me more than anything in the world. You treated me like I was just another girl from high school. You cut me from your life and moved on like I mever mattered to you."

Carter was staring at me all this time, his eyes not shifting once. His face the same expressionless it has always been. I hated that.

"You left me" he said.

Simply, quietly, calmly, like a statement. Like reading a phrase from a book.

I stared at him disappointed. Was this all I could get out of him? Was this all I was worth?

"I LOVED you with all my heart. And YOU left me because you weren't man enough to commit to a relationship."

I pushed the car door open and stepped out in the night, in the slight wind, in the chill. I slammed the door behind me and started walking in the opposite direction. Wiping my tears away as the wind played with my hair.

A few minutes later I heard the car roar back to life, its sound becoming distant as it drove away slowly.

...........................................

Hope you all are safe and healthy. This was a hard chapter to write, the reason it took so long. I hope you all like it.
'This Love' is currently #459 under ROMANCE tag out of 1.62 Million stories (also #751 under TEENAGE tag out of 27.7k stories) . That's crazy!!! and it makes me so so happy. Alot of new people are reading it and I'm so grateful for that.
Thankyou to everyone from the bottom of my heart.

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Love,
S. Maham Fatima

P.S: it would mean alot if everyone who reads can vote on the chapters too since it helps the book reach more audience.