Melanie

The next day at work, I bury myself in my tasks, staring at the computer screen as if the answers to my tangled thoughts are hidden in the lines of code. I've become adept at compartmentalizing, creating mental partitions to keep the storm at bay.

Daniel's words linger, like a bitter aftertaste that refuses to fade. The insistence on my weight, the unwarranted comment about a couple of pounds—it's grating on my nerves. How did I put up with this for so long? Why didn't it bother me more? The questions echo in my mind, demanding answers that seem elusive.

But it's not just about Daniel's comments. It's about the realization that I allowed it, that I convinced myself it was acceptable. How on earth did I think it was a good idea to endure such criticism, to let someone dictate my worth based on their standards? It's a self-inflicted wound, and the more I contemplate it, the more infuriated I become with myself.

Yet, the guilt still claws at me when I remember kissing Marcus. It's a betrayal that weighs heavy on my chest, a secret I'm harboring, terrified of the consequences. The fear of Daniel's reaction looms over me, the worry that he won't handle the truth well. Perhaps, the opposite—he might explode in a fit of rage, and I'm not sure I can handle that.

Lost in my thoughts, I'm startled when someone stands in front of my office. I glance up, meeting the eyes of Sonia, my manager. A smile plays on her lips as she beckons me to her office. I glance at Evie, who offers a puzzled look and a shrug, and then I follow Sonia.

Sonia sits on her desk, motioning for me to take a seat in front of her.

"Melanie, you've been on fire lately," Sonia begins, her tone a mix of praise and concern. "Your productivity is commendable, but I've noticed you're not your usual cheerful self. Is everything okay?"

I hesitate, contemplating how much to share. "It's just some personal issues, Sonia. Nothing I can't handle."

Sonia leans back, studying me intently for a moment before nodding. "You know, if you need some time off to sort things out, it's okay. We all have our struggles."

I shake my head, "No, I'll go crazy at home. I need the distraction, the routine of work."

Sonia nods, accepting my decision. "Alright, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. We're a team, and we look out for each other."

"Thanks, Sonia. I appreciate it," I say, a pang of gratitude for her understanding.

I leave Sonia's office with conflicting emotions. Returning to my desk, I catch Evie's furrowed brows and her concerned gaze following my every move. I offer a half-hearted smile, hoping it's enough to convey that I'm not in the mood for conversation.

But Evie, being Evie, doesn't let it slide. She approaches, leaning on my desk with a concerned expression. "What did Sonia want?"

I let out a sigh, the weight on my shoulders pressing a little harder. "She's worried. Thinks I've been off lately. Is it that obvious?"

Evie lowers her gaze momentarily, then looks back at me. "Yeah, a bit."

I grunt in frustration. "Well, that's fucking great." I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know what to do, Evie. Everything's a mess."

Evie's expression softens, sympathy in her eyes. For starters, you need to clear your head. Get some perspective on things."

I look at Evie, contemplating her suggestion. "Sonia offered me some days off," I admit.

"Take them," she urges, her eyes reflecting genuine worry. "You've been through a lot lately, Mel. A break might do wonders."

I shake my head, the idea of being alone with my thoughts for days making my skin crawl. "I can't. I'll go stir crazy at home."

Evie ponders for a moment, then a mischievous glint sparkles in her eyes. "What if we get out of town this weekend? Somewhere with fresh air, a change of scenery."

The idea catches me off guard, and I can't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of escaping the suffocating routine. "That's not a bad idea," I admit, my mind already racing with possibilities.

Evie grins. "Where could we go?"

And then it hits me. "Adam's lake house!" I blurt out, the idea materializing out of the blue. "I'll text Mallory and see if it's available for the weekend."

Evie claps her hands happily, the prospect of a lakeside retreat lighting up her eyes. "Lake houses are the best! Text her right away."

The excitement lingers in the air as I pull out my phone and shoot Mallory a text, my fingers dancing over the screen.

"Hey, Mallory! Quick question. Evie and I were thinking of heading to head out of town this weekend, somewhere quiet. Any chance we could use Adam's lake house this weekend?

A few moments pass before my phone buzzes with Mallory's response. I open the message anxiously, hoping for a positive answer.

"Absolutely! You guys are welcome to use it for the weekend. Have a great time!"

I can't help but grin at Mallory's generosity. With a triumphant smile, I turn to Evie, who's watching me with eager anticipation. "Mallory says it's a go! The lake house is ours for the weekend!"

Evie cheers, her excitement contagious, and I quickly send a thankful text to Mallory. The exchange continues, details unfolding about the location, directions, and what to expect. The prospect of a weekend by the lake fills me with renewed energy.

As we finalize the plans, Evie suggests, "Why don't we leave right after work on Friday? Get a head start on the weekend."

I nod in agreement. "Sounds perfect. "

Evie pushes herself off my desk and walks to her own, settling into her chair. "I seriously can't wait for this. It's exactly what we need."

"I agree," I respond, a genuine smile playing on my lips. The prospect of the upcoming trip lingers in my mind, acting as a soothing balm to the recent tumultuous events. A few days away is exactly what I need. Time to relax, gain some perspective, and perhaps, figure out the complex maze of emotions that have entangled my life.

Returning my focus to work, I dive into tasks with renewed energy, the anticipation of the weekend providing a welcomed distraction. Before I know it, the clock announces the end of the workday. Excitement courses through me as I gather my things, my mind already racing ahead to the lakeside escape with Evie.

We head to the parking lot, chatting animatedly about what we should or shouldn't pack. Arriving at Evie's car, we exchange ideas, both of us fueled by the thrill of the impending trip. "Tomorrow can't come soon enough," Evie remarks, echoing my sentiments.

We hug and we part ways, each heading to our respective cars. I unlock mine and slide into the driver's seat, a sense of contentment settling in. As I reach for the ignition, my phone buzzes in my bag. I fish it out and unlock the screen, only to find Daniel's name flashing on the display. My initial excitement wavers, replaced by a sense of apprehension. Hesitating for a moment, I decide to answer.

"Hey," I greet, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Daniel's voice comes through with a casual "Hey, baby. Wanna come over?"

"Sure," I agree, "but I can't stay for long."

"Why's that?" he asks, and I can sense the shift in his demeanor.

I hesitate for a moment before answering, "I have to pack, Evie and I planned to go away this weekend."

"What the fuck are you talking about, Melanie?" Daniel's immediate anger catches me off guard. "You're not going anywhere with Evie."

My eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he snaps. "You can't just run off for the weekend. We have plans, Melanie. You need to be more considerate of my feelings."

Confused, I ask, "Considerate of what? What are you talking about?"

Daniel's voice rises, "First, you rent an apartment without talking to me about it, and now this!"

"I told you I wanted to move out of my parents' house," I defend myself. "I can't put my life on hold because you're uncomfortable with it."

"You can't just do whatever you want," he insists.

"You can't tell me what to do," I assert, feeling the need to stand my ground.

"I can," he insists, his tone firm.

"No, you can't," I counter, my patience wearing thin. "We're over."