Natalie Miller

Friday 17th February

2:30pm- London

Blue.

My apartment building had a patterned blue and white exterior so I could spot it from a mile away. The pretty shade of midnight blue specifically. I steer right to park my car in the shared parking lot. I hop out of my car and carry my laptop briefcase and leather bag.

I had won a competition against my colleagues in tennis. The winner ends up getting a month-long break from work. So, in short, I was in a great mood. I had my air pods in and was listening to Send Me on My Way. I walked in beat, my short hazelnut brown hair swaying. As I walked into the elevator, my foot tapped in rhythm with the drumming of the song. The elevator doors open, and I walked down the corridor to Room 308. I put the key in and unlocked the door. I open the door to see my boyfriend, Isaac.

Isaac. The man of my dreams. We met at a market, and I knew we were going to date. We might even marry.

I took out my air pods and drop my bags on the floor. When I see him, I notice his dark expression and immediately dropped my arms. I walk slowly towards him and sit next to him.

"Are you all right, Issy?" I asked as he took hold of my hand.

He struggled to say words and he was holding back his tears; I could see it on his face. He took a deep breath and started to explain.

"Babe, my father...he...p-passed away" he stuttered gripping my hand.

"Oh Issy..." I say, holding out my hands for a hug.

He accepts my hug and tightly holds onto me. He releases and gazes at me with his teary eyes.

"Babe, I need to check up on my mother. I'll be gone for days; maybe even weeks. Both of us need to process the situation. After all of this, I need to visit my aunty from my dad's side in Toronto." He explains.

"Well, let me come with you. I've met your mother and aunt before, they won't mind."

"No! Th-this is something that I must deal with. I know you want to help, but I ask that you don't interfere. Plus, you still have to go to work."

"Not anymore. I have a month-long break. But if you insist, then I won't interfere."

"Thank you so much, babe."

He reaches in for a kiss which surprises me. His hand cupping my cheek and the other rubbing my stomach. He stops and stands up, collecting all his things. I follow him to the door, and he gives me a farewell.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" I ask him.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. I'll see you in a few weeks." He answers slightly smiling.

I slowly close my door as I see him enter the elevator before the elevator door closes. I'm still worrying about Isaac. But he's a grown man, so he should be fine. Yeah.

I walk over to my couch and lie while taking out my phone. I unlock my phone and click on Instagram. As I'm scrolling down, I get a notification. Specifically, a message from one of my followers. I click on the notification to see the name. Mabel Hale.

Mabel Hale?

Mabel...

Oh, Mabel.

I click on her profile picture and sure enough, it was Mabel Hale. My high school bestie. We lost contact after I moved abroad for university. I click on the message and read its details.

Hey Natalie,

Haven't seen or talked to you in a while. How are you doing? I hope life has been treating you well. I'm setting up a class reunion for our chaotic year 12 class. I hope you can come along. We all can agree you were the craziest out of all of us. I'd love it if our class clown could come and turn up the reunion. The reunion is at a hotel bar back in nice and comfy Toronto.

What do you say? :)

A smile spread on my face. It would be nice to see all my classmates after 10 years. I was about to type the words, yes but then I remembered Isaac's loss. I have to support him and not go to some reunion. While it is technically none of my business, I couldn't just leave him. I had to let her know I couldn't come.

Hey Mabel,

I'm so glad to be invited but something came up and I won't be able to come back to comfy Toronto.

Sorry :(

I sent the message and waited for her reply. She sent a reply two minutes later.

It's all right. You gotta do, what you gotta do.

I closed my phone and stared up at my apartment ceiling. I wanted to go but I also want to be supportive of Isaac and his family. Perhaps I should visit his mother's house tomorrow with a gift and some lavender.

Maybe a box of scented candles.