Chapter 8:

I couldn't stop thinking about it. Why was she considering suicide? What was going on with her that was so bad?

"Thanks for today, Cam" Jerry spoke the first words since we left the hospital as soon as we got to the front of my apartment. I stared at him.

"Jerry....why did Sophie consider suicide?" I asked. His grip on the steering tightened as he stared ahead.

"I don't want to talk about it" he said and my lips formed a straight line. This is odd. This is very unusual of him.

"Okay" I sighed. I shouldn't apply pressure. He just lost the woman he loved. I looked at the time on the dashboard, 6:23am. Shit. I have work by 8.

I hurriedly opened the door and took my phone. "I have to get to work. Take care of yourself Jerry!" I said and rushed out of the car.

I opened my door and rushed in, heading straight to my room. I plugged my phone so it would charge and stripped before entering the shower.

It sure was an eventful weekend. A sad one. From trying to get over my longtime crush on Jerry to hearing the doctor say she is dead. That rings a bell....but that doesn't matter.

I applied a little concealer to hide my dark eyebags as I stared at my tired reflection. My body started to feel weary and it just set in that I didn't get enough sleep. I let out a tired yawn then applied a lip balm.

I carried my phone that was barely charged and my bag which contained necessities. With one last look at the mirror, I head out and boarded a cab.

On getting to my workplace, Brad strolled out of the restaurant in a hurry. "Good morning Brad" I called and he waved at me briefly before boarding a cab. I wonder where he's rushing to by this time of the day.

"Damn, what brand are those bags under your eyes?" Alyssa eyed me as she sizzled chopped vegetables in a pan. I let out a groan as dropped my purse in my drawer before sitting on my chair. So much for the make up.

"Gucci" I replied dryly as my eyes scanned the restaurant. Now this is how a restaurant should look like on a Monday. An old couple sat at the corner of the room right beside a show glass and a blonde haired girl, probably seventeen or eighteen was in front of them.

A door opening caught my attention as Joel stood halfway outside his office, staring at me. "In my office" he said and shut the door.

Here we go again.

I sighed and hopped my chair. Alyssa passed me a pitiful look as I walked in his office. "Who died this time?" He asked sternly, leaning back against his leather seat.

"Someone actually did die though. I'm sorry, it won't happen again" I quickly replied but he shook his head.

"Camilla. You always do this. Tell me why I should keep on letting you break the rules. You stroll in late literally everyday and I keep on letting you off"

"I know, Jo. I'm just dealing with a lot right now" I tried to convince him.

"And how do I know that this is not one of your lies?"

"It isn't. Someone I know died yesterday. My bestfriend's fianceé" I explained and his lips formed a thin line.

Joel narrowed his eyes at me. "Okay. Sorry for your loss--"

"Since we're on the topic, I'd like to take some time off? Please?" I cut him off. He sighed and tapped his index finger on his desk, giving me a long stare.

"Camilla. You have a week. Today excluded" he yielded and I grinned in relief.

"Thank you so much " I said and rushed out of his office back to my spot behind the counter.

"Are you okay, cariño?" Paula came out of the kitchen, asking. I nodded and brought out my phone. I saw a missed call from Jerry.

"I'll be fine, Paula. Thank you" I smiled at her and shoved my phone in my bag.

Paula frowned, not satisfied with my answer. "Okay. Please be" she said and I nodded.

"I'm heading home now. Something urgent came up that I have to take care of for a few days. Please tell Alyssa for me"

"Alright, I will. Take care of yourself"

I blew her a kiss before walking out of the restaurant. I let out a relieved sigh before boarding a cab and heading to Jerry's place. I still had the address he texted me so I just used it.

As soon as I got to the house, I brought out my phone. I paid the cab driver and called his number as I walked towards his door. He didn't pick up.

I knocked a few times before he finally opened the door. Jerry was a mess. He looked like he would pass out any minute with how drowsy his eyes looked.

Leaning against the door frame, his lips pulled up into a smile as he saw me. "Cam... You're here" Yeah, he was definitely bashed.

"And your soberness isn't" I answered as I stepped in. A foul smell wafted through my nose. The number of empty and half full bottles that I saw scattered in the sitting room explained the smell. Even after blocking my nostrils, I could somehow still smell it.

"Sorry it's a little messy in here" Jerry said as he walked past me, a bottle now in his hand. Atleast he's an heavy drinker.

"A little?" I said as I collected the bottle from his hand and dropped it on the table. I looked for a clean sofa and sat on it, he plopped down beside me, letting out a very smelly sigh. Very is an understatement.

"I miss her, Cam. I miss her so much. I can't--"

"Hey hey, it's okay" I said and pulled him into a hug. Rubbing his back comfortingly, he gripped my shirt and sobbed. "I know you miss her"

He pulled away, wiping his face with his wrist. "I do. We were going to get married. It's just hard living without her now. I can't imagine waking up without her by my side and eating without her and sleeping without her. I can't imagine not hearing her voice anymore" He ranted as I took his hand.

"I understand. It is hard, very hard infact to live without someone you have planned the future with but eventually you'll learn to live with it and I'll be here till the end" I smiled, giving his hand a soft squeeze. He stared at me and nodded.

For a second, I saw his gaze flickered to my lips. I blinked and his bloodshot eyes were now on mine. That was definitely in my head.

"Thank you, Cam" he drawled in a low, hoarse voice. His breath warmed my lips and the alcohol stench was stronger than ever. He already leaned closer. My eyes stayed glued to his, my lips unable to mutter any word.

His gaze lowered, the second time. This one was definitely not in my head because I felt the pressure of his warm lips against mine. This was real. A mix of vinegar and orange peel spread on my tongue as my eyes shut close on reflex. This was my dream. This is my dream but not like this.

His hand cupped my cheek as he moved even closer. I placed my hand on his chest to stop him but a scoff did first.

"You have to be kidding me"

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01/08/2023