C05
I arrived at the movie theatre a little nervous, partly because I was hoping to see Jared and work things out with
him. Even though I was still mad at him, he was still dear to me.
Just as I got to the door, I heard Kimberly speaking.
“I only invited her because it was necessary. That was the only reason Jared decided to sponsor this.”
“You should’ve told me. I would’ve come up with an excuse for why she doesn’t have to be here.” That was
Sara’s voice.
Were they talking about me?
“I’ve told Jared several times that Ashley is nothing compared to you.” Kim said.
“She’s just a poor roach with nothing better to do than to cling to my man.”
Was that how they truly saw me? As nothing but a good–for–nothing gold digger? I expected that from Sara
because of how she treated Jared even in my presence. But not from Kimberley.
I thought she approved of my relationship with Jared because she said he had changed for the better ever since
I came into his life.
I won’t stay where I’m not wanted.
I turned to leave and I bumped into someone tall. His hand instantly went to my back to steady me and soon, I was staring into the eyes of the very man Sara wanted. Jared.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“Home.” I steadied myself.
As I did, I noticed the bandage around his neck and his crutch on the floor. Even though I was mad at him, I wouldn’t just leave him like this. I bent down and picked his clutch.
“I told you to be careful.”
“I wouldn’t have had to jump out of that window if you didn’t lock me in there.” He refused to take the clutch, instead he put his hand around my shoulder. “Let’s go in.”
“After what they just said?”
“I didn’t hear anything.” Jared started to lead us forward.
10.33 AM
After the Fireworks Faded
I didn’t actually expect him to lie to me again. “Anyone two hundred miles away can hear what they say. Do you
still insist that you didn’t hear your beloved Sara calling me a cockroach?”
“Audrey, please stop. Sara wouldn’t say that.”
Was Jared trying to gaslight me?
I pushed the door open. Kimberly and Sara stood straight with guilty looks on their faces.
“Oh, you made it.” Kim tried to give me a hug.
I pushed her hand off as well as Jared’s hand. He staggered, falling unto Sara. She barely caught him, before both of them toppled to the floor under the pull of his weight.
“Audrey, be careful.” Sara screamed.
“Have you ever seen a careful cockroach? That’s right, I heard everything you and Kim said.”
“Audrey. Don’t do this.” Jared cautioned.
“And you Kim-” I turned to her and slapped her. “That’s for pretending to be my friend. All this while, if you knew
I wasn’t good for Jared why didn’t you say so?”
She bowed her head as Sara helped Jared to his feet.
I looked at them with disgust. “You three deserve each other. A lying man, a sneaky woman and a snake of a
friend. I’m done.”
I started to walk to the door, then Jared held my hand. “Ashley, I set up this whole thing for you. At least see the movie. You have a seat beside Taylor Swift.”
“She can go to hell for all I care if she’s friends with you and Kim. Oh, and before I forget, Kim, no one likes your singing, you sound like a drowning frog. Sara, that mole on your face is bigger than you think. We just ignore it because we’re trying to be polite. As for you Jared, stay as far away from me as you can, because your leg won’t be the only thing you’ll lose if I catch you stalking me again.”
***
Three weeks passed without a word from me to Jared. He seemed to get the memo that I wanted him out of my life because there was no extravagant delivery of food or a large bouquet of flowers at my doorstep.
So, I buried myself in work and as I did, my work friends started to respect me for my strength and courage. They also complimented my fashion sense which had improved because of all the new clothes I could wear now that I focused on my sewing projects.
I’d even gotten a few orders from my colleagues and I made the clothes as gifts because of our friendship. Many of them sent me gift boxes since I refused to collect any money.
Which was why when I walked into the office on Tuesday, I didn’t question the strange black box in my table.
It was a little bigger compared to all the other boxes I had received. But it was a gift so I was happy to receive it.
But when I opened the box, I saw a shredded dress dipped in what looked like blood along with a knife and a
note.
The note read: Watch your tongue or your dress won’t be the only thing shredded.
My hands shook a bit as I dropped the note and stared at the dress.
I knew this dress. I had given it to Sara because Jared had insisted, once when we went on a date, that I give it to her because she liked it and couldn’t find it anywhere to buy.
It was my favorite dress, sewn by my aunt for me before she died. Sara took it and never returned it.
This note and this package has to be from her. My shaking seized. Sara didn’t need to worry. As long as Jared did not cross my part, I had no business with him.
Usually I would report cases like this to him. For one, his enemies could be trying to scare me. Two, he already told me that anything concerning Sara was to be reported to him. But there was no need.
10:33 AM
After the Fireworks Faded
Because I had finally cut off all times with him. Even in my heart. And even if I told him, he wouldn’t believe that
weak Sara would pull such a stunt.
I took the package downstairs to toss it into the large bin outside.
As I walked, I heard some footsteps behind me.
I tried to walk faster to avoid the person but as I picked up my pace the person also walked faster. I broke into a
full run and then I took a left turn into the corner so that the person would walk past me.
The footsteps stopped and retreated. I let out a sigh of relief and I tossed the box into the dustbin.
Maybe there was some things to be afraid of after all.
As I turned to return to the office. I bumped into someone and they grabbed me by my waist and hoisted me on their shoulder, and out of the alley despite my screams.
