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Twenty-one: MTOABB

MTOABB

It had now been two weeks since Zack and I broke it off and one week since our last conversation. And maybe you are wondering why I still continue to keep note of anything that has a Zack stamp on it.

But when you’ve liked someone for such a long time, that one could assume that you became obsessed with them through time -- you can’t bring yourself to the idea of not having them cross your mind once a day, because it hurts. It’s the kind of pain that has your heart yearning for a do-over, while your brain has built up a case as to why you can’t go back, so you don’t, because everytime your brain comes up on top and takes the victory award.

Winter break had commenced and instead of having plans with Gomes like I had initially planned, I’m stuck biting my nails and looking at my own reflection every minute I head to the toilet, which happens to be more regular than usual, thanks to my water consumption.

Gomes is still in Miami, visiting his dad -- I'm only guessing because he didn't say much before taking off. We only have one week left before school reopens and he hasn't mentioned to me when he'll be back. I’m somewhat on a ship with a ghost and I have to pretend to be getting communication back every time I reach out to him. How do I know that this is not some big joke and I happen to be the clown to his circus? When it comes to Gomes, my mind is forever swirling with ideas.

I've been doing a lot of sleeping and eating for the past few days since he left -- hope he isn't too shocked that I might look different from when he had last seen me.

Two more minutes and the clock will strike eleven - an hour before the afternoon sun arises. I've been stuck in bed all day while Chloe and Juliet have picked up a few shifts at BJ's Cookies and Cream.

"Rossita! I won't call you for the third time -- come downstairs now!" Mom yells and I groan in retaliation.

I slip out of bed and cozy my feet into my slipper before grabbing my toothbrush and heading for the bathroom.

"I'm going to need you to deliver a message to your sister for me."

"Mom... you can call or even send her a message," I say.

"Not as fun as you going there and getting some fresh air. It's like killing two birds with one stone."

Did I just get compared to a bird that now happens to be dead, all because mom decided to throw a stone at it?

"But I don't know how to drive yet," I whine, pulling out the chair to sit.

"You can take the taxi and I'll even give you taxi fare money."

I groan as I grab the money that my mom has already laid on the counter.

"Do I really have to?" I ask.

"Yes. Have you seen yourself? You look like a beaten horse left for dead."

What's with mom comparing me to anything and everything dead -- I doubt I look that bad. I threw water on my face, brushed my teeth and ran my fingers through my -- right. Who runs their fingers through their hair and still look presentable? Clearly not me.

"Go back upstairs and grab a cap to salvage your appearance."

My Type of a bad Boy

I'm not a newbie when it comes to catching a taxi, although right now it would seem like I am. I've been standing at the sideline trying to haul for a taxi cab for the last ten minutes and... nothing.

I finally put on my nerd glasses and call a taxi cab like a normal person who is not living in New York or South Africa would do. Ten more minutes and I'm pushing the door in at the cafe as I make my way to the counter.

"Where is Chloe?" I ask juliet.

"Hello to you too," she says, blankly staring at me.

"Hi."

"Why are you here?" She asks, arching her body forward and leaning on the counter with her upper chest.

"I need to speak to Chloe." "-- mom sent me," I add.

"Has Ms. Jenkins not heard anything about phone calls or even leaving a message? She asks.

"That's what I told her." I sit on the stool , grabbing the menu to scheme through.

Juliet moves to the back room where I assume Chloe is.

"It's been a minute. I miss my Rose," he says, sitting on the stool next to mine.

"You still haven't changed." I shake my head as a smile slips and my lips curve up in amusement.

"You wanted me to?" He leans forward and places his hands on the counter.

"No."

"Good."

I smile as I turn to give the menu another glance.

"You want to eat something?" He gestures to the menu.

"No. I'm just waiting for Chloe."

"How about a bite - my treat."

"It's okay, Zack. Thank you though."

"Is it because you're with the Prinse guy?" He asks.

"Are you not back with Juliet?" I give him a questioning glare.

"You know I'm not in a relationship," he says.

"Right -- that's how you are able to kiss anyone without feeling guilty."

He says nothing as he sits there. And why did I even mention it -- we're over, right?

"I shouldn't have said that. It's not of my concern and it shouldn't bother me."

"It still bothers you because you still want me -- and I still want you too."

I stare at him dumbfounded as anger slowly starts creeping in. How dare he say that.

No.

No I don't want him back!

"What about Cassandra? Don't you still want her?"

"She and I wouldn't work out."

How humourous -- am I right? He moves from kissing her to saying that they wouldn't work out?

"Well you and I wouldn't work out either --" I don't know why I was so convinced in the beginning that he was meant to be mine.

Jocks are sissies anyways.

"I'm sorry." He whispers.

"Don't be. We're good now."

"So does that mean we can hang out one of these days?"

"Yeah -- maybe." I smile.

Chloe pushes the back door and walks towards me.

"What are you doing here?" She asks.

"You took your damn time coming out. Mom wanted me to let you know that you have to come home early today."

"You couldn't have texted me that?"

"Tell mom that. Anyways, I'm going to stick around and we'll leave together."