TWO

Elora..

I leaned against the window of the bus. Everything was blurry as I stared at the evening view. The bus stopped, and I walked back home less enthusiastic than I was in the morning.

I opened the front door and saw my boyfriend, Mike, on my couch, barely standing. I smiled a little as I saw him focused on the game he was playing.

"Hey, babe," I said as I kissed his cheek. He turned and gave me a small smile.

"You look stressed," he said, and I nodded. I dropped my bag on my bed and planted my face on it. "I wanted to talk to you, El," he said in a serious tone, and my heart fell. I sat up on the bed and looked at him, but he avoided eye contact.

"Mike?" 

"You've been busy this past year, and... you have a lot on your shoulders," he started. "I've also been busy, and we barely see each other."

"What are you trying to say, Mike?" I asked, holding my breath.

"Our relationship is not as it used to be." He said, taking a hold of my hands. I tightened my hold on his hands, not wanting to let go because I had a feeling this might be the last. "Let's take a break, El."

I felt the world pause. It felt like hours passed, but it was just a few seconds. I blinked repeatedly. I wanted him to tell me that it was a bad joke or maybe a late April fool in July.

"El?" I snapped back to reality as he looked at me with worry.

"Why Mike? Is it something I did wrong?" I asked as a tear slipped down my face.

"No, babe, not at all," he reassured me, wiping the tears from my face. "We are both focused on our school and job. Let's just take a break. For a short time, okay?"

"What if the short time becomes forever, Mike? If you are tired of me, just tell me, please," I said, and the second tear rolled down my cheek, and the rest followed in an unbroken stream.

"I love you, El; I really do, but... let's just see how this break goes, ok?" He said slowly, letting go of my hand.

"Mike.." 

"I'll go now," he said before leaving. I heard the door close and slide down to the floor. Today could not get any worse.

**

"And he just broke it off like that?" Raya asked, and I nodded before realizing we were on a call.

"Yeah, but he said we were on a break, so on the bright side."

"El, don't keep your hopes high. It might not happen, you know," Raya said, stating the sad truth.

"I know, but it just might," I said before entering the cafe with the help wanted sign. "I'll call you back later; I have an interview," I said before hanging up. I wanted to be like the other girls who sit at home and mourn their broken hearts, but I literally couldn't afford it.

Three places later, I sat on the bench in the bus station tiredly. No luck at all; not even the pizzeria that looked like a mad house wanted to employ me. I boarded the bus and sat at the back, my head against the window. My phone rang, and my younger brother's name showed on the caller ID.

"Hey El, what's up?" I heard him say cheerily, and I smiled.

"I'm fine. I'm stressed, but fine." I replied.

"Ok, umm," he said, and I chuckled. "Have you eaten?" He asked randomly.

"Is your tuition due?" I asked him, knowing the reason he called.

"It was due last month, but I felt bad,"

"I told you to always call me. I'm sending you the money right away," I said, and he sighed.

"Thanks a lot, El," he finally said after a long pause. "I worked for half the tuition, but the doctor said mom needed some drugs, so..."

"You don't have to explain Eden. You are my responsibility, and as an older sister, I should provide for you, so don't hesitate to tell me, okay?" I assured him, even though I knew that apart from his tuition, I had close to nothing.

"I love you El"

"I love you too," I replied before hanging up. I sent the money to him and stared at my sad account balance. 

I walked back to my house and saw my landlady waiting by the front door.

"Good evening, Mrs. Miller," I greeted, and she smiled.

"Good evening, dear," she replied.

"I know it's overdue, but I'll pay bit by bit," I tried to assure her.

"The rent prices have soared these days, and I have children to train. Try and do something before next week, ok? Or I'll have to find a new tenant," she said before giving me a small smile and leaving.

I turned around and walked to the quiet arch bridge, famous for its beautiful evening scenery. It had fewer cars every day because people thought it was haunted, yet it was turning into a mini-tourist center at night. As I got closer to the bridge, a cool wave of fresh air hit me. It made me feel lighter, like I wasn't a laughing stock for the deities up there. 

An expensive-looking car was parked by the bridge, and a girl came out. She might be a little older than me, but everything about her screamed money. It made me uncomfortable in my t-shirt and jeans, which barely cost a dollar.

I just slowly followed the girl as she entered the bridge. I got lost in my thoughts and totally forgot about her. Just as I was about to head back home, I saw the girl standing on the slippery rails of the bridge. Before I could even understand what was happening, she jumped.