Little Moments (Second Chances 2)

Time reverts back to normal as I bend down to grab my bags off the ground. A faint yelp from Heather rings in my ears as I stalk off toward the entrance. Looking behind for Gia, I see that she’s yelling at Easton so I continue my walk out.

Exiting the restaurant, I let out a high scream. Passersby glare at me as I let out my anger. Seconds later, Gia comes up behind me and grabs hold of my arm, pulling me toward the subway.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

Gia stays with me that night. I didn’t ask her to stay, but she knew I needed someone. I don’t talk much and Gia doesn’t pry. She knows I need time to figure out what the hell just happened. As I lay in bed, reliving the horror at the restaurant, it all comes crashing back to me.

Prom night. I feel as though I am experiencing it all over again: seeing the one person who has your heart sharing his with someone else. It fucking sucks. And, not only has it happened to me once, but now, twice. Do I have the word ‘sucker’ plastered on my forehead?

Gia holds me as I cry tears of sadness, not for Easton, but for me. For being so gullible and naïve. And just fucking stupid.

******

Avoiding Easton at work is much harder than I thought. He is everywhere. The halls, the nurses lounge, the waiting room in the ER. He even has me paged and instructed to see him in his office. I avoid him as best I can for the next week, glancing over my shoulder, checking stairwells, you name it.

Starting out a morning shift, I grab a breakfast sandwich at the cafeteria and head in line to pay. As I pull out a couple dollars, Easton sneaks up behind me, holding out cash.

He motions to the cashier. “I got this.”

While the cashier gives him his change, I give him a ‘stay away from me’ look and walk off.

He rushes after, spinning me to face him. “Melanie, I’ve been trying to talk to you for the past week. Don’t avoid me.”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

“Listen, things with Heather are over. It’s done.”

Finding it hard to believe him, my brow arches. “Oh, really? Why? S

he found out you’re a disgusting creep?”

“I was honest with her and told her about you, so she broke it off.”

“Oh, so you blame me. You know what, stay the hell away from me!” I spin around and start walking back to the nurses lounge, but his hand grabs hold of my arm.

“But, I want you. I chose you.”

I twist out of his grip. “Fuck you!”

******

“Hey Gia, I need to talk to you.”

Gia sits to me on the sofa in the lounge. “Sure, what’s up?”

Nervous, I let out a deep breath. “So, I gave my formal resignation today.”

She gasps. “Wait, what? Why? Is it because of Easton?”

Hanging my head low, I reply, “Yes. I can’t stand to work here anymore.”

Her arms caress my shoulders. “But honey, don’t let him win. Just ignore his cheating ass!”

I shake my head. “It’s not that simple. I’ve told him off multiple times but he won’t quit it. So, I’m leaving.”

Her eyes grow wide with shock and she asks, “Where are you going to go? Did you find another job?”

I close my eyes and let out a big sigh, ready for this nightmare to end. “Not yet. I have a couple interviews lined up, so I’m hoping to find one soon. I have enough savings to last me for three months, but hopefully it won’t take that long to find a job.”