I can't control my anger. “Listen, lady. Ben isn't your husband anymore. You don't belong here, so why don't you just leave…” I say, ready to continue telling her off.
She gives me a scornful laugh. “You poor, delusional girl. Do you really think Ben has feelings for you?” she asks mockingly. I'm shocked into silence. “That's just part of his little game. I'm sure he's told you all kinds of things about me. But you see, the real reason I left him is that he couldn't keep his dick in his pants,” Isabel says in a tone laced with false sympathy. “Now I return home to see that he still hasn't changed.” She gestures to me.
I'm appalled and hurt. I run upstairs to gather my clothes and quickly leave the house. Isabel watches me leave a slight smirk, but I don't notice. I knew it was all too good to be true. I'm so angry and hurt. How could I allow myself to fall for Ben? I can't believe I fell for his lies.
As I hurry home, I try not to let the tears fall. I don't want anyone to see me cry in public. I can't believe I could have been so wrong about everything, and I don't know what to think. I don't want to see or be anywhere near him. I just want to go home and fall apart. It hurts to be treated this way.
Chapter 14 - Cece
In my apartment, getting dressed for the day, I look at my reflection in the mirror as I fix my hair. My phone rings. I silence the call and ignore it. It's Ben. He's been calling nonstop, and I keep ignoring his phone calls. There is no way I am talking to him. I can't believe I got so caught up in the idea of having a family that I got carried away with my boss. How could I have been so careless and desperate?
After I'm dressed, I grab my purse and walk outside. I'm on my way to the coffee shop to beg for my job back. I need the money now more than ever, considering all that has happened. My boss, Tracey, is pretty understanding, and I'm really counting on her generosity today. I still haven't given up on my college goals. That's all I have left in my life right now. I sigh as I try not to think about what could have been. I can't afford to be emotional again today.
How could I have made such a stupid mistake like this? I think about it the whole walk over there. I arrive at the coffee shop to see an entire crowd of people waiting to be helped. My boss Tracey is behind the counter, trying to work as fast as she can. I take a deep breath and realize it is now or never. I walk inside and try to get her attention by waving my arms. She finally notices me and gives me a signal to wait. I stand in the corner of the coffee shop and wait for her. Things haven't changed too much here. That's good. Hopefully, I can pick up a few extra shifts. Nothing will compare to what I was earning taking care of Katie, though. Still, I'm not about to give up on my goals. Besides, I'm no stranger to hard work.
After the crowd has died down a little, she walks over to me. “What can I do for you, Cece?” she asks tiredly.
“Well, I'm here to ask for my job back. I understand if you have already hired someone else, I just thought I'd try,” I explain, deciding to be truthful.
She looks around at what's left of the crowd. “Can you start right now?” she asks.
“Yes, of course!” I reply, relieved.
“Good. Welcome back.”
I take my usual place behind the counter and begin serving customers. It's nice to see I haven't lost my touch. The overflow of work is my only distraction from Ben, and I eagerly lose myself in it.
Another large crowd hits us during lunchtime. I wonder what the cause of all this is? I look in the window and see a sign advertising a new drink. No wonder we are so busy. Just when I think I'm going to get a break, there is more work to be done.
When I have a moment, I glance at my phone. I see more missed calls from Ben. I don't have time to let it bother me. I slip the phone into my pocket and get back to work. I can't afford to lose focus now.
When I'm finally able to catch my breath, it's almost closing time. Thank goodness the workday is pretty much done. I spent the whole day on my feet. The last of the customers are taking their coffee to go.