Chapter 2

The following morning crept in like any other. I woke up rubbing my eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. Looking around, I realized I had dozed off at my desk. My eyes widened as a sharp sting hit my cheek. My face had been pressed against my laptop keyboard all night I was sure the keys had left little imprints on my skin.

Just then, a message popped up on my screen. I scrambled to check my email. I had applied to two companies last night, hoping for good news. But no it was just another spam ad. With a sigh, I shut my laptop down for what felt like the hundredth time, weighed down by disappointment.

“Becoming homeless wouldn’t be so bad, right?” I muttered to myself.

Yes. Yes, it would. I take that back. “This is getting ridiculous,” I groaned.

A new question popped into my head: why is it so hard to find a job in California?

I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower and busied myself with little things while waiting for the water to warm. I grabbed my towel from the rod, wrapped it around my midsection, and stepped out.

In my room, I opened the top drawer where I kept my undergarments and picked out a matching set.

“I’m here!” Fab’s voice called from the living room.

I rushed out to meet her. “Hey, babe,” she greeted.

Fab jumped into my arms, hugging me tight. I hugged her back, her thick brown hair flooding my senses with strawberry shampoo. I laughed out loud.

“How are you doing?” she asked, knowing full well I wasn’t okay.

“I’m fine,” I lied.

“Are you sure? Because you don’t look it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Come on, girly. I know it’s tough, but you’ll get a new job soon. Something amazing, I promise. So cheer up already.”

I stared at her silently.

“Don’t give me that face. Go get dressed we’re going out for breakfast,” she announced.

“Oh no,” I whined.

“Get your ass up, silly! Go get dressed,” Fab said, nudging me back into my room.

“Can’t we just make breakfast here?” I protested, but Fab wasn’t having it. She dragged me toward the closet.

“Now go change into something nice,” she urged.

“All right, ma’am,” I said with a salute.

I skimmed through my clothes, realizing most of them were just casual basics. “What do you think about this?” I asked, holding up a pinafore top.

“What?... Hell no,” she said instantly. “You are not wearing that. Try something captivating.”

I returned with a red drape-fall top, shiny black jeans, and a red short gown. “Choose one,” I said.

“I like the red one,” Fab replied, her eyes lingering on the dress. “Go put it on.”

I slipped into the dress. It clung tightly around my torso, making it a little hard to breathe, but loosened gracefully around my waist and swirled gently as I moved. It stopped just above my knees.

I felt like a high schooler getting ready for homecoming.

Smoothing the fabric, I made my way to the bathroom. I opened the drawer and pulled out my makeup bag. I applied a light touch Fab always gave me grief for not doing more, but I preferred a natural look.

I examined myself for any flaws, then pulled the tie from my hair, letting it fall around my shoulders. My curls rested just above my chest.

“Do I look okay?” I asked.

Fab looked at me like I’d grown a second head. Uh-oh.

“Okay? Girl, you look great!”

I felt my cheeks flush. Being mixed definitely had its downsides there was no hiding a blush.

Turning back to the mirror, I smiled. The girl in the reflection smiled back. I was glad I’d done my toenails yesterday because they’d been begging for attention.

We headed out to Primo Italian-American Cuisine and ordered French fries and cappuccinos. Just as I was about to dig in, a burst of laughter caught our attention. I looked up and my spoon dropped from my hand.

“Are you okay?” Fab asked. I was too stunned to answer. She waved her hand in front of my face.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she snapped.

“Umm...” I stammered. “That guy... he’s my ex.”

“Whoa!” she exclaimed. “He’s hot. How come you never told me about him?”

“Because he’s not worth talking about, okay?”

“I want to know, Carmen,” she insisted.

“Fine. But keep your voice down I don’t want him knowing I’m here.”

“Alright, alright.”

“We dated for four years high school through university. He was everything. sweet, loving, caring. Every girl’s dream, really. I cherished every moment with him... but....”

“But what?” she pressed.

“Shit happened.” I poked at my food.

“Huh... I don’t get it. What really happened between you two? I can’t believe you never told me.”

“I’m sorry, okay?” I sighed. “Just let me tell the full story.”

She leaned in.

“Blake and I went to McGrill University. We both studied Business Administration. But my friend Nora liked him like, seriously liked him. She even tried to seduce him, but I never took it seriously because I trusted Blake. You know what hurt the most?” My voice cracked. “He never trusted me.”

Fab pulled me into a hug, and I kept going.

“For my 20th birthday, Blake threw me this amazing party at a club. There was champagne, dancing, laughter it was unforgettable. I was so happy. Then Nora came over, handed me a glass of wine, and said, ‘Happy birthday to the world’s most amazing friend.’ I smiled and thanked her.

“A few minutes later, I started feeling dizzy. I couldn’t find Blake, so I asked Hunter to take me home. He carried me bridal-style to my room and laid me on my bed. I was half-asleep, thinking he’d leave... but he didn’t.

“Suddenly, I felt his lips on mine. I tried to push him away, but he grabbed my wrists. He started kissing down my neck I kept fighting, but he was too strong.

“Then Blake burst into the apartment, looking panicked. He stormed into my room and saw Hunter trying to undress me. Blake shouted, and I managed to open my eyes. His expression dropped.

‘What the hell is going on here, Carmen?’ he said calling me by my real name for the first time ever. He always called me Peach. I couldn’t speak. I could barely sit up. Before I could say anything, Blake punched Hunter square in the nose.

“‘What the hell, man?’ Hunter yelled, but Blake hit him again, knocking him to the floor.

“Blake gave me this disgusted look and stormed out. Hunter slowly got up while I cried silently.

‘Why did you do this, Hunter? You were supposed to be my friend you ruined my relationship.’

‘I’m sorry, Carmen,’ he whispered. ‘I never meant for this to happen... but your friend asked me to.’

‘What? My friend?’

‘Nora. She came up with this plan to ruin your relationship. I said no at first, but... she offered to pay for my tuition.’

‘You did all this for money?’ I stared at him, stunned. ‘You’re unbelievable. You disgust me.’

‘Get out of my house!’ I screamed.

I couldn’t believe any of it.”