31 - The Weight Of It

JUNE’S POV

Apparently, Dad didn’t just collapse, he sprained his ankle badly. That meant he couldn’t work.

Mum and I knew the implications.

Just a week ago, I let myself hope. I hoped that things might finally get easier.

Life does have a way of reminding you of your reality.

“June.” Jules’ pulled me back.

“You’ve been staring at that tree for ten minutes.” She told me.

I blinked and looked away from the window.

“What are you thinking about?” She asked.

“Is it your dad?” She added, no smile on her face. That was how I knew she was worried.

“I’ll figure it out.” I responded.

“You always say that,” she retorted.

“Because I always do.” The words came out sharper than I intended.

Guilt settled quickly in my stomach.

She moved closer and nudged my shoulder.

“Your mum is there too, you know? You don’t have to carry everything yourself.” She said sternly.

I nodded.

Soon, it was time for Adrien and I’s revision.

“You’re doing great by the way.” I said mindlessly as he answered the questions on a website we found for quizzes.

He gave a “mhm” in response.

“Wow 20 out of 20. That’s amazing.” I said as I scanned through his answers.

“I’m amazing, I know.” He said, gliding his fingers through his hair.

“What’s wrong?” He suddenly said.

“What do you mean?”

“Something is bothering you huh?” He told me, looking at me as if he saw right through my masked expression.

“You’re overthinking.” I said simply,

“You keep using your nail to graze your fingers.” He pointed out with his words and his eyes.

I suddenly felt aware that I was itching my fingers lightly when there was no itch.

He turned his chair and held my hands in his.

“If anything’s bothering you, you can tell me okay?” He said, blue eyes staring at me.

I gulped and nodded in response.

“Good,” he replied.

Realizing what this moment was, I pulled away.

“I’m just tired,” I said lazily.

“How’s your father?” He asked.

That reminded me of my predicament.

I got transported back to that night. The way fear moved in my chest, how easily my tears flowed.

“Hey, you’re doing it again.” I heard Adrien say, this time he was closer, squatting in front of me.

I don’t think I’ve ever looked down at him.

He looked even better like this.

“June?” He said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Right.” I managed to say and stood up.

“See you tomorrow.” I said and walked away, grateful he didn’t follow me.

Both Jules and Adrien had expressed their worries today, I was obviously letting it show on me. I didn’t want them to pity me. I thought to myself as I walked into the cafe.

I remembered what the doctor at the hospital told me about getting help.

I didn’t need help.

What I needed right now was another job.

I had an appointment today at a bookstore. It was new and was already getting a lot of customers.

But I had to work at the cafe and cover a shift since one of my coworkers called in sick.

There were days when the cafe brought me comfort and peace, and gave me a distraction.

Today was not one of those days. It was as if everyone decided to be bitchy and rude.

Even the university students were cranky.

“This is why we don’t come to these kinds of cafés, Mark.” I heard a rich looking woman say to her husband as they walked towards the exit.

I was exhausted already.

“Got the energy for one more order?” I heard a familiar voice say.

I looked up to none other than Adrien Hayes in a face cap, trying to hide his face.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Not the best way of saying hello but I’ll take it.” He smirked.

“I came to check on you.” He said. He was still wearing his boots and looked freshly out of the shower.

He came straight from training.

“I’ll be done in five.” I told him and went into the staff room as I saw the person for the next shift walk in.

I changed into my own clothes and stepped out. We sat on one of the seats outdoor.

He pushed a sandwich and lemonade bottle towards me.

“Eat,”

I was too tired to refuse.

“This is so good,” I marveled over the food.

“Glad you like it. I made it.” He said confidently.

“As if,” I replied.

“Hey! I can cook!” He defended.

“Alright, you can cook.” I responded, unwilling to argue with him this evening.

“So, am I driving you home?” He said and I almost choked on my drink.

“No, I have somewhere to be in like five minutes.” I said, not telling him about the interview.

“And you’re still here?!”

“Thanks for noticing.” I responded sarcastically.

“Where?” He asked.

“A bookstore, it’s not too far from here.” I told him.

“I’ll take you.” He offered.

“You don’t have to.” I said instinctively.

“June.” He said with a look that meant it wasn’t up for negotiation.

“Adrien.” I mimicked.

“Get your bag and let’s go.” He said and this time, I didn’t argue.

He drove through the city and finally parked in front of, “Lewis & Hawkin’s”

“Thank you for this.” I started, turning to face him. “And for the other night, I don’t think I got to thank you properly.”

“I’m sure you already did.” He smiled lazily.

“Well I’m saying it again.” I responded.

“I know you didn’t have to stay but you did.” I continued.

“I would’ve been a horrible boyfriend if I left, wouldn’t I?” He started. “Don’t sweat it, Carter. I was glad to have been there.” He said reassuringly.

I smiled at him, the silence between us stretched comfortably.

The moment felt precious. The type you’d want to keep somewhere safe and make sure you never forgot.

He cleared his throat and started the engine.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He said before I got out of the car.

I watched him drive off and waved.

I stepped into the book store and immediately saw Lewis, the man who owned the bookstore.

“Hi, I’m here for the job interview.” I said.

“Oh yes, come in. It’ll be very short, it doesn't take too much skill to work here.” He laughed to himself as he spoke.

“Okay, why do you think I should hire you?” He asked.

“I know I’m effective. I’m great with alphabets, color coding and descriptions. I’m not the best with people but when it comes to books, I like to think I become more interesting.” I answered, trying to sound happy.

I was happy about the job, really.

I loved reading, what could possibly be better than being around so many books I could read anytime I wanted?

“Hmm,” Mr Lewis said.

“Let me ask my nephew for some help.” He said with a cheerful smile.

“James!” He called out.

My heart dropped.