It was finally the beginning of December, and the first signs of winter had become visible. While Boston was yet to see a single snowflake, the weather had already been cold. Much to Una’s dismay, she still had to suffer waking up to an icy morning for over a week to attend classes. She was thinking of not going back after the holidays—maybe do a gap year. Deciding on what she would want to major in had been nothing but frustrating to her. Perhaps a gap year could help her figure things out.
When the rain started to fall steadily from the sunless sky, tapping a metrical rhythm on Will’s car, Una wished she hadn’t said yes to him when he invited her to his office party. Another party, she frowned at the image of people laughing, talking and having a blast in front of her while she stood as the observer and as an outsider. But, having to take on the role of a girlfriend, it was one of her many responsibilities to show up to whatever her boyfriend had invited her to. Or at least that was what she understood when she read those articles she googled Responsibilities of a girlfriend in a relationship and How to be a good girlfriend? during her spare time.
Three hours into the party and Una felt worn-out and was ready to go home. She could no longer push aside all the discomfort brought on by the dress she wore and the feeling of how much she couldn’t relate with the people all around her. She had looked for Liezel twice, but when she saw her talking with someone by the bar, she retraced her steps and sat back to their table. She looked around, and suddenly she wanted to finally leave. She didn’t feel like being social, although she never really liked to in the first place. She was only there because of Will.Having felt like she had paid the girlfriend duty enough—met
Will’s garden housed a variety of indoor plants and colorful flowers. As Una walked further into the garden, she saw a row of red roses that were mostly in full bloom, giving off a sweet scent. She leaned and let the flowers brush against her face. “Do you like roses?” she heard Will from behind.She turned around to face him. “I think they’re pretty.” She was lightly shaking.
“So basically, I ended the year with a loud bang.” Glen threw his half-eaten donut back inside the box. “If that doesn’t call for a celebration, then I don’t know what will.” Two weeks after returning to work from the holidays and Glen still couldn’t shut up about how he scored two women on New Year’s Eve. Will made a face. “Hmmm…I don’t think so, buddy.”
Una sighed long and deep as she walked into her house that Friday afternoon. While all she did was sat in her class and hoped for it to be over soon, she felt worn out after a long day. Her quick visit to Professor Cullum’s office earlier that day also added to the stress she felt. Although she knew her professor was right, she needed to sort her major soon and start learning something that really mattered to her.And when her last class for the d
Every so often, Liezel’s eyes drifted across the office toward Sinclair’s office. Ever since her curiosity had led her to what might be her boss’ little secret, she’d grown more curious and anxious to know who was that man Sinclair met with. “So, what do you think is the real reason why Will took off early today?”Liezel looked up at Glen, who was standing just outside her cubicle with his arms crossed over his chest
“I still don’t know what to major in? What can I do?” Una mumbled to herself as she left Professor Cullum’s room, hurriedly leaving the university that Thursday afternoon.Una had tried to avoid dropping by at the professor’s office, but o
Liezel sat in the booth by the large window where she could see people passing by from inside. She stared at the steam slowly wafting into the air from the white cup that sat before a middle-aged woman on the polished wooden table. Her attention was suddenly interrupted when a group of women opened the door and leisurely strolled inside, engrossed in whatever conversation they were having before coming in. For a moment, she felt calm as she continued to watch the group laughing and talking.