008 Fired!

Lana

I couldn't sleep throughout last night. My mental health is in danger.

I kept tossing and turning in bed throughout the night. It's really annoying.

A part of me is really scared Ethan would come out of nowhere, but I assured myself that he can't hurt me. He won't break into my house, right?

Right?

Gosh, I’m so paranoid.

My eyes went to the busy street through the bus window, and I sighed. I just finished for the day, and I am very tired, but I couldn’t get Ethan out of my head.

I never viewed him as the type to do something like that. I was so blinded by love. What scares me the most is the fact that I haven't heard anything from him.

Of course, I don't want him contacting me, but I was hoping to see news on him, at least a confirmation that he is alive. Would he call the cops on me?

He wouldn't. He tried to assault me; that wouldn't be good for his reputation.

He should just stay as far away as he can from me.

The bus stopped, and passengers went out while more came in. The lady beside me left, and a man who just came in took her place.

I swallowed a lump in my throat and hugged my bag to myself for comfort. I don't know why, but I have been seriously jumpy around men.

Ethan really did traumatize the life out of me. I would never stay alone with a man my entire life.

My senses were over the clouds till I left the bus. It's a few minutes' walk from the bus stop to my apartment.

When I got to the building, I checked my mail, and the one thing I didn't want to see stared back at me.

The rent.

It was only a reminder from the agent, but I see it as my days being counted.

Now, this is where I regret rejecting the job Karl offered me.

Oh, my heavens.

I walked up to my apartment and opened the door to meet Beatrice and Lily playing cards.

“You're cheating!” Lily complained.

“I'm not,” Beatrice retorted, and Lily frowned. She was the first to notice me, and she ran towards me.

“Aunt Lana, your sister is cheating,” Lily reported, and I sighed.

“Trixie, why would you cheat on a little girl? You're studying law; you should know you'll go to jail,” I said to Beatrice, obviously trying to please Lily, who nodded in agreement.

“I wasn't cheating,” Beatrice defended.

“Liar!” Lily yelled, and I chuckled.

“Don't play with Aunt Beatrice anymore since she cheats,” I said to Lily, who nodded. “I would take a shower, and we would play together.” I stroked her hair, and Lily leaped for joy.

I chuckled at her behavior before walking into the bedroom.

There was noise coming from the bathroom, and I stiffened.

Is someone there?

Could it be Ethan?

No, no, no, no.

Lana. No, you're fuçking paranoid.

I went into the bathroom and pushed the door open. It was the wind.

No one here. No Ethan.

I sighed in relief.

—

It's been one week since Ethan pulled his damn stunt. One damn week, and I haven't gotten over it.

I still can't sleep properly. I get jumpy, and honestly, the sight of men irritates me. Hence, the reason why I have been avoiding Cole.

I haven't replied to his messages or picked any of his calls because, well… men are trash!

I know not all men, but Ethan really messed with my head.

“You'll burn the fries,” I heard Carter's voice, and I came back to reality.

“Shît,” I muttered and quickly removed the fries from the hot oil.

“Why are you absent-minded?” Carter asked as he got close to me, making me back up a little, pretending to get something.

“Nothing, everyone has shit they gotta deal with, right?” I said, and he nodded.

“I'm here!” I heard Jenna's voice.

Finally, she took longer than she was supposed to.

“You're late,” Carter said, and Jenna rolled her eyes at him.

She never liked Carter. He is a waiter in this restaurant, and he is hot, but Jenna hates his guts.

“He’s too proud, just because he has good looks,” her words, not mine.

Carter scoffed and left the kitchen with the tray of food I prepared. “Cole said you've been ghosting him,” Jenna started.

“I can't talk about that right now, Jenna. I have to go,” I said hurriedly, clearly evading her question, and walked out of the kitchen.

When I got to my next job at the fancy restaurant, the manager asked to see me.

I was surprised and shocked. If anything, I think that man hates me.

Why would he want to see me?

I walked into his office and smiled politely.

“You asked to see me?” I said.

“Yes… I'm letting you off,” the man dropped it like it was good news.

“What do you mean?” I asked in confusion.

“You're fired,” he said more clearly, and I felt my heartbeat cease.