Hazel's POV

Edwin had encouraged me to drink more and go to sleep, so I did just that. He didn’t come to bed with me though if I remember correctly.

I roll around in the sheets, filling the empty spot next to me, until I manage to peel my eyelids open. I groan as the headache sets in, placing my palm on my forehead. And for some reason, I’m all sweaty.

I sit up carefully, glancing around the room. It’s unusual for Edwin to get up before me. So, why isn’t he here?

I shake my head and crawl out of bed, staggering into the bathroom to get ready. But after I step out of the shower, it occurs to me that there’s nothing to get ready for. I don’t have a job, and I don’t have a plan or direction either.

My body compels me to do what I’ve been wired to, so I moisturize and brush my hair and put on my Saturday casual.

I head downstairs, still wondering if Edwin left home this morning without a word.

I walk into the kitchen where Linda is already preparing breakfast.

“Morning, Linda,” I say sitting on one of the bar stools. “Smells good.”

I pull my phone out of my pocket contemplating one last time if I should turn it on. I don’t think I’m ready to go through it, and I’m definitely not ready to make a statement. I tuck it away.

“Breakfast is ready, Miss,” Linda says, setting down a plate of scrambled eggs and toast on the counter before moving quickly to the fridge to pull out a jug of orange juice.

It doesn’t take long for me to notice the unsettled expression on her face, as if something is truly bothering her.

“Any idea where Edwin is?” I ask, watching her lips twist even more. She avoids me, cleaning up and turning on the coffee maker.

“Is something wrong?” I ask in confusion. I almost never see her like this. She’s always peaceful and never hesitates to express her displeasure. So why does she seem like she’s holding back now?

“Linda if it’s something I did you know we can talk about it,” I say with a sigh. She shakes her head. “It’s nothing. I’ll be in my room if you need anything else,” she says, turning to leave.

For a second, I feel I should just let her go. I don’t have the energy to press for an answer anyways. But I decide against it.

“No,” I say, stopping her urgent steps towards her bedroom. “Linda, you need to tell me what’s wrong. Please,” I beg.

She looks up and her eyes finally meet mine. They’re filled with sadness. Deep despair. The kind that breaks my heart, and I’m already upset about what she’s about to say before knowing it.

She walks over to me, dipping her hand in her pocket and pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. Her fingers shake as she tries to peel it open, and I almost don’t notice the quiet sob she lets out when her eyes meet the words written on it once again. My stomach turns and I reach for it, ripping it out of her fingers in eager curiosity.

“I’m not trying to hurt you, but I can’t be with you anymore.

You’re in a bad place and I see no future for us. I’m leaving. Please don’t try to find me.

I love you forever, Hazel.

Edwin.”

 

I turn it around and upside down, but that’s just it. Nothing more, nothing less. I feel… sick.

“Are you alright, Miss?” She asks cautiously. I nod slowly. I realize that I’ve been staring vaguely at nothing for about a minute, but only because I’ve been waiting for the pain to set in. 

It annoys me how numb I feel. It makes me mad that it’s taking my brain so long to process it. Yet, I know what I should be feeling. Anger, despair, humiliation. 

“I’m going out for a drink.”

It’s like I’ve been sucked into my own mind. It’s not like anything is going on in it, I mean, I haven’t been able to process a single thought since I read the breakup note. And now, as I find myself sitting in an empty bar, I know what Linda must be thinking. It’s 9 o’clock in the morning. There’s no way I’m going to deal with my problems irresponsibly by day drinking. I’m better than that. Right?

“Look who’s here by this time of the day,” Liam teases. “My usual, please” I reply dryly. “Alright. You know I don’t judge. But I don’t think your fiancé would approve.”

He walks away to bring me my drink while I stare bitterly at my engagement ring. I slide it off to take a closer look.

Liam returns.

“How much do you think I’ll get for this?” I ask showing him the diamond ring. He takes it, bringing it up to his eyes for a closer inspection. “Isn’t this- “

“My engagement ring? Yeah. I remember showing it to you.” He shakes his head. “I can’t tell. But I have a cousin who owns a pawn shop. I can hook you up if you want.”

“Do that.” I take my first sip, enjoying the familiar taste of the cool liquid. It burns. I want to concentrate on that sensation until I forget my own name.

“I’m not a nosy bartender, but we’re practically best friends now. Do you want to talk about it?”

“Best friends?” I snort. “You just put yourself in that zone.” He shrugs. “So?”

“You’re never going to have a chance with me,” I explain. He chuckles. Liam is undeniably good-looking. But the kind of good looks that you wouldn’t want to tamper with because you’re sure it would be a terrible idea. In other words, the epitome of a playboy. I might want to mount him on a wall and appreciate his toned muscles, but I’ve never thought of making a move. I know better. 

“That’s alright. You’re not really my type anyways,” he says looking me over with a smile. I’m not even offended. I just want another drink now that I can see the bottom of my glass.

“What’s your type then?” I ask. I don’t know if it’s because I’m genuinely curious or because I need a distraction. Maybe both.

“Men.” I gasp hard enough to choke and have a coughing fit while he laughs. I can’t believe I didn’t know. After all this time.

“That’s a shame. I doubt that there’s any woman that would be pleased to hear that,” I admit. I push my glass over. “Keep them coming.”

 

Time passes well when you can barely read it from your lock screen. “Liam.”

He turns around, slinging the small white towel over his shoulder. “Yes, Hazel,” he sighs. 

I watch the stranger walk away, not knowing that he’s left something behind. I pick it up from the surface.

“Someone left this,” I say. 

“Well, my shift ends now so just give it to whoever comes up after me. Maybe they’ll come back for it.” I nod. “Okay.”

“Are you going to be here when I get back?” He asks. I shake my head. “I’m leaving soon.”

 He stares at me for a while, and I can see the worry in his eyes. It’s almost as if he doesn’t want to leave me.

“Don’t worry, Liam. I won’t hold you responsible for every bad decision I make for the rest of the day. And you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

He nods. “Take care of yourself.”

I inspect the object in my hand. It’s a business card. I guess the stranger had no use for it. It’s almost completely plain black except for a small white scribble on one side.

“Your path to redemption is one call away.”