Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning with puffy, swollen eyes. Still wearing yesterday’s work outfit, I dragged myself off the couch and walked directly into the toilet. After relieving my bladder, I stood up, turned the shower on, stripped, and then hopped into the bathtub. I let the steaming hot water wash away yesterday’s grime along with my sadness. Today, I would not be seen crying at the office. I had to be strong.

I breathed out a loud sigh as I stepped out of the bathtub, wrapped a towel around my chest and walked toward the sink. Staring at my reflection, I sighed again. The sight of myself was dreadful. My under eyes were almost purple, my nose was bright pink, and the rest of my face was pale and dull. I looked like the textbook image of the undead.

I let out another big sigh as I sauntered toward the wardrobe to select today’s outfit. “Get it together, Amy”, I whispered to myself. “You may be heartbroken, but you’re still a hottie. You’re not going to let those assholes ruin your day, your week, or even another minute of your life. You’re only 25, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. You’re beautiful, you’re strong, you’re smart, you’re rich, you have a fat ass, a flat stomach and tits to die for. Whatever is meant for you can’t be taken away. The garbage threw itself in the can.”

I walked into the wardrobe and shuffled around for an acceptable outfit. I didn’t want to wear anything uncomfortable, but I didn’t want my style to be compromised, either. I picked out a pair of navy, pleated trousers with a matching oversized blazer and a fitted black turtleneck. I also chose a pair of black 100 cm pumps. Next, I worked on my face. Colour corrector and concealer would be my trusted allies today. I finished doing my make-up, which still looked natural even with all the covering up. I lightly curled my hair, grabbed my handbag, and was out the door.

On the way to the office, I stopped at a nearby café to grab a quick coffee. As I stepped into the café, I was engulfed by the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and freshly baked pastries. I joined the short queue of 3, a soft smile playing on my lips as I inhaled maybe the best scent in the world. Just then, the person in front of me turned around, and I stood shocked, as his eyes also beamed with realisation.

“Amy Anderson, is that you?!” he exclaimed.

“Yes, uh.. hi Mr. Churchill”, I responded awkwardly.

“I haven’t seen you since you left for uni! Look at you! You’re all grown up! You haven’t visited us since your parents passed -bless their souls. Charissa often says how much she misses you.”

“I bet she does”, I replied almost sarcastically, but he didn’t seem to notice.

Just then, the person at the front of the queue left with their order, leaving Mr. Churchill at the head.

“What’s your order, Amy? I’ll pay”, he said casually as he turned to the cashier. “I’ll have a large black and a croissant, please, and I’m also paying for whatever she’s having.”

“I’ll have a medium hazelnut latte with a double shot of espresso and a breakfast bagel, please”, I added quickly.

“That’ll be £24.60”, the cashier said with a smile, as her cheeks turned a bright pink.

Within 2 minutes, we were served our orders, and Mr. Churchill turned to me one last time.

“Charissa and I are having dinner tonight at my house.” He said, “The address hasn’t changed. Please, feel free to join us if you’re not busy. I’m sure Charissa would be thrilled to see you.”

“I’m not sure I can make it tonight, Mr. Churchill”, I responded awkwardly.

“It’s okay if you can’t. We’ll set a plate for you just in case. Oh, and Amy”, he said as he started walking towards the door, “You’re an adult now too, please, call me Andrew.”

“Uh.. okay, Andrew”, I repeated. “Um.. goodbye.”

“Goodbye!” he cheerily replied as he opened his car door and jumped in, leaving me standing silently on the pavement.