CHAPTER 7: LOVE ACHES.

My anger had been fully expressed by puffing out my cheeks as I left Nancy’s apartment. I did my best to avoid screaming and cursing in my usual fashion; however, I did my best not to alert any neighbors. Finally, I had her back, but I lost her just as quickly. I didn't know what to think. My legs were as heavy as logs of wood. Failing like that was never my thing.

Getting in, I just sat in the driver's side quietly. I looked at Nancy's building with longing in my eyes. She had moved on, obviously, but I was too damn desperate. Maybe things had truly ended between us years ago. Maybe we were never truly meant to be. I pushed those stupid thoughts off quickly.

No, I didn't give a damn about fate. I believed only in God and willpower. I got her once, and I could get her again. My car engine came to life, and a devilish grin animated my face

"Watch out, clumsy, you're mine.”

In no time, I sped off into thin air.

......

I was as late as Santa, who forgot Christmas, but I didn't care one bit. I marched into the office with my hands in my pockets. Eyes were glued on me as always, but I remained confident. I melted into my chair, avoiding the side talks I was sure were about me.

Immediately, I turned on my computer, and an unknown email popped up on my screen like a time bomb, and I had a really bad feeling about it. ‘You can't fear what you don't know,’ I shrugged, deleting it and blocking the unknown sender.

"Looks like someone's in a good mood today,” Steve interrupted, his black silky hair ruffled as usual and his collar unbuttoned as he lazily swirled in his chair.

"Zip it, Steve. Shouldn't you be working?" I asked sarcastically.

"Relax, Ric, I'm just teasing you," Steve grinned. Suddenly, he whistled towards me. "Look who's here, Ric.” I took his signals, trying to figure out the message he was passing.

Holy moly!

It was her again. I was really shocked when my eyes clashed with Nancy's, who was headed to the boss's office.

"Shit, she never listens, does she?" My lips curled up in annoyance. Why didn't she heed my warnings? I knew she was never going to listen to me, and she didn't fail to prove me wrong.

After an eternity, she finally walked out of the office with a pale look, making me wonder what went down.

I followed her till we reached the staircase. I was so silent, and I could tell that she hadn't even noticed me. Not until she missed a step, which almost sent her to the medics.

Quickly reacting, I wrapped my hands around her waist, tightly. "Whoa there, clumsy." A knowing smile played on my face as if I knew she was going to have a fall. Anyways, she pushed me away immediately, annoyance written all over her face.

"Come Nancy, don't be like that, you were all over me last night." I grinned, causing her to flush.

"I don't have the time for this," she huffed, turning to leave.

"Seriously? What better thing do you have to do today?" I asked, I already knew her schedule at the back of my mind but I couldn't give myself out too much, lest she saw me as a freak.

"I-I have better things to do, like... like cooking. Yes, I was going to try some recipes today." She stammered as she lied, her eyes red. She was always a terrible liar.

"Last I remembered, you hated cooking and I wouldn't blame you cause you were awful at it," I said, exposing her. She flared as she turned crimson, her cheeks puffed, letting her down. And for some time, we just stood there in silence as if we had been remotely paused.

"How are your legs by the way?" I broke the silence.

"That is so not your business!" She retorted, vibrating like a faulty speaker. I took a step forward and held her chin up to make her look at me.

"Last I remembered, I was the cause of it, and so it is actually my business."

Soon enough, I could hear footsteps behind me. We had company.

Nancy pulled away as I turned towards Steve, who had a phone to his ear. Setting his eyes on us, he let out a wide smile as if something sinister was happening. What was he thinking?

When I turned back to Nancy, it was her back view that greeted me instead.

Did she really run away?

I headed back inside, shaking my head in disappointment.

.....

"You've been staring at her desk for an hour straight,” Steve's voice snapped me back to reality. I gazed at him and the bag in his hand, my eyes demanding answers.

"My girlfriend ordered takeout."

"Which of them?" I asked sarcastically, making him pause with narrow eyes.

"The prettiest one," he retorted, clicking his tongue.

"Why do you enjoy playing with fire? I really think you should settle down with someone, Steve. You're almost in your thirties and still unmarried. People might think you're incapable,” I teased.

"Ugh… You sound like my mom, man. And besides, I could say the same about you. As far as I've known you, you've never even looked at a woman except Nancy,” he said, trying to make me spill any juicy secrets. He was my best friend, but he was also a very annoying busybody.

"I spent the night with her,” I said in a very low tone that I could hardly hear myself.

But trust Steve! He was really sharp. He almost choked on the piece of junk in his mouth.

I patted his back as he stared at me with his wide eyes.

"You and Clumsy Nancy???" He said, in a loud voice that got people looking in our direction.

"Damn! What the hell, bro?" I exclaimed, giving him an accusatory stare.