Dust Yourself Off And Try Again Novels & Stories

Declined. My stomach dropped. “Try it again,” I insisted, voice steadier than I felt. “Please.” He did it again but it was the same result. The Red error message glowing on the little screen like a warning light. “I’m sorry, ma’am. It’s not going through. Do you have another card?”

He clearly wanted to broker peace, seeing two powerful people having a misunderstanding. “I was just keeping Maggie company,” Julian tried to make light conversation, seeing the intense tension between us. “You two have such... focus. The way you look at each other is really something. You almost seem to share the same behavior, just pointed in opposite directions.” Eddie dismissed him entirely, leaning past him to speak directly to me. “You should have checked your phone, Maggie. Don't waste people's time.” “It finished updating,” I countered, equally cold. Julian tried again, he was thinking it was because of him sitting there with her that caused this, attempting to steer the conversation

Seven days to prepare instead of being ambushed. It's not much. But it's something. I tried. Again. And failed. Again. But at least I tried. That has to count for something. Even if it doesn't change anything.

I believe. People say when life knocks you down, you have to get up and dust yourself properly... but how can you do that when you can't find a reason to pick yourself up again? Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. Never judge yourself by your past. You don't live there anymore.

I had come this far, and I wasn't about to let a single misstep deter me from my goal. With a steadying breath, I composed myself, offering a small smile as I engaged in the on-going conversation. It was crucial to regain the semblance of normalcy, to remind him – and myself – that I was more than a fleeting moment of awkwardness. As the chatter flowed around me, I found my resolve renewed a determination to find another opportunity to capture his attention, to create a connection that couldn't be ignored.

I want tо lеt out a уеll оf ѕuссеѕѕ but I’m too ѕсаrеd I’ll be саught. I ԛuіеtlу ѕlіdе оff the сuff and rub at mу wrіѕt. I’m frее! Thе next ѕtер іѕ getting оut оf hеrе. I try tо stand uр and іmmеdіаtеlу crash bасk into the mattress in sickening dіzzіnеѕѕ.

I raise an eyebrow at myself. “Go on. Finish that sentence.” I rinse my hands, jaw tightening just a little. “‘He could do better.’” I repeat it again, quieter this time, like I’m testing how it sounds out loud. It still sounds ridiculous. “Right,” I murmur. “Good to know.” I grab a paper towel, pulling it a little too quickly from the dispenser. “Next time,” I continue under my breath while drying my hands, “maybe say it louder.” “Whatever,” I mutter.

Maybe I just wasn’t focused enough. I shot to my feet to try again.

I mumbled, brokenly wiping at my cheeks, "I am not good at this." I grabbed my phone and got to my feet, "I am not, I will just ruin everything," I started to walk away as I furiously wiped at my face, "It's what I always do."

“I promise.” I gather the last strength in me and wheel myself to get cleaned up.