CHAPTER 2
8 months back….
I woke up feeling light-weight; my boyfriend's sleepy self snored all over the room. I placed my hand over his mouth. "Don't be gross!"
"Get those filthy hands off me," my boyfriend says, as he slaps my hands away.
I giggled, making my way to the toilet, and I know you might be wondering why I didn't flinch when he did that. That's because I wouldn't anymore. Being rude and disagreeable has been my boyfriend's first character trait. And on days when I tried to question him, he would go by his usual quote: "I'm only just teaching you how to be a woman. You know I love you." Yes, these were my comfort words.
My boyfriend. Anderson Lewis, in his late 30s, was a narcissist. I'd always visit him at his parents' small apartment, where they share a bed space, and when I nagged, he would count how expensive it is to live alone. I love him, so I stayed. We continued this way for a long time, until I visited one day and found him packing his old rickety bags. I didn't question him; I know too well not to get in his face when he's angry. When he finished, I followed him to a new apartment. It was so small. My room in my father's house was much bigger than the whole apartment. I began arranging his bags. And that was how he started living alone. Until today, I do not know what triggered him to move out of his parents' tiny apartment, but I'm grateful it happened.
I exited the toilet, wrapped my hair into a neat bun, picked out my uniform, and prepared for work.
"Good morning, babe," I say to my lover, who is already wide awake.
"Good morning," he responded hesitantly as he picked up his phone to catch up on his football match.
I steadied my gaze at him through the mirror, irritation gnawed at my face by his laziness, but I'm used to him, so I ignored it. "Scrambled eggs for breakfast?" I waited until he responded.
"I am not having that. Make me a new and proper meal," he hissed.
I slammed my hands on the dresser mirror. "Then go bring some money", the words slipped through my mouth, angry and irritated.
But before I could take a glance at him, I felt his choking breath behind me. He dragged me closer as he placed his muscled hand across my neck. I gasped for air, struggling with both my hands over his hand on my neck. He gripped my head closer. "What did you just say?" he whispered in my ear.
I continued struggling for breath.
"Speak up, what did you just say?".
I could hear his gritting teeth.
"I'm sorry," I manage to say.
My boyfriend held tighter on my neck. "What did you say?" he shouted.
"I'm sorry, please", I cried before he let go of his tight grip.
"I thought as much". He glanced at me with irritation. I could see the anger that burned underneath his brown eyes.
He swirled back to the bed and lay down immediately.
I moved to the mirror and looked for some powder, not to apply to my face but to the bruised mark my boyfriend had caused on my neck. A makeup powder would have covered it, but I don't apply makeup. He says it's too expensive, and I look just beautiful without it.
I wore my uniform: a brown tennis skirt and a white tank top. I had no energy to comb my long hair, so I left it in a bun. I picked up my work bag and headed out before my boyfriend spoke.
"Make me a proper meal and ensure it's delicious, or else I'll come get you at your workplace."
I nodded but didn't say a word.
Hurriedly, I headed to the grocery store, picked up some canned food for both of us, and paid. I strode back to the house and put on his little apron. Then, I went ahead and fried some healthy veggies, which went along with some baked beans. I poured it into his favorite plate and served him.
"Where is my water?" he asked, dipping the first scoop into his mouth.
"Oh..", I said, dashing to get the water and dropping it on his side table.
I smoothed my bun as I approached the door.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
I stood, confused, until he turned his face, pointing a finger at his cheek. I hesitated before placing a gentle kiss on it.
"Have a great day", he said with a warm smile.
Still, I nodded and walked away. I dropped his apron and picked up my work bag.
I needed to catch up with the train quickly since I had already spent all the money I had earned from my boyfriend's breakfast.
I stood by the train station, and not too long later, it got to me. The ride was a quiet one, but my thoughts were clouded, and all I could think of was my boyfriend.
The cafe where I worked was the city's hottest and most well-known. Its constant renovation and decorations always made it stand out. Its brown paint and white seats added beautiful color to the streets. And yes, we dressed in the color of the building.
When I arrived, it was already busied with customers.
I'm so glad I got in on time before the boss arrived, I thought to myself, smiling gently.
"Han", Elvina, a light blonde-haired girl, winced at me. She was the only sane person at the cafe, and I made friends with her, aside from my best friend, Gloria. Elvina was also my go-to person.
"Hi, El," I smiled back.
She walked briskly over me, her curves bold and catchy, making her even more attractive. "You almost got caught up with the boss, are you good?" she said to me.
I narrowed my eyes, feigning gentility. "I just needed to tidy some chores."
"You mean tidy up your lazy ass lover?"
There was a quick frown on my face. I didn't like those words. In fact, I can't stand anyone disrespecting Anderson.
"That's enough, Elvina", I said in a firm tone.
Elvina didn't do much to prolong a conversation during an argument. She adjusted her apron, "very well then," and said she was returning to her stand post.