5~ An unexpected text

DELIA

"Devin!!" I screamed and jumped into his arms. He held himself so we wouldn't fall to the green grasses. Not bragging, but I have a lot of weight for someone who doesn't feed well.

"Wow, you've sure changed." He said. I took that as a compliment but my head was taking it the wrong way.

"I sure have. Nine months is not nine days." I said and pulled away from him. He didn't look bad, he even looked better than his brother. I thought. His full-figured build to tear out his expensive-looking mandarin collar shirt. His protruding lapis eyes shone brighter than ever and his thin lips were curved into a small smile.

Why didn't I meet Devin first? I questioned myself over the past few months and I couldn't help but regret my decision of marrying Bruce instead of Devin.

"Okay, quite checking me out." He jabbered and I snapped out of my thoughts. I playfully hit his elbow in embarrassment.

Did he have to say that?

"I wasn't checking you out. Just taking in details before you disappear again. Who knows? I might not see you in the next ten years." I shrugged and led him to the bench I was earlier sitting on.

"Just admit it, Delia, you were totally checking me out. I'm the hottest man you've seen in the past one year, aren't I?" He bragged and I couldn't help but chuckle.

Seriously?

"I'm downright serious, I wasn't checking you out," I muttered honestly and resumed staring at the trees.

"Speaking of men, who is our new boyfriend?" He asked, seemingly interested in my love life but what story have I got to tell? Other than...

"I'm never falling in love again." I looked at him and I see a hint of sadness in his eyes. He shouldn't be feeling sorry for me. Everything that had happened was none of his faults.

"Don't give me that look. I told you the day you left, didn't I?" I reminded but he only sighed and took his staring to another level which made me uncomfortable.

"You shouldn't lock your heart because of my brother." He uttered. "He's a jerk, true, but not all guys are the same."

"I've heard that before," I replied with a hint of sarcasm in my voice. I didn't want to talk about anything concerning relationships and I hoped he got my message.

"Also speaking of relationships, I'm getting married in a few months." He announced and I turned sharply to him. How come he never gave me a headstart about his relationship?

"Oh wow," I didn't know if I should feel angry, left out, or happy. "Congratulations on your engagement." I was stuck between hugging him and giving him a punch on the shoulder.

"You don't sound really happy." He taunted but I only rolled my eyes.

"You're only telling me now? Aren't we like best of friends? You waited till now to tell me. I am happy for you, genuinely. I'm just sad you didn't tell me earlier." I confessed.

"Sorry, best friend." He poked me but I didn't bulge.

"I said I'm sorry. I wanted it to be a surprise."

"It's fine. I got a job." I beamed and turned fully to him.

"And you're mad at me for not telling you I'm getting married? Guess we're on the same boat."

"No, we're not. I got the mail this morning. You are speaking to the personal assistant of the chief executive officer of Elrod group of companies." I said with my head held high. I wouldn't be saying that if my mother hasn't convinced me. Man, it felt good.

"No way. You're actually going to be working for that stuck-up bastard? I could provide you with a better job if you want." Devin seemed angry for some reason and he didn't look like he wanted to talk about it. Must be some personal issue. But my curiosity got the best of me.

"What happened?" I inquired but he only clenched his jaw and unclenched it almost immediately. His actions were swift and no matter how hard he tried to hide it, I saw through him.

"I don't want to talk about it now. Hopefully, he will treat you right and not his other play toys." He stood up. "Come on, let's get back to the house." I watched him walk away and I couldn't help but wonder what happened between my best friend and my boss.

I definitely can't have those two around me then.

I stood up and trailed after him. We got to his car and he drove us home, quietly.

What was going on in his head? Oh, Devin, I wish you could just spill. I kept stealing glances at him but his face was now neutral and I couldn't read his expression. I hated it when he got angry.

That night, we had a feast. He took us out and brought us all kinds of food. Even though I tried to object, my sisters wouldn't let me. They loved the extravagant life and didn't hesitate to accept Devin's offer.

My mother and I, on the other hand, loved living simple lives with lots of money.

My sisters and my dad ate till they couldn't walk. We had to wait extra minutes before leaving. I helped Devin book a room in an inn for the night. He wanted to stay for two days before leaving and luckily for me, I won't have to pay any cabby to the airport because Devin was available.

Within those two days, I finalized my settlement and payments with the Elrod Group and I was good to go.

Devin, out of the kindness of his heart and hatred for my new boss, took me to the city to get some clothes.

According to him, "The bastard doesn't like underdressed ladies and you could lose your job. I, for one, would be happy to get you another one but typical you, you want to do everything by yourself." And he ended with a long sigh.

He told me a lot about the cold and rude boss and how he fires his staff at will, instead of feeling scared, I felt ecstatic. I was sure I would make a change. I was totally lovable and I was sure he would accept me even when I did something wrong. I believed in myself and that was all I needed.

***

"Clothes."

"Checked." My mother said as she ticked on my book. I gave a list of things I wanted to pack and her helping hand was indeed... Helping.

"Laptop and other gadgets," I announced.

"Checked."

"Well," I sighed and sat on my bed. "That's basically it. Whatever I need, I will get ot over there."

"Make sure you get more body sprays. I want to smell nice and attract good men." She said and I giggled.

Ha! Good men? Not happening, mother.

"I'm not going to look for a man. I'm going to start my job and earn good money so I can take care of myself and others around me." I told her and stood up. I walked up to my shelf and began taking out some books.

"Your money won't keep you company forever, Delia. Someone will."

"Really?" I turned to her with a smirk before turning back to my books.

"I don't want you making the same mistake I made."

Her words broke me. She told me of how she left the man who loved her a lot but she couldn't reciprocate that love because she was heartbroken. She ended up with my drunkard father and the rest to date was history.

"Open your heart to others and you will see the good in them. I don't want you ending up like me, Delia. It's hell." I stopped what I was doing and walked up to her.

"I will try my best, mom. I will give love another chance, I promise." I said and a glow appeared on her face.

I knew I had just lied. No way I'm getting broken for the second time. The woman wanted my happiness and I could see she was genuine about it but her definition of happiness and mine weren't the same. Right then, money was the only thing that could make me happy.

"Alright. Pack up quickly and get some rest. You need to be at the airport early." She stood up and headed for the door.

"Mom?" I called out when she was twisting the door knob. She turned with a small smile which my heart jump.

"Thank you." She smiled widely and nodded before making an exit.

****

"Ggrrrrrnnngggg!!!" My alarm rang and I was forced to jump out of my beauty sleep.

"Fuck." I muttered while wiping my sleepy arse face. I had slept late thinking about what my apartment would look like and what my first day at work would be like. I would be changing into a new environment, would the people be nice and cooperative? Or would they be mean like miserable high school students? Those were the thoughts that ran through my mind the entire night before I was finally able to fall asleep earlier later.

I checked my phone and noticed a new message on the lock screen. I opened the phone and all the sleep vanished into diverse places.

"Hey." The message read. All atoms of tiredness or weakness I was feeling earlier disappeared. Instead, I felt anger coursing through my veins and I felt like smashing my phone into the wall.

My parched throat tried to vomit words but the words wouldn't just come out.

How dare Bruce just wake up one morning after almost a year of abandoning me and text me?