SIX

SIX

MICHELLE_

Oh, sometimes I'm certain that there could never be a bigger fool than me. Of all things that could go wrong in my life after Shawn and I separated, it had to be kissing my gynecologist.

It wasn't anything sinful – Derek was neither in a relationship nor had a mate, but I couldn't stop myself from feeling so… guilty.

Guilty about what?

My guilt came about once I went back to the studio for home after my unintentional yet desired kiss with Derek.

Some might say I'm foolish. Then again, my relationship with Shawn lasted so long, and well, kissing someone else was something my soul considered as cheating.

Despite how dispassionately that bastard treated me. Anyway, pondering too deeply about anything relating to Shawn was undeniably irrelevant.

I can't keep wallowing in the past forever, so after much contemplation and coming to a decision, I lay on the worn-out sofa and then drifted to sleep.

The next morning came… fast for me. Perhaps it was because I barely slept due to how frequently my visits to the bathroom were.

“No one told me being pregnant was this much of a hassle” Those words thoughtlessly rolled out of my mouth as I stood weakly under the drizzling shower.

My entire body felt…frail. Asides from feeling overly nauseated, the smell of things effortlessly irritated and irked me out.

What was happening to me? The symptoms of pregnancy, does it have to feel like this?

Trains of thought got disrupted by the blaring sounds emanating from the other side of the studio – that was my phone.

“Who could that be?” almost inaudibly, I questioned no one in particular yet felt highly reluctant to leave my bath and go take a look.

Deep within me, only a few people had access to my contacts – Mira and… Derek.

The assumption that it'd be Derek got my heart racing pointlessly – the sudden nervousness I felt about him generated from that darn kiss.

The raucousness of the rings seemed to increase the more I delayed, so ultimately I found myself leaving the bathroom, headed to get the phone.

Contrary to my thoughts, Mira was the one calling. Calling back would be a waste, so why not simply go to her house?

“Better get dressed”

Half an hour – I spent that amount of time getting myself dressed simply, then again I appeared beautiful. My purse consisted of all my essentials and a waitress outfit – with Mira's help, my job at a fast food restaurant had begun a few days back.

Going back to reach for my phone, a text message popped in – it was from…my boss.

“Wait! What time is it?” I blurted disbelievingly once I checked how late I was for work; noon was fast approaching, yet I'm still here.

★

“Are you serious with this work at all, Michelle? If you're not, then tell me so that I'll find someone else who is!” the manager, Mr. Carter, struck me as a serious-minded fellow the instant my eyes landed on his undesirable figure from our first encounter.

Short, pot-bellied, and dark lips were his uncanny figures and his attitude – he lacked any ounce of sensitivity in his veins.

Yet, in such positions and times, who am I to talk back at him despite his obnoxious attitude? The only thing I could do was plead with him.

“Don't talk like that, please. Of course, I'm serious; this won't ever happen again, I promise!” almost going down on my knees did the trick. “Be sure to keep your word. Jeez!” Once he warned me sternly, he took his leave, marching out of the dressing room.

The restaurant, though it was insanely big and incessantly filled with customers, had retained its rules since day one – that was what a fellow worker told me once.

My gaze fell on my flat stomach and, absent-mindedly, a smile crept up my lips – everything I'm currently doing is for my child.

“Our child” I hushed, thinking about Shawn as memories we shared flooded my mind.

It nearly brought tears to my eyes, then again I couldn't afford to get caught by Mr. Carter – no one wants to get yelled at twice in a day.

Eventually, my legs strolled from one day to another while my hands held a lengthy menu that contained all the available meals as I moved from one table to another.

To say this job was hectic was an understatement – it's hellishly stressful! Again, I reminded myself of my present state – working my ass off is the only way to keep myself and my baby alive; there's no Shawn to depend on anymore.

Mira can only do so much, and Derek. I'd be damned to seek any financial help from him.

So, my business lasted until the late hours of the day. Closing time drew nearer with every passing second, and sincerely, I couldn't wait to head back home and relax.

“Have a nice day!” a cheerful smile lingered on my face while gaping at the couple who exited the restaurant.

“They were our last customers! Finally, I'm heading home!” the satisfied groan of Clara, another waitress, was heard from behind.

Glancing at her, I exhaled, smilingly – she isn't the only one who's happy to head back home.

However, our glee was trampled heartlessly on by the entrance of a beautiful brunette. Her walking steps reeked of impoliteness and, unfortunately for me, I was to serve her for the evening.

“Good evening, miss. What would you like to take today?” standing at her table, a forced smile danced on my plush lips, yet she merely gazed disgustingly at me.

I assumed my eyes were dysfunctional but when she scoffed haughtily at me, I nearly whacked her with the menu but had to control myself.

“Miss, if you don't mind me, I'm-”

“Do you need a note to let you know that I'm waiting for someone?” Her yell echoed through the restaurant, and it attracted some attention – Mr. Carter's to be specific

From where I stood, I could perfectly see him glaring intently at me. Oh, dear heaven' no – I can't afford to get fired.

Again, I pulled up a pretentious smile, made to speak, then again the door opened, and… Shawn walked briskly in.

My jaw dropped, but my soul ditched my body when the rude wench rushed to him. Right there, she…placed a peck on his lips.