Chapter 7: CHANGE IS COMING

Raven's Point of View

Days, weeks, and months went by. I've been enjoying my work. I used to work as a cashier in the sales department. I enjoyed entertaining the very wealthy. I liked working there because I got a commission on top of my monthly salary when someone bought a car. That was a big help for me.

I also offered to assist Zeb in renovating their shop, but he declined. I don't understand, and I was becoming increasingly irritated by his recent behavior.

I didn't expect him to refuse my assistance.

"Hi!"

When I heard someone speaking behind me, I was taken aback. When I turned around, it was Axel, my boss.

"Sir!"

"No, sir! We've already left the company, and it's past office hours, so just call me Axel, okay?" He smiled at me.

"All right, Axel," I said. I was extremely shy and uneasy. Zeb will be there shortly to pick me up.

"Are you going home alone?" he inquired.

"Yes sir, Zeb is going to pick me up; I was just waiting for him," I politely replied.

"Okay, but here's some advice: Your boyfriend should not be letting you wait this long in the middle of the night; he should have arrived before you left the office," Axel said sweetly.

My phone rang just as I was about to turn around, and it was a message from Zeb. It says he can't pick me up, so I'll have to get a ride myself. I was upset, but I didn't show it to Zeb. But maybe my face can't hide my emotions.

"Are you okay, Raven?" Axel inquired. As he approached me, he looked at me.

"I'm fine, sir; Zeb is just unable to pick me up due to an emergency."

"So it means you don't have a ride. So I can take you home. Please?"

"Sir, no need; I mean Axel, I'll just get a ride while it's still early," I said, trying to keep my distance from him.

He suddenly grabbed my hand and turned me around to face him.

"Raven, I will not let you go home alone; remember, I told you earlier that your boyfriend should not leave you alone during this time."

"You are not my boyfriend, Axel, and..."

"Perhaps not now," he said, taking my hands in his. "You know how I feel for you, Raven; it hurts to know you're with someone, but what can I do if you're happy with him?" Axel said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

I could tell he was treating me differently at work the last few days, but I tried to ignore it. It feels good to be treated so well, but I know it was incorrect. But why do I feel compelled to make the best decision right now?

"I'm sorry, Axel, perhaps I was just thinking about it ahead of time, but I wanted you to know that I..."

"That you already have a boyfriend. Raven, don't worry about it. I understand and respect that. But that doesn't mean I won't wait until you realize that I am the one who is truly destined for you. So please, can I take you home?" Axel said it sounded like he wasn't giving me a chance to respond to what I just said.

I just smiled and asked him to drive me home. He invited me to eat somewhere, but I told myself that all I wanted was for him to drive me home.

When we got home, I invited him to our house as a way of returning the favor. I expected him to decline, but I was surprised when he said yes.

I just bit my lower lip as we walked in.

"Raven, glad you're home; Axel, what's the significance of this? Why are you with Raven?" my mother asked, laughing.

I know what's going through her mind.

"He just offered to take me home because Zeb had an emergency, Mom."

"I told you! That guy won't do anything right. Did he let you stay outside alone?" Mom asked, and while she was correct, it wasn't Zeb's fault if he had an emergency. I was aware of it. That is exactly how Mom will react. She dislikes Zeb, and I know everything he does is bad for them.

"Enough already, Mom!"

"That's why I took her home, ma'am. Glad to meet you anyway, and thank you for appreciating my efforts," Axel said, smiling at his mother.

"Oh, I should thank you for that, Axel. I know you have a good heart. I just wish Raven would wake up one day and realize she's making a mistake by dating that guy."

"Stop it, Mom!"

"Anyway, dinner is ready; Axel, join me for dinner so we can talk about things further; I hope it's okay with you." Instead, mom stated that she doesn't care about my decisions.

My mother led Axel into the dining room. I had no choice but to amuse Axel. I can't just leave them there because I'm the reason he's here now. My mother was not satisfied with simply inviting Axel to dinner with us. Sje even video-called my father, and SjW showed that Axel was present.

Axel was content after dinner. I could tell by the look on his face.

"That's the type of guy you should date, Raven, and I like that you're going out with him; you should do that a lot."

"Mom, can you hear what I was saying? Are you not ashamed of what you're doing? Do you even know what Axel was thinking now?" I said you were furious. I'm afraid I can't assist.

"What's the problem with that? If Axel was thinking something, I'm sure he's proud of himself, and I'm sure he'll pursue you! So please act accordingly, Raven!"

"Mom, I have a boyfriend, and I love him; his name is Zebastian Dawson! Please stop interfering in my personal decisions; this is what I want, and Zeb is enough for me!"

"Look at yourself, Raven!" Mom directed my attention to the mirror beside the living room side table. "Look at you! You can't tell how much he appreciates you and your efforts; you're supposed to live like a princess, but with his kind of job, you'll look like a beggar!"

"That's not true, Mom!"

"I'm your mom, and I know what's best for you! I know one of these days you'll realize Zeb isn't the right man for you! I'll make sure Axel stays with you, and that's final... now stop with your little dramas, because they're not even working!"

I'm not sure what it all means. I'm completely perplexed...

Raven's point of view

That day has arrived. The day my mother told me that I would realize Zeb is not the one for me.

My tears fell as I looked in the mirror, realizing that Zeb had no plans for us, that I should pursue Axel, and that he was the one for me.

As I combed my hair, I wiped my years dry. I looked over at Axel, who was fast asleep in his bed.

I couldn't help but take a deep breath. While putting on my clothes, I couldn't help but cry.

I despise myself, but I couldn't help myself... I have to do this because I care about my family. I adore my brother, as well as my parents.

I was caught between two blades... Whichever path I take, I will be hurt and in pain. But, as a good daughter who was well-raised, I will choose my family for reasons I can't even begin to explain. I dressed myself and wiped my tears away. I'm sure my parents wouldn't understand if they saw my tears. They are unconcerned. Perhaps I was simply born and raised well, and in return, I must sacrifice my own happiness to make them proud. It's not easy, but I'm hoping to succeed. maybe.

"Remember what we told you, Raven; the reputation of this family is in your hands. Your dad couldn't bear depressions, and I hate to say this, but if this is the only thing that will convince you, then I will. Your dad committed suicide out of depression, and I know that you will not let this happen again." I heard mom say as I walked out of my room.

I didn't say anything because I was afraid tears would flow.

I arrived at Zeb's residence. He came in and smiled as he let me in. It's a good thing his father isn't here because we can talk freely.

"Is there anything I can offer?" he asked cheerfully. "Juice , coffee, tea?"

It was Saturday morning, and I know he thought I came to ask him out, but I know he will curse this day for the rest of his life...

"No thanks, I actually came for something important," I said, biting my lower lip. I was trembling deep within because I didn't know where to begin. I'm at a loss for words to make it gentle as he accepts it.

"What's the matter, love? Is there a problem? Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, and I could see his love in his expressive and handsome eyes. He blushed, indicating how much he cares.

"Zeb, I know this is difficult to understand, but I want to be free..." I said as I closed my eyes, not having the courage to look at his reaction.

"What?" he inquired. I can imagine him raising his brows. He blushed, which he obviously didn't expect.

"What are you saying, love?" You wanted to be free, like how?"

I raised my head and looked him in the eyes.

"I'm breaking up with you," I said, taking a deep breath. "I want to live my life alone and make my own decisions without hurting or considering the feelings of others. I'm sure you understand what I mean. "

"Why? Am I treating you like a prisoner? You are free to decide for your own good, if not for ours; I let you work for a company even though your boss threatened me, because I knew it would make you happy; I didn't stop you from achieving your dreams because I know how much you wanted to have a good life; so what is the reason you are breaking up with me?" Zeb inquired, obviously disappointed.

"It's not all about me, Zeb! It's about us. I want a good life, I want a secure and comfortable job, but not just for myself. I want the same thing for you, but I don't see your determination to achieve your goals. You are simply allowing yourself to become stuck in this situation. What will this location bring us? Tell me, please. I said it, and it's too late to change my mind.

I noticed how his expression changed. He gave me an insulting smile.

"So that's it. It's all about me and the shop. That you couldn't see a bright future out of what I'm doing now? I knew it, I could feel it. And I wouldn't be surprised if you came to this point thinking that you saw me as less than what you expected me to be. I understand that you want a good and comfortable life, but I don't understand why you need to break up with me."

"You know how much I adore you, Zeb, but I adore my..."

"I can't feel that love anymore, Raven. As he spilled my name, it was a different kind of pain, and it only means one thing... he's letting me go, and I don't understand why it was so painful when I was the one who asked for this breakup."

"Please, Zeb... If you are willing to accept responsibility, I will return."

"Reservation? I am not a hotel or a car for rent, Raven. I am not under a luxury suit that you need to ask for booking or whatever it is. If you want to break up with me, go. I will not ask you to stay. Go on and follow your dreams.. but I cannot promise to wait until you come back.. this is me, this is my life. I could die here and it would be no problem for me." Zeb said, and I could tell he was serious.

"I'm not doing this just for myself. If I were to make the decision.. -"

"It's your choice, Raven, it's your body, it's your mind... but if your family needs you and they asked you to do it, then I understand. I understand that you need to stay away from me," he said, biting his lips.

"You don't understand... you have no idea how difficult it is for me."

He approaches me and hugs me tightly. He clutched my face and looked me in the eyes.

"Then why are you doing this? Why are you doing things that will harm both of us? You have no idea how much it kills me, Raven, you have no idea how badly I am hurting right now..." he grinned and tried to kiss me, but I moved away.

It's over, and I don't want that kiss to have swayed my decision...

I ran away from him, not looking back.