Rage Reincarnated

One hour.

I had been waiting for A FUCKING HOUR. I told Christine that she had to pick me up, and she said yes. I roll my eyes at how she failed with her end of the deal. Do you remember when I said that I have been on this earth for twenty-seven years, and I still find new ways to be disappointed?

Well, this is one of these things. 

I'm not even sure why I'm surprised. Christine always does this. Yet I can't help but see red. Today was supposed to be different. My disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined. 

I have spent months trying to make a perfect plan for Calvin's arrival. He and his friend have been in Toronto for about two days now. I remember being happy that everything was finally going to plan this morning. John even got to swap his shift with another coworker. 

Everything was perfect. 

However, the only thing that I didn't account for is Christine. You see, Christine tends to be extremely late to different events; this was no exception. I guess Christine took my pleas as a bluff because she didn't come.

Or she forgot, again. 

With a curled lip, clenched jaw, and a hostile glare, I get ready and storm out of my home. I make sure to place a small kiss on the man in the picture frame before leaving.   

I am going to her house to see what is going with her. I bet that bitch is working on her new book right now. 

Every minute I walk has me seething. My vision blurs as I reminiscence the long walks after school. The ochre handbag transforms into my old viola case. I can still hear the pity from my old high school peers a mile away.

Now you know why I never liked walking. It's because I'm reminded by the sad nights, sore feet, and the emotions that come with them. This is my waking nightmare. The ache in my feet has me(rightfully) riled up. Hot tears bubble over my eyes as I furiously wipe them away.

Why did I take my car to get a check-up? Walking to her place takes too long.

After what feels like forever, I finally make it up to her street. I see the familiar two-story house not a moment later. As I walk up to her entrance, I notice a figure in the front window. The person is Christine. And she is on her laptop working on her book.

Who would've guessed?

I furiously pound my fist against her door. The thundering force is almost enough to break it open. Christine has some nerve to do this to me. This shows that she has this underlying amount of mockery towards me. I cannot allow anyone to do this to me and NOT be held accountable. 

"Christine, I swear to whatever deity that you believe in, if you're not ready, I'll hurt you. And it's not a threat; it's a promise!!!" The banshee within me crawls out, and she lets everything out. After a few seconds, the door finally opens. Christine stands in front of me, dressed up and ready to go. 

Why the hell did she not take John and me to go partying as she promised?

"Okay, what do you want?” Christine asks dismissively. Really?

It's the pure disrespect for me. 

"What do I want? What do I want?!?! What I wanted was to go to the club with you over an hour ago, but no- you decided to let me wait outside in the cold for 45 minutes.

You didn't even pick up your phone when I called you.

And the worst part is that I had to resort to walking to your house ALONE. I HAD TO WALK!!! And you know that I hate walking. So, does that answer your question?" I spew out my emotions all in front of her. Christine stands there like a deer in front of headlights. Why can't she see how hurt I am?

"Yes, it does answer my question. But why do you care? I'm always late for everything. Why is does it matter right now, Jessie?" Her naivety is through the roof. I take a deep breath and try to dissipate the lingering anger brewing within my being.

If only you knew, Christine. The whole point of us going is for you. Someone is waiting for you, and I want you to enjoy being with him. 

But her ignorance will not be an excuse. 

"Look, I wanted to take you to the club because you've become cranky, Christine, and I don't like how you are. I want us to go out, have fun,"

"And maybe get you laid," I joke. Christine immediately rolls her eyes at my comment. What? she knows that I'm only joking. Christine can make her own decisions if she wants to. I'd never force her to do something that she doesn't want to do. 

Unless it's for her own good, of course. 

"Ok, how about I ask John if he can get a taxi and bring it here? That way, we can go to the club together. I'll pay for the cost." She proposes. I dramatically groan, but I let her do it anyway.  

"Fine, but if I ever have to walk to your house again, you'd better start praying. Anyway, do you have any hot chocolate?" I ask with faux innocence. Christine sighs and nods. I immediately rush into her living room and sit on her couch. Christine follows behind me before taking a sharp left towards the kitchen.

"Just sit there while I make the cocoa," She says in a motherly tone. I scoff and get on my phone. I am so done with her right now. Calvin, Johnathan, and Calvin's friend are all waiting for us right now. All she had to do was keep her end of the promise and take us to the fucking club.

Was that too much to ask? The answer is no, obviously. 

Why didn't she just pick me up on time?

Why did she make me walk for so long?

What did I do to deserve any of this?

Christine taps on my shoulder and hands me the beverage. I thank her, and I quickly guzzle it right after taking it from her hands.

"So how are you, Jessie?" She asks awkwardly. I finish drinking my hot chocolate and place my cup on the coffee table. 

"Okay, um... I haven't really done much apart from work. I'm refraining from having sexual intercourse, thanks to that asshole," Christine turned her head with a surprised look on her face. I don't blame her.

I finally told Christine the full story of that man, and how I'm in such a pickle. She didn't take the story well. Christine doesn't like people who are unfaithful, especially home-wreckers. So, she assumed that I had those intentions from the start. I had to explain that I didn't know. And even if I did know, I wouldn't have slept with the piece of shit. 

But that isn't the real reason; preparing for Calvin's visit required a lot of my free time. 

"And because of this, I have been able to work more than I usually do. And now, I am planning something big that I think that you will enjoy. It has been months since I was able to go out partying," I ramble. Christine nod and goes on her phone. 

I look down and quickly text Calvin. I really need to rush quietly. Otherwise, Christine will become more suspicious. I need to let him know that Christine and I are on our way.

Hey! Sorry about being behind on schedule. There's so much traffic, and we are currently in the long line. We will be there within an hour

Listen, that's okay. But the club is getting crowded, and we might leave just after midnight. Be sure to come as soon as you can. 

His reply confirms my worst-case scenario. Now, I'm more worried because it's already starting to get crowded. Calvin and I continue texting back and forth. During that time, I am salvaging the failing plan with everything I can.

This plan will work. And I can tell that nothing will come in my way. 

"Okay, I just texted John. He's in the taxi and will be here in five minutes. So, get ready," Christine's voice causes me to look up. I put my phone away and stand up. 

"Let's go. But if you ditch me to go dance with some stranger, and I can't find you later, then you'd better call me in the morning so I can pick you up," I rolled my eyes at Christine's instructions. I wasn't going to do that. Today was going to be the day when Christine would finally see Calvin. 

"Okay, mum, so what are we waiting for? Let's get wasted like dumb bimbos!" My triumph is met with Christine's cringe and Johnathan's laugh. Finally, something good is happening to me. 

Nothing can go wrong. 

~

Everything went wrong after that.