Chapter 4: Last Chance

Jacob was elated that I accepted his offer to stay with him. I personally think his excitement was mostly amplified by getting the chance to leave work early. We wasted no time and went straight to Michael's place. Luckily, a week ago, I made an excuse to clean my cupboards, allowing me to sneakily pack my things without raising suspicion. I also don't have much to pack, so it was super easy. I divided all my items from the things Michael had gifted me because I did not want to take anything that reminded me of him. He is the past, and that's where he needs to stay.

So far everything fits perfectly in the trunk. Just as I retrieved my last box of items, Michael appeared from the shadows like a creature from a horror film. "You already found another man to leach off financially?" he hissed in a dangerous dark tone.

Of course, I jumped at the sudden reveal, then responded in a somewhat calm voice, "Firstly, he is my friend, and secondly, I do not see why it should upset you so. I'm being courteous. You have made it clear it is over between us, and I am now leaving like any normal person would."

Michael's demeanour instantly changed, as he began to stalk me, "If I promised to change my ways and take you back, would you stay?"

"Are you losing your fucking mind? You clearly made your intentions known to the whole bloody town. Besides, you have Amber now. She most certainly is not going to let you go. Lastly, I gave you six months to come clean and possibly fix things between us, but I was not important enough. With the lack of affection, I gave you, you did not once think something was wrong because I avoided you like a plague?" I snapped bitingly.

Michael thought for a few moments, but I couldn't stand it then yelled as the hurt I tried to bury away resurfaced with vengeance. "Of course not! You know why? Because you were too busy poking your tiny dick around to give even the slightest fucks about us! While I was alone, just existing, fucking crying for many nights; you continued living your selfish fantasy.

Now it's my turn to think and do what's good for me!"

Michael's face became bleak, but not from my words of hurt, but due to anger and pride. Egotistical jerkoff! His expression morphed into that of a stranger's as he spoke his words, "I'm not going to repeat myself, Laura, this is your final chance. Stay."

"You know what? You are unbelievable! I thought this shit was only thought up in movies or books, but what you are doing now takes the cake! BYE, Michael!" I snarled and bumped his shoulder as I passed him, quickly making my way to Jacob, and trying very hard to swallow my tears.

"There you are! I was worried you were getting second thoughts, and ditched me," laughed Jacob as he saw me. He quickly approached to help me with the box. The moment he came close, his face paled as he saw Michael's large figure staring at him with murderous eyes.

"Thank you, Jacob," I said, pretending Michael did not exist, and made my way to his car.

"You're going to deeply regret this Laura!" Michael bellowed just as I climbed into the car. His threat was unnerving for it held the poison of his famous temper everyone feared.

"What the hell? Don't tell me he tried to—"

"Just drive Jacob, before he does something destructive," I begged. With my fearful expression obvious. Jacob understood the severity of the situation and started the engine without a word.

I looked at the rear-view mirror, only to make sure that arsehole stayed put. It was unnerving, he stood frozen like a statue, only staring in our direction with utmost hatred.

"Thanks for convincing me to move out," I said gratefully, as I shuddered at the thought of staying one more night with that lunatic.

"Anytime, sweets, I am here for you—always," Jacob said as he smiled warmly.

Once we arrived at Jacob's place, he was very sweet and accommodating. I learned it was a two-bedroom apartment, which he shared with Jerry, whom I met twice at the bistro. Jerry was quite the goofy, lovable character, who always makes people laugh. He is a stand-up comedian, and though his career is still in its infancy, he is doing well for himself.

"Welcome to my humble home," Jacob sang playfully as he opened the door for me.

"Thank you so much, Jacob, I am truly grateful. I promise I'll pay you back," I said earnestly while following him. I genuinely felt like such an inconvenience.

"Nah, you are welcome anytime, sweets. Besides, what are friends for?" he reassured, giving me a comforting smile. "Okay, so you will be sleeping here," he said, pointing to his single bed.

"Your bed? Then where are you going to sleep?" I asked horrified. There's no way I will do that to him!

"I'll be taking the couch, sweets," he declared as if it was nothing.

"Jacob! How could you offer me a place to stay if it meant you sleeping on the couch? If I had known, I'd make another plan! I'm taking the couch—final!" I snapped.

"Really, sweets, it's no biggy. I've slept on this baby countless times."

"Nope, it's decided. I'm taking the couch. It’s only for a few days; I can handle it," I articulated for certain.

"You are so stubborn!" Jacob whined while shaking his head in defeat.

"Get used to it, hehe, you're probably kicking yourself for inviting me," I laughed villainously, but instead of him returning the banter, he looked at me weird and googly-eyed and pulled me in for a hug.

"Never, Lau, I just want the best for you and will always look out for you," he said in a tone I'd never heard him speak before.

"Holy shit! Jacob finally got himself a lady," teased a frisky voice.

"Jerry," Jacob greeted casually and resumed holding me, "This is my friend from work, Laura. You met before, remember?" Then he gingerly let me go so that I could greet Jerry.

"Hi Jerry, long time," I said as I studied him. Wow, he really has changed a lot since the last time I saw him. He picked up a bit of muscle under all that weight of his. He has definitely been working out. He wore his vibrant red curls in a messy curly top, which suited him so well, making his unique eyes stand out. He has central eye heterochromia, where it is bright amber around the pupil and sea green on the outer iris.

"My lady," he greeted with a playful gentleman bow, then turned to Jacob. "So are you two finally a thing?"

I nearly choked at his question, and Jacob released a nervous laugh. "No, no, Lau is just in a pitch, so I offered her to stay here with us until she finds a new place," Jacob quickly explained.

"Oh I'm sorry, I hope it's not too dire, you're more than welcome to stay," Jerry said kindly.

"Thank you, Jerry. Yeah, not dire, just that things ended between me and Michael, and Jacob insisted I move out as soon as possible. Hence why I am here," I said, pointing to Jacob playfully.

"Ah man, I'm so sorry sweetheart. I hope Mr. Huggies over there will take the couch," Jerry teased.

I laughed; this man was such a character. "He did, but I opted for the couch," I proudly proclaimed, not wanting Jacob to seem like an unthoughtful host.

"Hmm, I don't blame you; you don't know what creepy crawlies coexist beneath that guy's covers. On the other hand, you can join me anytime; I'm a great cuddler, and my bed is double the size.”

"Oh please! Excluding the fact that you can't get a girl to save your life, you are by far the messiest out of the two of us!" Jacob snapped back.

"You are dreaming; I only come here twice a month, so rarely use my room," Jerry smirked.

I laughed at these two knuckleheads. This was a good decision, I thought to myself. I am so grateful to have a friend like Jacob. "Don't stress, guys; the couch is my final decision," I giggled, making both pout, which was hilarious.

The three of us decided to get takeout and chatted in the kitchen. I decided to explain my whole story to Jerry just so that we were all on the same page. It really was a pleasant evening, despite the rollercoaster of a day I had. After supper, we watched a movie, and then all of us bid our goodnight.

As I settled comfortably on my temporary makeshift bed, the day's events began to replay in my mind. Although a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, there was still a slither of an unsettled feeling present in my heart. Michael's threat did not sit well with me. I don’t understand it. Why cheat in secret, then all of a sudden break up with me so boldly in public only to ask for me back? Is he going through a midlife crisis or something? Whatever his issue is, I want none of that! I am done with him; this is the beginning of a new chapter in my life.