*Jenny*
"I'm sorry I had to leave you there.", Ebony said through the phone. Apparently, she was prompted for an urgent on-site call from one of her handled accounts while I was finishing up a report back at the office. I could hear her disappointment so I assured her, "Oh it's okay. I'm not a new girl in town anymore. I can go home by myself.".
"I know, I know... grab some McDonalds on your way home, please?".
"Sure, the usual?".
"Yes, the usual... I really feel bad leaving you alone...".
"Aww, I'm touched, but really, I'll be fine. You worry too much." I smiled at her as if she could see me. I heard her reluctant sigh when someone called her name.
"Ugh, that's my cue, call me when you get home. If you don't, I swear–", I chuckled at her words.
"Yes Mom, better get going then, bye~". She grumbled but had said goodbye and ended the call. It brought a smile to my face knowing how concerned my friend was for me. I had very few of them back in my home country and I am very fortunate to have one right here in Portland. I then hustled to finish my report so I could leave and be at home before dinner.
After I ordered our take-out, I can't shake off the feeling that I was being followed. I kept on noticing someone following me in every corner I turn to. There were few people walking in the streets at this hour and I don't have a car, though there are rentals, I don't really know how to drive. I guess I should have taken that driving class that Ebony was bugging me about. I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice the traffic light ahead has turned green. I was nearly hit by a car when someone held my shoulders and pushed me to their side.
"Whoa there." I heard him say. My rescuer was a man. I calmed myself down and was about to thank whoever he is when I recognized him.
"Louie?" My shock was reflected in my voice. He just smiled and released me.
"Yeah, it's me. Well, a thank you would be nice.". I blinked a few times but managed to say thank you to him.
We chatted a bit while we walk like normal people usually do and then he invited me to dinner. I had to refuse because I bought take-outs for me and Ebony, and I don't really want to spend any more time with him but he was so insistent, saying that we rarely see each other and we were friends before so it was not a big deal. It was getting annoying so to get this over with, I agreed to have coffee with him, just coffee I pointed out and he accepted. But don't get me wrong, I only agreed because he was practically begging me and I don't want to be seen as heartless or snub. We were friends before as a matter of fact.
We went to a nearby Starbucks and ordered our drinks. He paid for it too, I complained at first but he said that it was a treat for agreeing to have a drink with him. I don't like the idea of people buying things for me but if there is a significant reason behind the action, I can welcome it. After ordering, we sat by the two-seater table near the entrance.
"So, what do think of this place?" Louie asked out of the blue, starting up a conversation.
"The café? It's a warm… relaxing place as usual."
"Yeah, I remember we had our first date at a coffee shop, too.", That statement made me look at him in confusion. Why is he bringing that up so suddenly? "You were so nervous back then; you were all over the place… it was so cute.", What the… Is he hearing himself? "Well, you still are… really cute."
"Louie… What are you saying–".
"I want you back, Jenny." What?! I couldn't believe what I just heard.
"And Sasha?".
"We broke up." Oh. I can see where this is going. He then continued. "She was never really you. I mean she's fun, playful but… she's not you." What the heck.
Him looking at me with hope made me blurt out a 'Ha!', I then added, "She's fun and playful, and I'm not? So that makes me… a bore? Something easy to get?".
"No, no, no," He gestures to take my hand but I refuse and did not let him. He looked dejected but proceed with his words, "You are not a bore, you're more than that, you're precious–".
"Precious?!" I felt angry at his chosen word, how dare he call me that! Before I lose myself, I held my things, stood up, and went straight out of the café. I heard him yell wait and somehow caught up to me.
"Jenny, wait–" He tried to turn me around with his arm but I pushed him away yet I faced him and yelled.
"Don't touch me! Don't you dare touch me!" My tears are threatening to drop but I held them in. "Precious? Do you know the meaning of that word? If I am precious to you, you should've not given up on me! On us!" Louie was just standing there, looking at me. "Did you know how I felt back then? Huh?! How hurt I was, how frustrated, confused I was. No! no, of course not, because you didn't care!".
"Yes, yes, I didn't care, I was an ass back then, I know.", he tried to get a hold of me but I refused and kept pushing him away, "All I'm asking is a second chance."
"Second chance?" I let out a forced chuckle, "No, I don't think that's possible, it's way too late for that.". I almost pitied him for looking so disappointed that is until the next words he said.
"I won't let him take you from me."
"Wait, 'him'?" I held up my hand stopping him, I then snapped, "You just wanted me back because someone took interest in me?" His silence confirmed my suspicion. I fought hard against my tears but a tear still escaped. I nearly slapped him but I just slowly backed away, "Who do you think you are?". I turned my back at him and when he tried to grab me again, I swung my arm and threaten him, "Touch me again and I will scream." He reluctantly backs away and when he is far enough, I continued to walk away.