ROSALINE
"Go then, I'm not leaving today," I responded tersely, settling back into the chair. I didn't want to deal with this absurdity, not today.
"Rosa, do not provoke me," he barked at me, his fist tightening, and his face scrunched into a mean scowl. For a moment there, it felt like I could not recognize him. "Something came up at my company, and it is more important than whatever this is."
I threw my head to the side, away from him, and gulped hard, blinking back the tears that welled up in my eyes. He didn't deserve to see me so weak. I thought we were bonding. "Whatever this is?" I echoed. "Whatever this is, Gerald? This is a honeymoon that you fucking dragged me into! I'm supposed to just believe something came up and totter after you like an infant just five fucking minutes after you snapped at me for no reason at all?"
Gerald sucked it, and his chest heaved. His forehead was creased, and his lips smacked as though he was desperate to find me a response, and I waited for it. I needed an explanation for his suddenly rash behavior.
"Is this about last night?" The words sliced through my throat, and I clutched the sides of my dress as I asked, making the most electrifying eye contact with him. "Are you acting like this because of what happened last night? Do you feel disgusted about it?"
"This has nothing to do with last night," he breathed a calculated response.
"Then what is so important that you barge in here and ask us to get packing without explanation?"
"It's not your business."
"It is if you are acting like a major douchebag!"
"It is not," Gerald enunciated loud and clear. There was a lot of anger in his tone, and he walked closer to me. "This is not about you. Not everything is about you. What happened to the rules? Why are you suddenly so interested in my life after you clearly have shut me out of yours? Something important happened in my company, and I'd rather not stay here and waste any more time pouring water into a basket."
There wasn't a single thought behind those eyes as I stared into them, wincing from the pain of his utterances sinking into my chest like daggers. When did I give Gerald this much power over me? It hurt like hell. It hurt. It felt like my heart was being fisted and squeezed until it evaporated into nothing.
What could have happened in the span of minutes? What happened to enjoying the sweet nothing and fleeting moments?
"Go, then, if it's so important." I climbed out of the chair. "My movement is none of your business, too, so I'd be home when I want to. I can at least enjoy the little moment of peace I'd have with you gone." I bumped into Gerald as I brushed past him.
I couldn't stand being around him right now, for any reason. Gerald spared me one long-lasting look. It felt like being placed under a microscope, but I didn't look away from him. If he was going to act like a jerk, then I had no problem mirroring that attitude.
"In that case, I'd see you at home," he turned and walked into the bedroom while I dashed out, angrily slamming the door for more attention.
I was hurt, and the worst of it all, a part of me was frightened that whatever little bond we had, had been severed. He wouldn't actually go without me, right? "Stupid kid," I muttered underneath my breath as I went on a very unnecessary parade to pass time.
Maybe when I get back, Gerald would be home and open to reason.
I wished. I got back to the hotel room after wasting away at one of the restaurants for minutes. I slid the key card by the door, and it pushed open with a click. Stepping in, there wasn't a single sign of life in the room. It was quiet and cold- instantly giving away the fact that no one was in.
Both the bathroom and bedroom were empty, and when I looked around more, Gerald's things were nowhere to be found either. He did leave me. I slacked against the couch and rested my elbows against my thighs while my fingers ran through my hair.
The hurt descended on me all over again. Even as I denied that I wasn't hurt. It stung beyond words, and tears welled up in my eyes again. For a brief moment there, I'd forgotten the kind of man Gerald was. I'd let myself go, deluded by the little moments where his prince charming side had come into play. It was just a facade, too.
Almost like it was planned, Ava's call came in, and I picked up immediately with quivering hands. "Hey, angel! It must be a hell of a honeymoon, seeing as you haven't texted in days!" Her vibrant voice burst through but died into dust as it reached my ears.
"It's just hell," I responded in a small voice. "This man is a douchebag!"
"That's pretty much established, but what did he do this time?"
"He left me." Simply saying it caused multiple dents in my pride. "One minute, everything was going perfectly fine; the next, he suddenly says he has to go- immediately after an argument. Almost like he's sulking!" I paused to catch my breath. "He didn't say what or why, just that he had to go, leaving me completely stunned. I left in annoyance, and when I got back, he'd left. He... went without me. I mean, after last night, he shouldn't be treating me like this!"
"After last night?" Ava quizzed. I didn't need to be next to her to see the mischievous look on her face. "What happened last-"
"Nothing." I cut in. "I just... uh- it was quite an eventful night, and he... uhm helped me out a lot. S-so I thought he, you know, decided to be a better person and..." My voice trailed. Lying had never been my strong forte.
"You are stuttering a lot."
"Doesn't it matter?"
"Only if you had sex with him, and he left you so coldly."
My stomach flipped, and an ache circled it violently. "Sex? Why would I do that? I would never!" I could have. Last night was so close to it. It would have happened if his phone hadn't vibrated.
Thank goodness it didn't! "I trust your decision," Ava said like she already knew something happened. Her intuition had always been top-notch. "So what are you going to do? I want to catch that dude and beat him up for you!"
"I'd appreciate that."
"Do you want me to come over and be your husband for the rest of your honeymoon days?" She laughed as she asked, and it got a smile out of me, too.
"It doesn't matter. It ends today, and I'd be back home in two days. I just want to stay back for a while and be alone."
"Alright, sweetie. Are you sure you don't need anything now? You know I'd fly right there if you do, right?"
What do I need right now? A job. I had no intention of taking over the position my parents had offered me, so it had occurred to me that I needed a job. I wouldn't dare breathe a word of it to Ava. She'd try to change my mind, just as everyone else.
"I'm fine, I don't need anything. I feel so much better talking to you!"
"You know what'd make you feel even better?"
"What?"
"Going out with that dude from the bar," she announced, and I laughed. Ava was referring to Harry, with whom I was nothing but friends.
"Okay, I think your good decision phase ended," I teased. "I'll see you when I get back. Love ya!"
I disconnected the line and pulled my laptop closer. I should get that job as soon as possible. Working without help from anyone else was my main priority.
"We got this, Rosa. We do." I muttered to myself.
*
I did get it. It wasn't easy, but after several applications, I got an email requesting that I come for an interview. The position was for a set manager, which aligned with what I do, and it was included in the job description that there were several other positions vacant, according to the qualifications of those who applied.
I took the earliest flight in order to get to the company on time for the interview. Gerald wasn't at home when I arrived and dropped my things. It was very typical of him not to care. I'd care less, too. Walking into the company, goosebumps spread over my arms, but I managed to keep my head high.
"Good morning," I approached the receptionist. "My name is Rosaline Rivera, and I'm here for an interview. Where do I go?"
"Good morning," she smiled at me and then checked her laptop. "You'd be going to the 14th floor. Mr. Sinclair is in charge of..." She paused as she looked up ahead, forcing me to almost look back. "Oh, there he is."
I finally turned and Mr. Sinclair was none other than Harry.
Oh, Great. Just great.