Chapter 40 Chapter 40
Tessa
I stormed out of the house with tears streaming down my cheeks, despite hearing Mom's desperate calls. Her voice faded into the distance as I walked away, my feet carrying me further from the painful confrontation.
My eyes brimmed with tears, obscuring my vision. I didn't care to look up, I wasn't a baby anymore, am I? I don't know why she thought she could just cage me inside.
My tears grow louder with each step I took, I don't want to care if there's someone looking at me right now.
My only focus was releasing the anguish within. I walked aimlessly, tears flowing unchecked.
Suddenly, my head bumped into someone's chest I didn't bother to look up, rather my tears grew louder.
The person tried to touch my shoulder but I resisted.
"Leave me alone," I muttered, expecting them to push me away. But instead, they hesitate and sigh out loud.
"Are you...."
"Just let me cry," I interrupted, pleading,
There was a pause before they nodded, or perhaps I just sensed their understanding.
The stranger's presence receded, allowing me the space I craved. I wept uncontrollably, surrendering to the emotions ravaging me.
I didn't know what sparked these tears, the fight with Mom, the accumulated stress, or something deeper. All I knew was that I needed to cry.
When I finally stopped crying, I lifted my gaze to thank the stranger who had let me cry. But my voice froze on my lips.
It was him, the man who had paid for my cab fare the other day, the same one who had called me a mad woman.
His expression was laced with amusement, "Wow, do you cry like this every day?" He teased taking a step backward.
I felt my face burn with embarrassment, and to my horror, tears sprang forth again. I buried my face in my hands and wept like a baby, kneeling on the ground.
This time, he offered me his chest, but I shook my head, mortified.
As I sobbed, memories flooded my mind, Mom's slap, her accusations, Mr. Grumpy's threat... Everything piled up, and I cried harder.
When I finally exhausted myself, I stood up, wiping my tear-stained face with the back of my palm.
The guy looked at me with a mixture of concern and jest. "You should go home and clean up. You look...like you've been through a lot." He smiles annoyingly.
I sniffled, feeling a bit more composed. "I'm fine," I whispered.
"Really? You are fine? Are you sure everything is okay?" he asked, his tone a little bit softer.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Yeah I'm fine, Just...family stuff." My lips were force to depart.
"If you need a place to clean up, my apartment's nearby, you can wash your face you know" He nodded thoughtfully.
"Why would you throw such an offer to me?" I raised an eyebrow, wary.
"You look like you could use a break." He shrugged.
I considered his offer for a moment before shaking my head. "No, thanks," I replied.
"It okay" he turned back to leave and I found myself calling out, "Wait."
He halted and turned back, his eyes questioning.
"I...I changed my mind," I stammered.
"Follow me." His expression softened.
We walked in silence to his apartment, the awkwardness between us thick enough to cut with a knife.
As we entered, he gestured for me to make myself at home. "Make yourself comfortable." He proposed.
I nodded, still feeling weird about being in a stranger's place.
"We... where's the bathroom?" My voice stammered.
He pointed to an adjoining door. "Just use the en-suite in my room."
I hesitated for a second, but nature called. I dashed into his room, shutting the door behind me.
As I washed my hands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Red-eyed, with puffy cheeks, and a snotty nose – I looked like a hot mess.
I shook my head and made my way out of the bathroom. He was already inside the room, eyes glued on the phone.
My eyes suddenly moved to his bed, and what I saw snatched a gasp from me.
A condom wrapper lay proudly, like a badge of honor. I raised an eyebrow.
"Seriously?" I muttered to myself.
He looked up from his phone, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Uh, about that..." he stood up trying to cover it up with the duvet.
"Don't," I held up a hand. "Just don't."
"My friend came over last night... he was the one that used it" He chuckled. "Not me and....."
"Save it, Casanova." I cut him off.
"Fair enough." He laughed.
"Thanks for...everything," I said, edging toward the door.
He walked me out, his hand brushing against mine. "Take care, and try not to cry too much."
I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "Asshole."
"Anytime." He grinned.
I stepped outside and I heard him banging the door hard behind me as if he did it purposely.
I shrugged my shoulder not giving it a proper thought.
I dodged through the shadows, careful not to be seen by my parents. Our houses were too close for comfort, and I wasn't ready for another confrontation.
I walked as low as I could to the junction.
When I finally did, a relief sign escape my lips.
My mind darted back to the stranger's apartment, the condom wrapper, his awkward explanation... I shook my head, chuckling.
Just as I was processing it all, my phone buzzed. Leah's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, girl! You forgot the clothes you bought earlier, are you going to come pick it up?" Leah asked, her voice bubbly.
"I have a change of mind." I smiled, a plan forming in my mind.
"About what?" Leah asked, curiosity piqued.
"I'm coming to the party tonight. And I'm staying over."
"What! Are you for real?" She asked pleased obedient in her voice.
"I'm dead serious so be ready to see my face often tonight" I proclaimed with excitement.
"Yaaas! That's my girlllllllll!!!!!!!," She squealed.