I can't believe it, but I've found time to write another chapter. I'm excited to have so many follow and add my story to their favorites. Please be sure to write a review if you can.
Jake was not even her boyfriend. He was merely her roommate, though she was sure he had convinced himself otherwise. "I said what the hell is wrong with you?" he demanded as she stood in front of him completely frozen, "Who were you with? What's his name?"
It was the same question he always asked when she was home late. She often wondered what made him think they were a couple. She cooked, paid utilities, and paid her share and sometimes even his share of the rent. Perhaps he had mistaken her kindness for affection.
"I was not with anyone, Jake," she said, "I was at the hospital."
"Bull," he half belched, "You're standing here right in front of me and there is nothing wrong with you."
"I was reading to the kids," she said, "I'm sorry I'm late." The extra whiff of alcohol mixed with bodily fluids made her wrinkle her nose. "I'm sorry," she said, "I'll start making you dinner."
"Yeah, you'd better," he said jauntily moving aside so she could walk through the door way towards the kitchen.
After looking in the pantries and refrigerator she realized that there was not much she could make for him, since he once again did not do the grocery shopping as promised. He knew that she had a job at the library, knew that she took classes at night, and knew that she did volunteer work in her spare time.She was amazed that she was surprised that he once again did not do his part. Looks like I'm going to have to order take out…once again. She rolled her eyes as she closed the refrigerator door, and wondered if Jake thought she was made of money as she placed her purse on the counter and dug around for her phone.
"So, what's my lady going to make me for supper?" Jake slurred as he leaned against the counter eyeing the contents of her bag.
She despised him and hated living with such a incompetent and irresponsible drunk, but she had little options. Despite having to pay for just about everything, this was the cheapest option she could find. After she graduated with her bachelor degree she had applied for another scholarship to help get her through the graduate program. She got it, but it unfortunately only paid for her classes. She had to take care of her own housing, and she didn't make enough money to be picky. "I'm not your girlfriend," she reminded him as she pulled her phone out of her purse and snapped it shut, "and I can't cook anything, because there is barely any food in the house."
"You were out all that time," he snorted, "and you didn't even stop to think to pick up something on the way back?"
"I was a little busy doing constructive activities," she said crossly as she speed dialed the number of a Chinese joint she had come to like. She proceeded to ignore his rants as she placed her order.
"They'll be here in about a half an hour with the food," she said cutting off his belly aching, "I've ordered some pot stickers and fried rice for myself. Could you please put them in the refrigerator for me?" She walked towards the dining area to pick up her books before moving towards the door. "And just where do you think you're going?" he said as he stumbled towards her to grab her wrist. She jerked it away before he could touch her. "Where I always go Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Class," she responded as she twisted the knob. He continued to rant and rave at her, but she shut the door in his face and began to walk towards the elevator. "Don't you ignore me, you little bitch!" she heard him call after her as she continued about her business.
Elizabeth was not surprised to see a new voicemail message on her phone after class. Jake was usually not satisfied with himself unless he left her several angry texts or voicemails when she upset him. She learned to ignore them most of the time. She, however, was a bit surprised to see that the one voicemail she received actually was not from him. It was from a number she had never seen before. She shrugged. It could not have been Jake. He didn't have an extra phone or any friends that would let him use their phone that she knew of. With that in mind, she dialed the voicemail and listened.
"Ms. Dubois? This is John. You probably don't remember me. I'm the officer that bumped into you when you were coming into the elevator. I wanted to go after you, but I figured you would be long gone by the time I caught the next elevator. You dropped your book, and I found your number inside the front cover. My friend Jeremy at the hospital said you wrote it, so I figured you probably would like your work back. Just call me back when you can and let me know where I can meet you so I can return it."
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush as she remembered how awkward she had acted around him, and now she felt even more embarrassed that she hadn't even noticed that she returned home without her book. She let out a sigh as she punched the number he left for her. She, thankfully, was greeted by his voicemail. "Hi, this is Elizabeth," she said as she began to leave her own message, "I'm sorry I couldn't reach you. I had a class tonight. I work tomorrow from 8am to 3pm at Gotham City Public Library. I usually take a lunch break at around 12:30. There's a place I usually go to called Stuart's. It's right across the street from the library. If you're available, that's where I'll be. If not, give me a call and we can arrange something else."
Something inside her felt eager with anticipation as she walked towards the street to call a cab. She was not usually like this. She was level headed and focused on her work and studies, but his smile both puzzled and intrigued her. She couldn't lie to herself and try to believe she wasn't looking forward to possibly seeing that smile again, and with the way her life was at that moment she needed more things to look forward to.