Prologue

We meet people. Know things about them, befriend them, they become part of our lives. They change us. They steal part of our hearts; they might hold onto that part and stay with us. But sometimes, they just… leave. Once you believed their words, you give away your trust. And in my case, if only I had known better, I should’ve stopped those people to even get close.

“Look,” the person in front of her held her hands. “Please don’t cry. It’s going to be alright. Please. Don’t do this.”

Her eyes and throat hurts from the hours of crying and screaming but her heart’s going through much more indescribable pain in that moment. And now she couldn’t cry more.

“Tiffany? Talk. Please. Come on. I hate seeing you like this. It’s been hours. It’s getting late.” Jessica tugged her friend’s arms. “I’ll take you home, let’s talk about this there. I-I’ll sleep there.” She looked up to stop her tears from falling. Tiffany has been her best friend for years, and seeing her in that state breaks every piece of her heart.

“Jess-” Tiffany’s voice cracked. “Just leave me alone. I need this. I-I-I-” she started sobbing again. “Maybe things will change and everything will be alright. And we’re going to get back together. Right?” she looked at Jessica, who in return just inhaled deeply.

“Tiff, let’s go. Please.”

“I said-” Tiffany let go of Jessica’s grip “No! Leave. Now! I don’t need you so back off.”

Jessica was taken aback by what her best friend told her but didn’t react badly. “Okay I understand. But please call me when you need something? I’ll come running. You know that.” She enveloped Tiffany with her embrace before getting up. They were sitting in one of the benches outside their favourite café for almost five hours. She was dead tired but couldn’t leave Tiffany alone. She thought maybe this time it’s best to let her friend be. “Okay, I’ll go. Please go home?” she convinced Tiffany.

The latter only nodded.

An hour passed and Tiffany was still there, hoping things will change. Yes, things will change.

And another hour passed.

And another.

And another.

 .......

“Excuse me?” the waiter patted Tiffany’s shoulders.

She didn’t budge.

“Hey miss. The shop’s closing.”

He was about to carry Tiffany when a man in his corporate attire showed up and stopped him. “She’s my date. I was late so-” he signalled the waiter to leave them alone.

“Okay sir.” The other man mouthed silently.

“Hi.” He gently smiled at the girl with jaw length hair, red nose and puffy eyes.