Chapter 8 Are You Done

"What did you say? Did Jonny break up with you?" Helen's eyes were wide as she listened to Irene's story. She was so angry at the words she was hearing.

"We've broken up. He said he was tired of eating the noodles that I made for him. He wanted to eat steak and salad for a change."

Irene was putting her clothes into a suitcase as she told Helen the story. It had only been a night since their breakup but Irene felt strangely fine. She could recount what had happened without feeling hurt, as if it were an event that happened to a stranger.

"That bastard! When he was pursuing you, he had a lot of sweet and flowery words to say. And now, he was saying all this crap to break up with you? Oh, I see. That was his excuse, right? He was actually going out with that post-grad student. What's her name again?"

"Olivia Shen."

"That's right. Her name is Olivia Shen," Helen said through gritted teeth. "Jonny's such a shameless man! Don't worry. I'll get even with him for you."

Helen rushed to the door but was stopped by Irene. Sometimes, Helen acted first before she thought anything. She was so hot-tempered.

"Helen, let's stop talking about Jonny. We both know he comes from a wealthy family. He's going to receive his post-grad degree now. And I can't complain about it. I'm just an undergraduate student. I can't even find a good job after graduation. My mother and sister are useless. We're not suitable for each other. And also..."

"But he knew all what you just said while he was dating you. He can't use this reason to break up with you. He's taking advantage of you, Irene. Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Helen broke free from Irene's hold again. This time, she was faster. She made it onto the staircase before Irene knew what happened.

Helen was the president of the student union. She could work at the university after graduation. If she made any trouble, she would get severely punished and it would hurt her chances of landing a good job after graduation.

"Helen, stop! Stop right now!"

Irene tried her best to catch up with Helen. She managed to grab Helen's arms when the latter got out of their dorm building. Out of breath, she said, "Helen! Please listen to me first. This morning, I..."

"Irene?"

Before Irene could finish her words, a familiar timbre stole her attention. Irene automatically looked up and found Jonny standing not far away from her. He was looking at her in astonishment. He wasn't alone though. Olivia Shen was standing beside him.

Olivia Shen had a pretty face complimented by long, silky hair. She had a slim figure underneath a fashionable long dress. She looked like a fashion model. It made Irene feel horribly under dressed with her white and pink shirt and a pair of cheap jeans. For goodness' sake, Irene was only wearing flimsy flip-flops on her feet!

There was no way she could compare with Olivia Shen.

Irene lowered her head in shame. She wanted to hide her ugly and poor self.

"Let's go," she said as she tugged at Helen's arm. She led her friend back to their dorm. Before they could get far, Olivia Shen stopped them.

"Wait. Irene!" Olivia Shen quickly jogged to her. "I want to say sorry. Jonny and I brought you a lot of pain."

Olivia Shen was wearing high-heeled shoes, which made her half a head taller than Irene. Irene found then that she didn't like feeling smaller than anyone.

By Irene's side, Helen piped in, "Bah! What is a bitch like you doing now? Are you so in need of a man, Olivia? There are so many single men out there. Why would you prey on someone who already had a girlfriend?"

"I never wanted to take Jonny away from Irene. But Jonny chose me because he thought I am an excellent woman. Take this as a lesson, Irene. Why would Jonny give up a four-year relationship with you? Do you think it was all because of him? Don't you think you have your shortcomings, too?"

Taking a deep breath, Olivia Shen continued dissing Irene. "Don't forget your responsibilities as a woman. You should always be gentle and meek. And stop being so independent. Men don't like it when women do everything by themselves. It makes them feel lacking."

"Why, you!" Fury flashed across Helen's eyes. She wanted to give Olivia a piece of her mind. This bitch was out to decimate what was left of Irene's self-confidence!

'Not only did she steal her boyfriend, she also had the audacity to insult Irene. What the hell?' Helen thought.

"Helen!" Irene held off Helen who was about to attack Olivia Shen. "Let's just go."

"I can't let her talk to you like this!"

"Stop it. Let's just go."

It was graduation season. A lot of students milled around the dorm building, which made the place loud and noisy. But even so, the little scene they had was bound to attract more attention if they continued to fight. It would only make Irene more embarrassed.

Irene dragged Helen away. Her tears had started to stream down her face. Suddenly, she heard someone call her name. She instinctively turned towards the voice and saw Aaron standing at the entrance of their dorm building.

The dorm building was facing north and received less sunshine than most buildings. But just then, a shaft of sunlight shone over Aaron's strong figure.

He smiled. His gentle eyes were full of warmth and comfort.

"Irene, are you done?"