Chapter 3 Her mind

Meredith woke up with a start the next morning, but it wasn't her alarm this time. Instead, it was a loud voice erupting from outside her house. She placed her hand over her face and let out the deepest sigh ever. She didn't even bother to get out of bed as the voice became louder; a fight probably broke out, she assumed. It wasn't something new. She had been living there for over two years, and it was nothing unusual.

She didn't get up for a few minutes until her alarm finally rang. She got out of bed reluctantly and, like she did every morning, made herself a cup of coffee. Then she went outside for some fresh air. She didn't just get fresh air, she also got to witness some morning drama. She stood there with the cup of coffee in her hand, watching the scene unfold.

The fight lasted only a few minutes before she went back into her house to get ready for the day. Her routine was simple: after her classes, she went to work, and after work, she came back home. It had been the same routine since she enrolled in college. Now she was in her third year already, just one more year, and she would be done. What then? What if she couldn't find a job? she wondered, but gave her head a little shake. She didn't want to start her morning on a negative note.

As she packed her bag for the day, Meredith paused when her eyes caught a glimpse of the envelope he had given to her. She gave her head a little shake and continued what she was doing. When she was done, she picked up her bag, ready to leave, only for her eyes to catch the envelope again.

"I should put that away," she muttered under her breath and headed for the door. But before she could step out, she stopped in her tracks and sighed deeply. Meredith turned to look at the envelope still on her bed. She walked back in and picked it up.

"I won't go," she said firmly, like she was trying to convince herself.

She bit back a smile as she placed it in her bag and left for the day. When she arrived for her class, she expected to see Brian sitting in the same spot he always sat in when they had classes together. But today, that spot was empty. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and a hint of sadness as she stared at the space.

Meredith could barely concentrate throughout the class. She kept glancing at the door, hoping he was just late and would walk in. But he never did. He was absent. Was he perhaps preparing for his party? she wondered. Or was it something else? She hoped he was alright. He looked well when she saw him the previous day.

"I'm going to be late!" Meredith packed her things quickly when she glanced at her phone and saw the time. She rushed out of the lecture hall and headed straight to the bus stop. Luckily, she didn't miss the bus and arrived just in time.

When she was finally seated, she was completely out of breath. She wiped the bead of sweat on her forehead with the back of her sleeve. She worked two jobs on weekdays and three on weekends. Maybe if she took extra shifts next week for her weekend jobs, she could be granted a leave this weekend, she thought, then caught a glimpse of the envelope again. She shook her head, trying to shake away the thoughts of going, but she couldn't help it.

All her life, she barely socialised with anyone. She was wary of everything and everyone. Because of this, she couldn't make friends like a normal person. But now, she had a crush on someone, and for once, she wanted to live like everyone else. She wanted to go on dates and parties like people her age. She wanted to make friends and go shopping. She didn't want to keep shuffling jobs all the time; it was exhausting. She ran her hand through her hair as she thought about her struggles.

When Meredith arrived at work, even though she had run all the way from where the bus stopped, she was unfortunately a few minutes late. Her boss was waiting at the entrance.

"You're late," Mr. Thompson said as soon as she arrived. He was a grumpy boss who always seemed to be in a bad mood.

Meredith was still trying to catch her breath as she stood in front of him. Her breathing was uneven as she looked up at him and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, sir. I tried to be here on time, but my classes ended a bit later today," she said, trying to explain herself. But her words only seemed to make him grumpier. It made her mad internally, but she couldn't say anything. She didn't want to make him angry or get on his bad side. Did he have any idea how fast she ran? She wasn't even supposed to be there that day, but she was because most of her coworkers had quit because of him, and now she had to take on their shifts.

"I don't think you're serious about this job, Meredith. If college seems to be your excuse every time, then I think you should focus full-time on your classes," he said.

Meredith froze. "What?" she replied in confusion, still trying to process what he meant. He didn't even pay her for the extra shifts she worked, and now he was speaking to her like this. She clenched her fists and swallowed her anger.

"I'm sorry, sir. I promise this won't happen again," she said, but he didn't seem convinced.

"Leave," he said firmly.

Meredith saw red. She couldn't take it anymore. She scoffed and ran her hand through her hair, tugging on it slightly.

"I quit. You're crazy!" she groaned in anger, leaving Mr. Thompson shocked. He had expected her to keep pleading, but he watched as she walked off, fuming.

Meredith gripped her bag handle as she stormed away. Her insides were brimming with anger. She had to keep her emotions in check because if she said what was really on her mind, it might not have ended with just walking out. As she crossed the street, eyes red with frustration, she suddenly stopped when something caught her eye.

She immediately turned back and walked toward what she had seen. It was a shop. A boutique.

She stopped in front of the glass display and stared at the beautiful black dress. She was still mad about being fired like that, and now all the thoughts she had tried to push away were starting to plague her mind again. It wouldn't kill her to have fun for once. Her life was way too boring and sad. She hated it so much.

She reached into her bag and took out the envelope. He invited her himself, wouldn't it be rude if she didn't go? What if he never spoke to her again? But the dress was probably too expensive. How would she afford it? Did they accept instalments?

Meredith gave her head a shake and turned to leave, but she hadn't taken more than a few steps when she turned back and headed toward the entrance of the shop.

"Welcome, ma'am," a nice voice greeted as she walked through the door.