Lost In The Parallel World

-CHAP : 6

I was currently working in my office which was located outside of my boss’s big office. Today there wasn’t much work, I was just dealing with some emails.

My eyes read the sentence once I was finished writing it.

We have received your package. Charmeuse, Organza, and Tussar silk are delicately soft to the touch and are perfect for the dresses we are designing. Thank you for sending these. We will get back to you for further details.

After putting my name in, I send the email to our dealer. Who provided us with fabrics from around the world.

“Esme?,” A voice called me from behind, making me spin on my chair and look up at them.

It was Bethany, my co-worker. She worked with me.

“Yes, Beth?” I said with a smile on my face.

“We all going out for coffee. Want to join?” she asked, buttoning up her long coat.

My head moved towards the right where the window was located I watched as snowflakes fall from the sky.

“But it’s cold,” I stated looking at the snowflakes falling free like raindrops.

She giggled, making me look at her with confusion.

“Of course it’s winter. It will be cold that’s why we are going out for coffee to warm us up. It’s not like we are doing here anything. It will be fun hanging out,” and that’s how her train started. She was a bubbly person and talkative but I enjoyed her presence.

Nodding my head, I wrapped up my work and turned off the laptop. Quickly went to the washroom to look at myself, my hair was alright. But my lipstick was nowhere to be seen. I took out lipstick from my mini makeup bag and applied some to my lips and cheeks. Satisfied with my look, I walked to find them waiting for me. Grabbing my coat and bag, I followed them out. They all came to a halt, watching the snow. I stopped mid-step in wrapping a woolen muffler around my neck.

I took in the scenery in front of me, people were standing on the sidewalk and watching the first snow of the year. They smiled from ear to ear and stretched their hands out to catch snowflakes. The combination of dim yellow lights and white lights against the dark curtain of the night felt surreal, while snow fell from the sky like small cotton pieces which glowed in the light of the buildings and streets. The cars which were parked outside had snowflakes sprinkled on them which seemed like frosting on the road. The charcoal-black road was nowhere to be found as the white snow make room over it. It was like snowflakes were waiting to be caught, they landed in my hand softly. But my mind was somewhere else.

The snowy day always reminded me of my past. The day I almost died. I remember that day like it happened yesterday.

Flashback :

I was out with my friends hanging out in a special club where only elite people could come and here the rules were different. The age doesn’t matter, the main rule was no commoners were allowed.

I was happily dancing and enjoying my day but when I caught someone oddly familiar. I frowned as I made my way towards them, the side profile of the guy looked familiar. I put my drink on the tray that the waiter was carrying around as I advanced. My eyes fixated on the couple as I took steady steps toward them. Unaware that someone was gauging at them and coming their way, they continued sucking each other faces. I didn’t even need to pretend that I was looking at them, I straight up walked to them and yanked the guy off from the girl who seemed to be in a daze.

And my worst nightmare came into being. To be cheated on. It was my boyfriend who lied that he was sick and wanted to rest so he couldn’t attend the party tonight. His grey eyes widened in shock, and his lips opened and closed like a fish. Unable to control myself, I slapped him before I could think twice. I felt my hand sting after I was done with him.

“Don’t ever contact me again, jerk!”

I remember rushing out of the club sobbing heavily, not caring if my make-up was ruined. I heard my friends calling me but I was going through a massive heartbreak to even pay them any attention. It hurts more when it is your first relationship. Walking on an empty highway, I tried to calm down but my mind was not having it. It seemed to be in shock. The scene at the club kept playing in my mind, torturing me more than before. My head started to throb making me halt in my steps and crouched, holding my head. I stayed in the same position for a while when I felt my head is less throbbing I stood up straight only to stumble on my feet. A sudden episode of dizziness hit me due to the amount of alcohol I chugged down in the club. The alcohol was kicking in my system and I felt bile rising in my throat. My vision blurring making it difficult for me to focus on my surroundings. I saw a bright light thrown my way and heard loud honking. Panicking I tried moving my feet, but instead, I staggered here and there. While loud honking was nearing me making my body froze with fear.

That’s when I heard a voice amid all the chaos,

“Esme! Esme!,”

My ears were ringing with the loud honking aiming at me and the bright light making me go blind. I tried moving my body as the truck kept nearing me. Warm tears rolled down my cheeks as my body had gone into shock and was locked. I closed my eyes accepting my fate.

I was going to die.

That’s what was running through my mind when I was suddenly and roughly yanked to the side. And felt a gush of air pass by me in a whoosh, throwing my loose hair in the air. My cheek came in contact with a chest as I collided and a hand came down to lock me in their arms.

“Are you okay?”, the voice of my savior rang in my ear.

Moving back, I looked up at them to find it was Kian. My insides loosen up which were knotted in fear and I sighed in relief.

...........End Of Flashback........

Sighing softly, I wrapped the muffler around my neck and fell in step with my colleagues. I listened to what they were talking about and didn’t feel the need to find a common ground to talk about. As they were just usual women talking about men, clothes, and makeup. I so put a point here and there to be involved in their chatting. I was a chatty person but they were way more talkative than me, it felt like my energy was draining. So I kept quiet and looked around my surroundings while listening to them. After a few walks, we reached our destination which was chosen by Bethany. Putting my warm palm over my ice-cold nose, I tried to warm it somehow. The inside of the cafe was warm, making me relax immediately. A clap caught our attention which Ruby did to have our attention.

“Okay, girls! Choose what you want. Today I am paying!” Ruby said, eyes twinkling with happiness and a broad smile decorating her lips. She looked genuinely happy.

“What’s the occasion?” I asked, curiously.

“Oh, you are new here so you might not know. I recently got engaged, so I am giving you guys a small treat here,” She said, putting her right hand up in the air to show off her ring. Which seemed beautiful from far away. I mean it’s beautiful.

“Oh. Congratulations Ruby!,” I moved forward to give her a side hug to show her my happiness to which she returned with much more warmth.

“On a side note, Esme hasn’t given us the treat of her getting a job here,” Clara said, standing with one of her arms around her waist and the other arm propped up over it with her eyes cast down as she pretended to examine her nails of the other arm as she spoke and I think I saw her smirk which lasted a few seconds.

As expected, every group has that one person who enjoys free riding despite the circumstances. In our case, 1st I just got to know them a few days back, and 2nd the main reason, why I am trying to avoid the topic. Is because;

I DON’T HAVE MONEY!

Never in my life, did I think I would say this but here I am hesitating to spend money. It seems like a punishment to me.

“Hey. She just joined right now at least let her have her first pay. Then she will give whenever she wants right?” Ruby said, maintaining eye contact with me with her palms open showing her honesty. A small smile played over her lips.

“Yes sure, why not,” I said, lifting my head and clasping my hands behind my body. Ruby and Beth clapped their hands in appreciation. While the others nodded their heads. We were six women in total.

Clara scowled and rolled her eyes while staying quiet.

“So what do you want?” Traci asked me, while we all were looking at the LED screen which displayed the menu.

“I will have one cappuccino,” I said, angled my head towards the screen.

“Right. Let me see,” she said drifting off to decide while I made my way back of the group as I felt myself being squished between them.

“That will be 200 dollars. Will, you pay by card or cash?” The oddly familiar voice reached my ears, making me perk up. I looked up to find Rhys behind the counter, punching in the bill.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t see which coffee bar I was in.

After Ruby paid the bill, we all took our seats and Clara selected the table. Fortunately, that was a good place to sit. It was parallel to a mirror wall and mini pots lined in a plant stand stood beside us, adding a floral aura to the air.

Ruby was explaining the details of her engagement to us and how well it went. I tuned them out and looked outside the mirror.

“Esme. So tell us about yourself. Never got the chance to know you,” Beth said, rubbing her hands in excitement with a grin playing over her lips.

“I can tell by your expression you want some juicy stuff,” I said, throwing a wink in her way as my lips morphed into a shy smile.

“Ay! You caught me,” Bethany said, blushing to creep up to her cheeks.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Molly asked, hands clasped together in front of her on the table.

“I used to, but not now,” I said, opening the water bottle and taking a big sip of it.

Shit! I almost spilled the tea! I have to lie and hide my identity otherwise it will be difficult for me to survive here.

“Used too? What happened?” Clara said in her high-toned voice. I guess this topic was right in her alley as she perked up instantly at the mention of ‘boyfriend’

“Sorry, I can’t tell. It’s personal. I like to keep my life private. Hope you all respect it,” I said, looking them in the eye with seriousness but smiling in the end, trying to not be rude.

At the same time, the waiter came to serve our drinks.

Ah, what perfect timing.

Clara whispered boring under her breath and went back to texting on her phone. Ruby pursed her lips and nodded her head and said nothing. Traci and Molly nodded their heads and started to talk among themselves. Bethany patted my hand letting me know she respect that and upon finding my eyes on her she gave me a genuine smile. I somehow felt relieved that they didn’t dig up into my life.

They weren’t as bad as I thought they would be from the rumors and personal judgment. That’s why the phrase,

“ Don’t judge a book by its cover” holds an important position in social harmony and humanity.

I was peacefully sipping on my coffee when I happened to look straight ahead of me and found a pair of eyes looking directly at me. It belonged to one and only- Rhys. He stood behind the counter, arms crossed over his chest with no expression on his face as usual. He tilted his head as if he was trying to study me. I raised my eyebrow to which he rolled his eyes and looked away.

Okay, that was rude. He was looking at me in the first place!

I guess he dislikes me. But what did I ever do?

I asked myself as I continue to drink my coffee as he take over my thoughts. After some time, we decided to go back as it was getting late and we have been sitting here for quite some time now hoping our boss won’t eat out our ears. We all stood up to leave when I felt my phone buzz in my jacket pocket, indicating I got a message. Thinking who might message me, only to realize I have no one here to talk to. Except for Jake. Swiping across the screen of my phone, I saw Jake’s message.

Hey. I found you an apartment with the help of my colleague. Swing by the restaurant after you get free.

Okay. That was fast. It’s been three days since I have been trying to find an apartment. I asked here and there but to no avail as I don’t know the place and people around here.

Sending an Okay.

I stood up from my seat as I was done with my drink.

“I am sorry. I have something urgent coming up so I need to leave,” I excused myself as I looked at them.

“Is everything okay?” Bethany asked eyebrows raised with lips pulled together in confusion.

“Yes yes. Don’t worry. It’s related to the apartment thing,” I said, nonchalantly. The only person I could trust in the office was Bethany. She was the first person I approached to ask for help and she indeed introduced me to some people who knew the area well. But it was expensive for me to afford it.

Bethany nodded her head.

Again, never in my life, did I think I would go through this.

They bid their byes and throwing a thank you to Ruby I made my way out of the cafe. On my way out, I unintentionally met Rhys's eye who also happened to meet my eyes accidentally. I only narrowed my eyes as I walked past the counter. Not minding him, I walked out as I already have so much on my plate to think about him right now.

I walked down the streets with hands deep in my pockets trying to keep them warm in this cold. Eyes wandering around aimlessly. Letting my thoughts lose and letting them run free.

Be a little positive Esme. If not for this, where would you have experienced this?

I don’t know whether I should be accepting of my life right now or cry my eyes out as my thoughts ran wild.

What positive!? I don’t have anyone here! I can’t even get any food I like! It’s f*****g my mind right now! And you are saying stay positive!?

For someone who never touched a thing in her house, except now and then. Having more servants than people in the house, how could that person live in a world without those luxuries? Resembling a pea, who is sheltered in parent’s warmth from the start till the end, that is how Esme was. Sheltered away from all the realities of the world, not knowing how to deal with little problems thrown her way. Of course, a person should have a flexible personality where they should be able to deal with the problems life throws at them. But again, when your every single thing in life is being monitored and taken care of by someone else, it’s difficult to develop a such personality. Being pampered is honestly great but there is a balance to everything. Too much pampering can destroy a person’s confidence when they are faced with the harsh reality of life.

It’s okay. I am not that weak. I can do it... Right?

More tears came down as I felt my confidence shattering. I wanted to cry my eyes out but it was not the place to cry as my eyes found the streets full of life around me. I wanted to yell the heck out in an empty room where I have my privacy. Wiping my face with my sleeve, I sniffed out of habit and took a seat on a bench outside the restaurant where Jake worked.

............