Chapter 20: Change
932 Words
Jessica had never felt so defeated as she did that night, and that was saying something since she had been through a lot of s**t. It was late in the evening when she got home. She felt exhausted and cursed Roger Richard. He was toxic, that much Jessica knew, but it was her weakness that drove her towards him again and again, and she hated herself even more for that.
Cathy also noticed the change in mood in her daughter. Her face was pale, and she could tell the signs of tears on her cheeks. Her shoulders were hunched as if she was trying to battle a strong storm.
"Honey, is everything okay?" Cathy asked.
Jessica nodded and walked towards her room without saying a word. "Yeah, mom, I'm just tired."
Cathy did not miss the fact that Jessica did not even kiss Evan goodnight as she did every night, no matter how late she was.
_____
The next day, Jessica went to work by bus. She felt dreadful and had considered calling in sick, but she knew Roger would find a reason to make her come to work. She drudged out of bed, got ready, and walked to the bus stop. Thankfully, it was not raining today.
As soon as she arrived at the hotel, she felt many of her colleagues' eyes on her. Jessica had been a no one at work, that is, before Roger came into her life. It was all his fault! Even though, deep down, Jessica knew she was dragging herself into this mess as well. It was much easier to blame everything on that bastard, though!
Jessica could not stand it anymore, so she suddenly turned to ask them, "What is your problem? If you have something to say, say it!"
One of her colleagues, Sarah, whom Jessica hated, looked at her with disdain. "Why, Jess? Why are you so uptight? You should have expected people to talk about you when you're shagging the boss!" She spoke in her nasal voice.
"What did I do?!" Jessica snarled back. She wished she could slap that b***h in the face. She had always given her weird looks. Jessica guessed she was jealous of her relationship with Roger. It was common knowledge that Sarah was known to sleep around with their male colleagues and the guests to get what she wanted, which was more money and better shifts for the most time.
"YOU are the reason why Roger broke up with his girlfriend! I did take you as a homewrecker, Jessica! You have no shame!" Sarah replied with a triumphant look in her eyes.
Jessica was fuming. How the hell did she know about Ruth and Roger's break up!? Why was she so unlucky! It seemed like God was against her these days!
Jessica thought since she was already shameless in their eyes, she might as well go along with it.
"Yes, I slept with Roger last night. So what? Are you jealous? You can also sleep with him if you want!" She smirked to Sarah.
Sarah's eyes were glaring daggers at Jessica. "You b***h!"
Jessica sneered, "If you can't, then shut up!"
The couple colleagues around them watched the scene quietly, no one brave enough to break apart the fight between Sarah and Jessica.
Jessica turned around to walk towards the elevator; however, she stopped in shock as she saw who was standing behind her. Did this man love to surprise her? Why was he always showing up in places where she wanted him the least? Gosh, did he hear everything? Jessica wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.
Roger stood straight with one hand in his pocket, sharply staring at her. Maybe if killing did not violate the law, she would be dead already.
Sarah deliberately bumped her shoulder as she walked away, grinning in victory. Gosh, Jessica wished she could push her and ruin her smug face; she smirked as she imagined breaking her nose.
"Good morning," Jessica airily spoke, trying to ignore the tension between them.
Roger just nodded and kept silent.
"Um...lovely day, isn't it?" She motioned towards the window and grimaced at her stupidity. Even though it was not raining, the day was cloudy and gloomy, and not at all lovely.
Roger still kept quiet.
Jessica wondered why he was not saying a word. Would he deliberately ignore her or humiliate her in public?
Whatever her punishment was going to be, she wanted him to get on with it. She hated his silence as that probably meant he was planning something in that evil mind of his.
Roger finally spoke in an annoyed tone, "Are you sick? You look dreadful." He said while appraising her outfit.
Seriously! Of all the things he could have said, this is what he was going to say? Jessica's eyes narrowed in anger and surprise.
"Seriously?" Jessica angrily snarled, trying to keep quiet so as not to cause a scene. "I can't believe you're asking me that. Don't you remember last night, it was you who called me in on my day off! So yes, excuse me if I look dreadful because I do not get any f*****g days off!"
Roger seemed surprised at her reaction and quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching. No one was listening to their conversation, but the eyes from the people standing on the front desk followed their every move.
He grabbed her arm and pushed her towards the elevator.
"Ow, where the f**k are you taking me?" Jessica whined even though she knew the answer.
- Writer
