Going Alone

“Mae, I’m so sorry.” Jack sighed.

“I knew I shouldn’t have done it.” I switched the phone from the right shoulder to my left.

“Mae, this isn’t your fault.”

“It just feels like it.” I mumbled, stirring some organic pasta.

“Look, I have to go, but I’ll call you real soon, okay?” He promised, “Alex is done at the hospital.”

“Okay. Bye Jack.” I smiled, shutting my phone.

I drained the pasta, pouring some sauce on top of it. Walking back to my couch, I plopped down on it and dug in, savoring the tomato-y taste. I soon finished my pasta, then got up and placed it into the sink. My cheek still hurt. Placing a hand on the sore spot, I flinched when it was hot. I jogged to the closest mirror, surprised to find my cheek was still pink. Anger flashed within my stomach, and I balled my hands into fists. My phone rang and I took a deep breath.

“Hello?” I breathed out.

“Mae! Can you come in?” Larry asked, “We really need you.”

“I guess I could always use the money. I’ll be there soon.”

-------------------

“Yes! I’m off!” I smiled, punching a fist into the air.

“Thanks for coming in again.”

“No problem, Larry.” I smiled, grabbing my purse, “Anytime.”

“Get home and rest those feet!” He mock scolded, shaking his finger.

“See you.” I waved, walking out of the break room, and then out of the store.

“Mae!” Jack yelled, grabbing my sides.

“Fuck!” I yelled, clutching my racing heart.

“Sorry to scare you.”

“Why are you here?” I whined, walking back to my house.

“Well, Alex and I got into a fight.”

“And?” I asked, spotting my house.

“Well, I wanted to know if I could stay with you.”

“Sure!” I smiled, “If you can deal with a pregnant lady and her organic food.”

“I’ll try.”

“So what’s his damage?” I asked, walking fast to my house.

“He has a mild concussion, and just a few bruises.”

I smiled from the sick and twisted pleasure I got, “Good.”

I opened my front door, “So, where am I going to sleep?”

“You can sleep in my bed if you want.” I shrugged, “Just don’t kick me or anything.”

“Cool beans.” Jack smiled.

“I’m going to go take a shower. Just do… whatever.”

I quickly ran into the bathroom, shedding my clothes and hopped into the warm water. I lathered my body and hair with soap, then rinsed myself clean. After I conditioned my hair, I stood in the warm stream of water for a moment, then reluctantly got out. Jack knocked on the door.

“Where are the pickles?”

“I ate them all, sorry.”

“Ugh” He groaned.

I opened the door, adjusting my clothes, “Well, you can just eat regular cheese sandwiches.”

“What happened to your face?”

My eyebrows knotted, then I realized what he was talking about, “Oh, that was Alex.”

“Are you kidding?” He asked, his face growing red.

“No, he really did that. That’s why I punched him.”

“What a fucking prick.” Jack spat, “I cannot believe he did that.”

“Jack, calm down.” I said, touching his arm.

“No, he fucking hit a pregnant woman. Who is pregnant with his baby, no less!”

“Jack, just cal-”

“He’s going to fucking pay.”

“Jack!” I yelled, forcing him to look at me, “It’s okay, really.”

“No, it’s not, Mae!”

“Just forget about it.”

“Mae, he called you a slut and then hit you.”

“I don’t want to think about it.” I said, grabbing his hand and walking to the kitchen, “It’s over and done with.”

“The next time I see him…” Jack trailed off, grumbling something under his breath.

“It’ll be alright, Jack.”