He shoots me an apologetic but boyish look, “thanks, Elle. I’ll be back in a bit.”
He slides out of the booth across from me.
Ironically moments later, our food comes. Even though Milan was treating, and I did have an urge of pancakes, I kind of kept myself at bay when I ordered. It was a mixture of my step mothers constant berating of me eating like a pig from childhood all the way till adulthood and my lack of table mannerisms. And just plain being insecure. I know it was embarrassing that a girl my age would be so worried about eating in front of man, especially when it was just a normal outing. But I couldn’t help but be a little cautious. Hell, even Quinn, the father of my child, use to make jokes about how much I eat. At least he said it was a joke. But I still felt a little odd eating in front of him.
The last thing I wanted was someone id possibly be seeing at my work more often mocking me for my portion’s sizes. So, I kept my meal at minimum of a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich and pineapple juice and prayed that’d be enough to ease the pangs in my stomach.
Milan on the other hand ordered a small tower of blueberry pancakes, a side of bacon and even German hashbrowns…whatever that is.
I’m about to reach of my sandwich, when I halt myself midway, remembering being scolded to the point of being told to eat by myself for at emptying eating ahead of everyone in my home
My hands drop to my lap and I wait. occasionally, as time passes, I wince. The hunger pangs are becoming more frequent and littler more prominent. Almost to the point where food doesn’t even seem of interest. Time passes by a little longer, and I look outside the window and see Milan is still chatting on the phone with his back toward the window.
I glance back down at the untouched food, cradling my aching belly.
How rude would It be if I just wrote down a note and left?
Maybe not too much at all. I mean he did seem rather busy. Like whatever it is he had to talk about on the phone absolutely could not wait. maybe I was keeping him from wherever he needed to be right now at this moment. or maybe I’m just making excuse-
“Brielle?”
A feminine voice suddenly pulls my gaze toward my right.
+++++++
“Oh, Hannah? What are you doing here?”
The former dirty blonde was now a brighter more bleach color and had a soft tan to her usual fair skin. the look in its entirety was a huge contrast to how I saw her a couple of days ago. one wouldn’t imagine she’d been crying over some asshole earlier.
“I live around here?” she says slow and ‘duh’ -like. There’s a gleeful smile on her face though that tells me it’s not with the full intent to mock. “What about you?”
Her baby blues drop down to the sight of the plates at my table. “I see…treating yourself?”
Now I wasn’t so sure if she was trying to be a smart ass, or throwing a low jab at my eating habits.
A part of me is tempted to say something snarky back. but then I quickly think against it once I remember id likely have to see her again. And the last thing I needed was her running to Monika.
So, I decide to be the bigger person.
“Actually I’m here with someone. They had to take a call just now. what about you?” I force a smile.
“I’m just coming back from the spa!” she beams, “but later I have a hair appointment. I wanted to grab a bite to eat at my favorite spot…you know I didn’t think I’d be able to come back here or even say that again. but I guess I have you to think for that.”
“What do you mean-…wait this was the place you and that guy use to go to?” I ask.
“The very same,” she nods, a somber look filling her eyes. “We use to eat here all the time although now that I look back at it, he never really seemed to interested in talking with me alone. mat the time I just assumed it was because he was more focused on eating but. I swear talking to him felt like pulling teeth. but anyway, you look nice. What do they call it? glowing you’re absolutely glowing.”
Again, I move in discomfort where I sit. it’s not solely because I don’t feel my best right now with the slight cramps that keep riddling my body no matter what position I’m in. but mainly because I’m not use to such a compliment from her. usually, Hannah’s words no matter how positive they may have seemed came with smoke sort of backhanded compliment.
Either way it was getting harder to focus on anything other than the cramps now. even the food in front of me had lost its appeal.
I try my best to keep myself looking neutral. Although I’m certain with someone as vain and Hannah she wouldn’t notice unless I outright said it. hence why I’m not surprised when she continues on talking as she even helps herself to a seat at the booth in front of me.
She now unapologetically occupies Milan’s spot and continues on. “I honestly don’t know how Milan’s id wear pregnancy. Or even motherhood for that matter!” she exclaims. “I hear horror stories about mom’s lives becoming hundred percent about their children to the point where they either have no personal life or their kids just consume it. like I couldn’t imagine not being able to do what I want!”
I try to keep focus during the duration of Hannah’s insistent talking while she’s sitting across from me. occasionally I nod, throw in a smile and even chuckle when she does. But it does nothing to take my mind off the more consistent cramps riddling my body.
I usually don’t like being dramatic or overacting but then I remember at that moment it’s not entirely about me. not anymore. I had to think about the little one I was carrying. I couldn’t just sit here and simply tough it out and hope the feeling would pass. I needed to go.
I steal a glance outside the window.
I don’t realize how much a part of me had actually been looking forward to eating with Milan until I look out through window at the thought of getting up and leaving.
But something halts me. the place where Milan had been standing is empty. Save for the idle city folk occasionally passing by. My eyes scan the area still.
Where did he go-
“And then I…what is he doing here?” Hannah’s voice suddenly pulls my attention. only when I look to her, she isn’t looking directly at me. more specifically past me.
The look of shock and hurt is torn between her face. it’s skewed with such vulnerable emotion and contrast to her usual poised self that it shocks even me. and makes me curious as to just who she’s talking about.
“Sorry about that, Elle- “I felt Milan’s hand on my shoulder. “Got kind of caught up in-…oh hey Hannah.” He beams, his smile cordial.
But Hannah’s brows only scrunch deeper together and her gaze zeros in on the hand that hadn’t left on my shoulder. A frown makes it way to the pouty pink lips.
“what’s going on?” she looks back up to Milan before shifting her gaze to me. “How do you two even know each other?”