04

Waking up to someone banging on your door isn’t ideal for anybody. It’s the same for Haven.

She opens the door to an overly dressed Olivia. Olivia had worn black jeans and a flashy top matched with sneakers. Hair neatly styled and make-up, up to the mark.

While Haven wore her flower printed pajama that was wrinkled every inch and hair nested and cocooned.

“What’s your problem?” Haven asked, sitting on the couch, drawing her knees up to lay her head.

“You.” Olivia pointed at Haven, walking inside.

“What?” Haven asked slightly annoyed and confused.

“You said you will be at work the next day. Now it’s been a week since you walked into the office building. I almost thought you died or something happened again,” Olivia said, pinching Haven’s cheeks.

“Aw… don’t do that.” Haven rubbed her cheeks.

“Come on. Let’s go out at least!” Olivia pleaded.

“I am not interested.” Haven had been procrastinating since the breakup. She was barely interested in doing anything. Even her daily routine demanded great efforts.

“Oh, you will get interested when we go to the mall.”

Haven looked up at Olivia and thought for a moment before replying, “Still no.”

“Who is asking your permission?”

Olivia dragged Haven by her wrist and walked towards her room. She pushed Haven into the bathroom and instructed her to shower soon.

Olivia felt like she was making a toddler get ready. She had to pick each and every piece of clothing and accessories. By the time Haven showered and got ready, it was noon already.

Haven twined the black jeans with her friend and had worn a simple t-shirt. She looked just fine without any makeup. She had tied her hair into a ponytail.

“Uff! How much more time do you need to get ready?” Olivia asked, crossing her hands near her chest. She stood leaning into her car while waiting for Haven to come out and lock the door.

“Wait. I am coming.” Haven had a frowned expression plastered on her face. She didn’t want to go outside. She just wanted to stay back at her home and on her bed, probably just binge watch some random series.

They were soon on the driveway, driving towards the mall. Haven wasn’t an all-time shopping goer unless she had a special night with James. Well… not anymore.

They drove to the mall in silence. Olivia tried making it fun by switching on some music, but Haven refused to listen to any music. Olivia even tried making small talks. Again, they were clearly cut off by Haven. She just craved for silence and peace, nothing more or nothing less.

Within some time, they had reached the mall.

“So what are we shopping for?” Haven asking, entering the mall.

“Anything,” Olivia casually said and shrugged. That was the kind of girl she was. She wasn’t old money. She worked her butts off to earn money. But that doesn’t stop her or limit her love for going shopping spree. She’s always up for it.

Knowing her friend’s attitude, Haven just shrugged and walked to the elevator. She suddenly felt giddy. Her previous experience on the elevator wasn’t a pleasant one. Regardless, she controlled herself from falling apart or breaking down in the public.

The elevator dinged and opened on the 5th floor, which was the ladies’ section. Olivia dragged Haven to buy some lingerie.

It’s always fun to buy lingerie with your best friend. There are trials, photos, chats, teasings, and sexy comments.

“Wait here. I’ll be back.” Olivia walked toward a salesperson to ask for something specific she was looking for.

While being left alone, Haven glanced over at the new set of bikinis that the store had arranged in a beautiful pattern.

“I don’t think that matches you,” Haven heard a familiar voice from behind. She immediately looked back, only to find Ashley standing with many shopping bags in her hand.

Ashley was that person who always has a resting bitch face. If not that, there’s a smirk. Haven could barely see this infidelity coming through. Haven always thought that people misunderstood Ashley for a bitch just because of her attitude. Little did she know, Ashley was truly a bitch.

Ashley was a beauty no man could refuse. Haven must’ve known how coveting this girl could be and James cheating on her with this bitch.

Haven ignored her and continued to see the bikinis.

“Who are you trying to impress? James?” Ashley asked with a smirk on her face.

Haven turned back again. “Don’t tell me you are really trying hard to get back with James,” scoffed Ashley. Haven was about to open her mouth to make a comeback but she was beaten to it by her friend.

“Mind your fucking business,” Olivia spat out. She had walked to Haven as soon as she noticed Ashley.

“Excuse me,” Ashley said.

“Oh, you are excused. Get out.” Olivia was not going to take any bullshit from this bitch.

Just then, James walks to the shop with more shopping bags in his hands. “Are you done…” he stops, seeing Haven.

“Hav…” his words weren’t allowed to be completed.

“Save it,” Olivia said. She was raged, will be an understatement. She was on the edge to kill this man who cheating on her best friend and deeply hurt her.

Haven had threatening tears which could flow any time now. Seeing James out with Ashley, Haven thought maybe they were already a thing and James had moved on even before he broke up with her.

Just then, James’ phone rings and he walked out to take the call. Since it was a call from work he couldn’t let it go missed.

It was only left with the three ladies. There was high tension in the air. It was extremely awkward. No one spoke or made any movements until Olivia tried to take Haven’s hand and walk away.

“By the way, you need to improve your skills in bed for your future relationships,” Ashley commented.

“What?” Olivia asked, her voice was loud enough for the half of the store to look their way. She slightly bowed and apologized to them.

“I remember James mentioning that you are not that good in bed.” With that, Ashley walked out of the store, with an enormous smirk plastered on her face. She had successfully damaged the little self-confidence Haven had. It was like her secret agenda was accomplished.

Now, Haven was left with something more to cry and grieve. Something that will bug her for life. She will have permanent insecurity stuck to her back.