Missed Messages

MICHELLE'S POV

The car was silent as I drove towards home. I finished telling Amanda about my past with her mother minutes ago. I also talked about the times we were intimate.

Amanda hadn't said anything and I was too afraid to look at her.

As I stop at a red light a breath escapes from her letting me know that she was crying.

I desperately searched for words to comfort her.

"Amanda I-"

I hear the door lock being pulled and I look over to see her open the door and sprint out.

She closes the door behind her as I call out to her. I'm quickly drowned out by the cars behind me honking their horns.

The light turned green and I drove, looking for the next turn available.

Not knowing the area too well I end up in dead-ends and cul de sacs.

I drive around calling Amanda on her phone begging that nothing bad happens to her.

I gave up after driving around for about an hour.

(I know youre upset

but please let me

know that you are

okay)

After sending the text I began my long lonely drive home. As soon as I make it to my bed. Tears well up in my eyes and as I fall asleep.

AMANDA’S POV

I sat there listening to Michelle as she recounted the times she and my mother were together.

I felt myself go numb as I listened.

I start tearing up and I try to hold it in. Michelle hasn't looked my way as we drive near the park towards her house.

Not being able to sort out my feelings , I wait until the car stops before quickly running out.

I hear Michelle yell out my name which is muffled quickly by the door closing behind me.

I cut through the park knowing I would lose her there.

I take out my phone and call Ollie.

"Hello?"

"Ollie, can you help me?"

"Amanda what's wrong?"

"I'm at the park, can you pick me up?"

"Yeah, are you okay?"

"Yeah I-just…please hurry. Please."

"Okay, okay. I'm on my way."

Minutes later I hear the familiar whistle of Ollie's car. I look around for it. Through the darkness of the park I see her stop near the entrance.

I sprint up to her car and get in.

"Amanda what's going on?" she asks as soon as I get in.

"Just drive."

The car doesn't move and I shoot Ollie a glare.

"Bitch, drive where!?"

That's a good question.

"I- I don't know. Can I stay with-" I already know the answer to that and it's no. Not that it's Ollie's fault. We often have fights trying to figure out how's parents are stricter.

"I'll ask Lisa." Ollie says.

Ollie begins to drive as she calls Lisa.

I stop paying attention to the world around me and soon we arrive at Lisa's house. We walk up to her room and I lay on her bed still sobbing.

"What happened?" I hear Lisa ask.

"I don't know. She didn't tell me." Ollie replies.

"Amanda? Babe, what's wrong?" Lisa pats my back as I cry into her pillow.

"Is it your mother?"

I shake my head at first but then I nod.

"What does that mean?" Ollie asks.

"Well I already asked my parents and they said that you can stay here."

I lift myself up and hug Lisa.

"Thank you." I managed to get out.

…

I watch from the bed as Ollie and Lisa are scrolling through their phones randomly showing each other funny stuff they find.

"It's Michelle." I say.

They both turn to face me.

"I- I found out that she and my mother were together or at least they…"

"Woah!" Ollie says surprised.

"Amanda, are you sure? How did you figure this out?"

"She told me." I look up at them, tears starting to well up again.

"Who told you that?"

"My mom at first and Michelle then admitted it. I…I was going to go stay with her until that happened."

"Is that why you have your backpack filled with clothes?"

I nod.

The room is silent apart from my sniffling.

"I don't know what to do or think…

My mother also mentioned that…that Michelle was just using me to get back at her."

"Do you believe that?" Lisa asks.

"I don't know."

"Well let's be real. Your mom kinda lies a lot right? She can't be trusted." Ollie chimes in.

"Well I haven't gotten to know this Michelle so I don't know if she is or not but I think that maybe talking to her might help clear things up."

"I can't. Not right now."

"Yeah that's fine. Take your time but if you want to fix things with Michelle you are going to have to talk to her sooner or later."

I lay down in the bed Lisa lies down next to me and hugs me as I feel myself drifting off.

I woke up a bit later and I noticed a message from Michelle. I think about replying but I just toss it to the side of the bed. I look over at Lisa sleeping next to me and I decide to sleep for a while longer.

…

Michelle's POV

It's been a week since I last spoke to Amanda. I've sent her a couple of texts hoping she would reply but as of now she has only read them.

I walk into my office and begin working hoping to get my mind to stop thinking about all of this. I don't think it's healthy.

As lunch approaches I'm thinking about skipping it when Chandice walks into my office.

"Hey Michelle I hope you haven't gotten used to being back home becaus-"

"No."

"What?"l I haven't even-"

"I'm not going. I have things I need to sort out at the moment."

"Okay… first of all are you psychic? Second of all we need you to go. The clients have as for you."

"Well, then tell them that I'm not available."

"Michelle what's going on."

I turn away from her.

"It's Linda again isn't it?"

"It's not her."

"Then who?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Look Michelle we can't force you to go and we sure as hell not going to punish or fire you for refusing but

I've seen what that woman has put you through and when you come back you seem so relaxed for like a week until you meet up with Linda again. I'm just trying to look out for you."

"Okay…I'll...I'll go."

"I'll let them know and Michelle if you ever need to talk just let me know okay."

"Thank you."

She leaves my office and I lean back as my mind begins to race.

I decided to leave early as work is the last thing on my mind.

I look through the texts I have sent to Amanda these past few days.

(Amanda can we talk)

That was my desperate final attempt. I put my phone down and lay on my bed. There's a lot of things I need to do to get ready for my trip but instead I just lay down on the bed and slowly fall asleep with my mind clouded with thoughts.

…

Making sure I have everything I close and take my luggage to the front door. I look around to make sure everything is properly turned off.

I place my phone in my nightstand drawer since I'm taking my work phone. I won't need it.

I take one last look back as I head towards the airport.

As the plane departs the airport it feels like I'm leaving everything behind and starting again.

…

AMANDA’S POV

It's been a week since Michelle stopped texting me. Her last text was asking for us to meet but I didn't reply.

I've been staying with Lisa and I'm sure her parents are tired of me being here. I heard them ask when I was going back home.

Honestly the thought of going back home is scary and I really do miss Michelle. Maybe I should contact her.

(Hey, Michelle sorry I haven't been answering your texts)

(but I'm ready to talk)

(if you still want to.)

I put my phone away and looked for Lisa.

I tell Lisa that I'm leaving her place and thank her profusely for letting me stay with her. I also thank her parents.

I keep checking my phone as I pack my things.

Lisa comes into her room "You don't have to leave if you don't want to."

"It's okay, I'm ready to go back home now."

"I'll call Ollie to drive you."

I check my phone again.

She still hasn't read it.

…

We arrive at my house and I thank Ollie for the ride.

"Are you gonna be okay?" she asks.

"Yeah."

I walk up to the door and I knock.

I feel scared and nervous. A shock runs up my body as I hear the door handle move.

The door opens and I freeze. My mother looks at me with an expression that's hard to read.

"H-Hi m-mom."

I struggle to get the word's out.

Her face turns into a frown for a second before a smile creeps on her face. She pulls me in and hugs me. I hugged her back.

After settling down she asks. "What about Michelle?"

"I think we broke up." I reply through sobs.

"Well it doesn't matter. You will always have me."

I nod as I look at my phone. Did I take too long? Of course I did. It's all my fault. Why did I do that? It's not like I'm someone Michelle was lucky to get.

I was the lucky one...