Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1)

by Stephens, Amy

  I pull out from the apartment complex without a clue as to where I’m going to look for a job first. I decide to head over to the mall and see if any of the retail stores are hiring. It’s not exactly the job I would like, but on the bright side, it would be indoors and not outside, now that the weather has turned cold.

  I notice there are not many people out at the mall today. I know business usually slows down some after the holidays, but surely there are people still shopping for the after-Christmas specials. I walk into a few clothing stores and inquire if anyone is hiring. One store tells me that I need to apply online, while another shares with me they are overstaffed right now and have been forced to drastically the cut hours of their current employees.

  This isn’t going very well. I walk through another section of the mall, beyond the food court area. I stop when I see a small sign posted in the window of a shoe store. As I stand outside the window, the sign states an assistant manager is needed, and to inquire within.

  I walk inside and see piles and piles of boxes, of what I assume to be full of shoes. They are behind the counter and down several aisles. From the look of things, this place definitely needs some help.

  I stand at the counter for a bit waiting for someone to notice me. When no one shows, I walk towards the back of the store and see a young woman not much older than myself, shuffling through boxes.

  “Um, excuse me.” I catch her by surprise because she turns around with a startled look to her face.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. Can I help you with something?” She looks frustrated.

  “I saw your sign in the window about needing help. Are you still looking for someone?”

  “Are we ever!” She looks up to me, and I give her a warm smile. “We ran into a few problems right after Christmas and had to fire almost the entire crew. I’m running the day shift and John is another associate who handles the evenings. We have both been working every day since Christmas, and are desperately in need of a day off.”

  “What kind of paperwork do I need to fill out to apply for the job?”

  “Do you have any prior retail experience?” She asks me.

  I don’t want to mention about getting fired from the oil shop, so instead I tell her, “I was working a service job that ended prior to Christmas. I tried to find something else, but with all the temporary workers looking for work, I haven’t had much luck.”

  “How soon can you start?”

  “Are you serious?” I can’t believe I’m hearing her right.

  “I’m dead serious. The sooner I can get you trained, the sooner I can have a day off.”

  “Actually, I can start right now. If you will allow me to make a quick phone call, I’ll be right back, and I’ll be all yours for as long as you need me.” I am relieved I finally have secured a decent job, and so quickly. I’m not sure about the pay yet, but it looks like I’ll be getting as many hours as I want to work, and it doesn’t take long for overtime to add up.

  She extends her hand to me. “Welcome aboard. I’m Melissa. What you have on is proper attire. Make your phone call and let’s get to work.” I can tell already Melissa is going to be a great boss.

  I step outside the shoe store and make a phone call to Jennifer to share my good news. After a few rings, she finally answers.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey babe. I found a job, and they need me to start work right away.”

  “Awww. That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you. Tell me about it.” I hear the happiness in her voice, and I hope this is one step closer to her accepting my proposal.

  “You’re talking to the newest assistant manager of the shoe store down at the mall.”

  “Get out of here! You’re kidding me.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “Are we still on for lunch? I’m almost finished up here at school, and I can meet you at the mall if you’re still there.”

  I’m already regretting this, and I’ve not even told her yet. “Actually, that’s also why I’m calling. You see, they need me to start immediately, and I sort of told them I could. The sooner I put in some hours, the sooner I get a paycheck.”

  “Well, that’s ok, I guess. I can swing by and bring you something to eat if you would like.” I hear a little disappointment in her voice, but I know she’s relieved I finally got another job.

  “Why don’t I text you later on, and you can bring me something then if they still need me here. I love you, baby.” For once, I am excited about working. I know this is going to make things much easier on us.

  “Okay, if you insist. I’ll miss you.” She makes a kissing noise into the phone, and I feel like we are one step in the right direction already.

  I go back inside the store, and Melissa is at the register checking out a customer. I walk over to her and once she finishes the transaction, she begins to tell me some things about the job.

  I start helping her put out cases and cases of shoes, then restack what’s left over. I can understand how tired she must be if this is something she does on a daily basis. I’m not sure yet what amount of business the store does, but being inside a mall, I’m pretty sure it’s a lot.

  The evening passes by rather quickly, and I look up to see an older gentleman walk through the store’s entrance and make his way to the stockroom. I assume he must be the other employee she mentioned earlier. Melissa formally introduces me to Rodney, and he instantly looks relieved to finally have some help. I stick around for a little while longer, until Melissa tells me I can go home for the day. She tells me to come back first thing in the morning, and to plan to work the rest of the week.

  I get out to my car and look down at my phone, pulling it from my pocket. I have three missed texts from Jennifer. Dang it, I got so caught up with work, I guess I didn’t hear my phone alert for her text. She’s going to be pissed at me.

  “Hello?” I hear her on the other end, after the phone rings several times. I can tell by the sound of her voice that I woke her.

  “Baby, I’m so sorry I missed your texts. I’m headed home now.”

  “That’s okay. I figured you were busy.” She yawns, and I know I should let her get back to sleep since she’s going in to work later on tonight.

  “Go on back to bed. I know you’re trying to rest as much as possible. I’ll try to be quiet when I get home.” I love the sound of me referring to her apartment as home. I’m thankful for the chance to prove myself to her again, so I don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, on top of everything else.

  My stomach rumbles, and I realize I’ve not had anything to eat all day. My body is used to going longer periods of time without food, so it’s not unusual for me to go all day without something. I pull in at the apartment complex and quietly walk inside. The television is playing, but there is no sound coming from it. I close the blinds to the patio doors and take my shoes off before walking down the hallway towards the bedroom.

  The door is cracked, and I gently push it open enough to see Jennifer sleeping soundly. I decide to let her sleep instead of waking her. I go back to the kitchen and fix myself something to eat. Taking my plate to the living room, I walk over to the couch. I don’t realize how tired I am until I sit down. I take a few bites of my sandwich and I feel myself nodding off. I manage to stay awake long enough to finish eating, but leave my plate in my lap. I shut my eyes for a moment, and I’m lost to a deep sleep in no time.

  I hear the phone ringing, and I’m suddenly jolted from my sleep. I stop for a moment to remember what day it is, and look over to the clock. Crap. I was due at work thirty minutes ago. The sound of the ringing again brings me back to the present. I grab the phone from the nightstand and see Rebecca’s name on the screen.

  I have not spoken with her in a week now, but I know why she’s calling.

  “Hello?” I answer and try to grab my clothes from the closet at the same time. I know time is valuable right now, and the more time I can save getting ready, the quicker I will make it to work.
<
br />   “You were supposed to be at work half an hour ago. I need to know if you’re planning on coming in or if I need to call the manager to let him know he needs to find someone to cover.” Rebecca sounds very stern, and almost hateful in her tone. I hate this animosity between us.

  “I’m on my way right now. I overslept. I’ll be there in a few minutes if you can cover for me ‘til then.” I miss my friend and would give anything to have her back, but there is still a part of me that’s angry with her. Will I ever be able to talk things over with her and forgive her?

  I walk to the kitchen to grab my things and see Brian is sound asleep on the couch. I can’t believe he didn’t wake me up as soon as he got home. I must have been deeply sleeping and didn’t hear him come in. Poor thing, he looks so tired. I turn off the television and lock the door behind me. Maybe in the morning he can tell me all about his new job.

  The entire ten-minute drive to the hotel, I think about Rebecca and what she’s going to say once I get there. I mentally try to prepare myself. My irresponsibility deserves whatever she spits at me.

  I pull into the parking lot expecting to see Rebecca standing at the door, holding her purse, while tapping her foot impatiently. But she’s not. Quickly, I run inside and see she’s checking in a guest. I put my things away and walk to the counter to take over.

  “Here, let me finish so you can leave.” I’m abrupt with her, but not rude.

  “I’ll finish. It’s not a problem.”

  Once the guest leaves to go to their room, Rebecca turns to look at me.

  “I’ve seen you look better before. Is that boyfriend of yours keeping you out too late to show up on time?” I don’t appreciate the snide tone in her voice. “You’ve never been one to be late for work. His bad habits rubbing off on you already?” I can’t believe her harshness.

  “Wait a damn minute.” I quickly jump to defend myself. “You know that is hateful and uncalled for. You have no right to make accusations against either of us.” Looks like now is as good of a time as any to get everything out in the open.

  “Well, it’s true. Since he’s come into your life, you have changed, Jennifer.” I detect the angriness in her voice, loud and clear.

  “I cannot believe you. We go out, and you get so drunk that you hit on my boyfriend.” I’m practically spewing my words at her now. “I thought you were my best friend. Turns out all you wanted was a chance to make a move on my boyfriend.”

  “Look, you have no room to talk about being drunk. You were so wasted you had no idea what was going on.” Is she insinuating something here?

  I don’t give her a chance to say more before I’m throwing the words right back at her. “Besides, a real friend would have never done what you did, first in the cab, then in my own apartment, especially knowing I was in the other room. How could you Rebecca?” I have kept this all bottled up inside, and now it’s time to finally get it all out in the open.

  I burst out in tears, and Rebecca stares at me, not able to say anything. She knows she is wrong and owes me an apology. But my biggest concern is, can I forgive her? Can I forgive her and continue to have her and Brian both back in my life again? I’m not sure I can ever trust either of them together from here on out, whether I’m present or not.

  “Jenn, look, I’m sorry. It’s been eating me up inside ever since I left your apartment that morning. I’ve wanted to talk to you, but I also knew how angry this has made you. I’ve hurt you deeply, and I don’t know if I could forgive myself if I were you.” Rebecca genuinely looks sorry for her mistakes. “You are the sister I never had, and we should have never let this happen. We are both more responsible than this.”

  I want to remind her that my only mistake was that I drank too much. She, on the other hand, drank too much and lost her self-control. I would never have put the moves on Greg, no matter how drunk I might be.

  “Can you ever forgive me?” She opens her arms to hug me and I hesitate at first, before accepting her hug.

  “I want you to know this whole thing made me so upset. I ended up in the hospital Friday night, sick, worrying about everything.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?” Her face fills with concern. “I had no idea. Not only did I feel terrible for everything, but now I feel even worse.”

  “Brian took me.” I let her know quickly that he’s back in the picture. “I was unable to drive myself.”

  “Thank goodness he was there for you.”

  “Well, I had to call him. He had been gone all week too.” I can’t explain why I decided to text him over her that night, I just did.

  “Are you doing better now?”

  “I got plenty of rest this weekend. The doctor gave me something for my nausea, and it’s helped tremendously. I’m able to keep food down now.” I think about the news I received while in the emergency room. Should I tell Rebecca now or give it some time since our friendship is now on the mend?

  “You poor thing. You look like you’ve lost weight. I hope you get back to your old self again soon. You never get sick.” She emphasizes this last part.

  “Well, there is something else.” I figure I might as well share my news now. This secret will reveal itself before too long, anyway.

  “What?” A look of concern spreads over her face.

  I hesitate, then let it out. “I’m pregnant.” I hold my hand up indicating I’m not finished yet. “Please, before you start lecturing me or blaming Brian, just let me say it’s just as much my fault for not using protection as it is his.”

  “Oh my goodness, Jenn. You’re having a baby! I’m going to be an aunt. Awww.” This is not the reaction I expected at all.

  “I’ve got to make a doctor’s appointment this week, but yes, I’m having a baby.” I try to smile through my tears. While I am still in shock myself about the news, I’m also starting to like the sound of it.

  “What do your parents think? I bet your mom is thrilled knowing she’s going to be a grandmother.”

  “Well, that’s another thing.” I become silent for a moment and walk away from the counter. Rebecca notices my hesitation.

  “You have told them, right?”

  I look up, and the look on my face speaks for itself. “No, I haven’t yet. I’m still getting used to the idea of being pregnant and all. I know they will be happy for me, once they get over the shock. I’m sad it’s probably not the way they would have planned it for me, but there’s no going back now. We are all going to have to make the most of it.”

  “How’s Brian taking the news?” I know Rebecca still has her doubts where he is concerned.

  “He’s actually taking it better than me.” I don’t want to share my other news of Brian’s proposal just yet. I need time to think more about it myself. “He started a new job yesterday so hopefully this one will pay a little more and have more opportunities for promotion.”

  “Oh, I thought he was still down at the oil place.” Rebecca seems shocked about that news.

  “No, there was a misunderstanding right before Christmas, and they had to let him go.” Why do I feel as though I’m about to start making excuses for him? “But he was fortunate to find this one rather quickly.”

  Rebecca and I continue to talk, catching up on everything we’ve missed while being upset with each other. She shares some of her plans for a summer wedding, and instead of getting excited, I actually frown, realizing I’m going to be big and fat come July. Rebecca gathers her things to finally head home, and I settle down to work on some of my paperwork for the shift. The night actually passes quickly, and I’m anxious to get home to see Brian before he leaves for work.

  I pull through the drive-thru and order some breakfast to take home; I want to surprise Brian this morning. I hope he will be okay once he learns Rebecca and I have worked through our differences. I’m pretty sure neither of them will want to be around the other for some time, simply because of the awkwardness. And actually, I think I prefer it that way.

  As I pull up to my apartment, I feel m
y heart drop when I see Brian’s car is already gone. I hate that I didn’t get to talk to him last night, but the least he could have done is texted or called to let me know he had to be at work early. I suppose I will have to wait until later to see him.

  I send him a text telling him I miss him and wait several minutes for a response. I still have not heard anything from him by the time I make it inside, so I put my things away before sitting down to eat breakfast alone.

  The kitchen is a complete mess from when Brian fixed himself something to eat last night. I noticed it when I left in a big hurry last night, but couldn’t do anything about it then because of the time. Now, it looks like a few more dishes have been added to the sink, and there are food packages left all over the counter. I’m not one for leaving messes at all, which he’s well aware of, and it pisses me off knowing he left them for me to take care of.

  I go ahead and pick up everything until I’m satisfied with the way the kitchen looks. I don’t want to overwork myself, since I’m still getting all my strength back, so I sit on the couch to watch a few of the morning talk shows.

  Just after lunch, I look down at my phone, and sure enough, I have missed a text from Brian apologizing for not seeing me last night and this morning. He’s not sure how late he’s going to work, but he will call as soon as he knows something. I decide to jump in the shower and head down to the mall for a surprise visit. Surely he can take a break, so we can grab a bite to eat.

  I walk inside the mall and head in the direction of the shoe store. As many times as I’ve been shopping here, I don’t think I have ever been in this particular store. I walk in and glance around. Even though I don’t see any customers right now, I don’t notice anyone on the sales floor working either. That’s odd. You would think someone would at least be up front to greet potential customers. I walk down one of the aisles, and I suddenly hear laughter coming from the back. At the end of the aisle, I see a room that must lead to the stock area. I peak around the door but still can’t see anyone. I hear a male and female voice talking and realize the voice belongs to Brian. Obviously, he’s enjoying his conversation by the sound of the laughter.