[Ruel - Hard Sometimes]
Gia
Just when I’m spiraling over these unbalanced accounts, my phone rings. Hayes’s name on the screen pulls a smile from me. “Hey, babe.” I answer, picking up the call.
“I miss you. Want to meet after work?” Uh-oh. I promised Jack I’d be home straightaway. “Baby, are you there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Want to meet after work?” I ask again, stalling.
“Yes, why didn’t you want to?” I need to get home to see if my plan works, but I can’t say no to Hayes.
“Okay then. I’ll see you after work at the restaurant near my office.” I say, already regretting it. I love him, so to save this relationship, I need to make him happy. It’s the only way these things last. I don’t want to add another ex to the pile. God, it sounds awful even saying it.
“Great. I’ll see you there. Bye, Gia loves you.” He says.
“Love you too.” I hang up and sigh. I’m happy with him, but why does he sometimes feel so…demanding? I shake the thought away and return to my work.
~~~~~~
After work, I walk out of the building, heading towards my car. I don’t know why I feel so heavy about meeting Hayes tonight. I get into my Porsche, start the engine, and drive to our usual restaurant. Five minutes later, I park and scan for Hayes. There he is, sitting at a table near the window, looking sharp in a blue suit. Hayes is a lawyer, and one of the best in the country, if I’m being honest. It’s been a week since I last saw him; he’s been swamped with work and occasionally needs to travel out of town. I walk to him and take a seat across from him.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say.
“Next time don’t be late. I’m willing to be lenient once or twice, but this is the sixth time. What’s wrong with you?” What is *wrong* with him? He never speaks to me like this, and this is the first time he seems genuinely angry about a two-minute delay.
“Hayes, it wasn’t even an hour, it was two minutes. Why are you making it such a big deal?”
“Yeah, late by two minutes now, but what about later? You’ll be late by two hours.”
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, alright? Let’s just order.” I say, and yes, I'm starting to regret this. This is annoying, seriously annoying. How can he make an issue of two minutes? It doesn’t make any sense. This feels like a bad sign. Oh God, please don’t let this fall apart.
We order, and the food arrives a few minutes later. We eat in silence until Hayes breaks it with something that makes me want to choke. “That woman in the red dress is hot. Don’t you think?” I look at the woman he’s indicating. She’s practically naked, and now my boyfriend is commenting on her attractiveness *to me*. Are you kidding me right now?
“Hmm, yeah,” I respond, trying to keep my voice level.
“What’s wrong with you?” He asks, as if he’s done nothing wrong.
“Nothing. I’m your girlfriend, why are you saying another woman is hot when I’m sitting right in front of you?” I say, finally letting my frustration show.
“Oh, okay then. I won’t do it again.” He doesn’t even apologize. Seriously?
“I’m going home now. It’s good to see you after a week, babe. I’ll see you later.” Before he can respond, I grab my handbag and walk out of the restaurant. I half expect him to chase after me, but he doesn’t.
~~~~~
After leaving the restaurant, I finally arrive home. It’s odd how quiet the house is, and when I check the time, it’s only nine pm. I shrug and head upstairs to my room. “Ahem.” I hear someone clear their throat, and I turn around to see my brother, Jack.
“Jack! What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Waiting for you, duh. And those three idiots haven’t come home yet. Mom and Dad are at dinner.”
“Wait, what? They didn’t come home? Where did they go?”
“If I knew, I’d be home with my wife and son right now.”
“Sorry, Jack. Let’s call one of them.” I pull out my phone and search for Niall’s number. After a few rings, he picks up.
“Yo, yo, yo, my sister. What’s up?” I roll my eyes.
“Um, where are you? Are you coming home tonight?” I ask.
“Forgot to tell you, we’re staying at the office tonight. Maybe we’ll be home tomorrow morning. You miss us, huh?”
“Eww, please. I just wanted to know where the three of you were. Okay then, see you tomorrow.” I hang up and look at Jack. “Seems like our plan didn’t work out the way I wanted, but I’m sure it will tomorrow. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” I say, feeling bad for him.
“Well, my wife is waiting for me now. Whatever it is, keep me updated on what happens tomorrow, because I want to know.” I nod. He hugs me and leaves the house.
~~~~~
The next morning
I wake up earlier than usual, wanting to make sure Niall, Grayson, and Brandon haven’t pranked me. I take a shower and put on my office uniform: a red pencil skirt and a white blouse. I love wearing this to work because it's appropriate without being overly revealing. I put my hair up in a neat bun. I smile at my reflection and slip on my pumps. “Gia!!!!!!” I almost trip when I hear my name yelled by all three of them at once.
I guess they’re home. I chuckle and quickly lock my door, knowing they’ll barge in and make a mess. I can’t help but laugh. “Gia open up now!” That’s Niall. I know his voice so well.
I take my time in my room until I’m sure they aren’t outside. Then I quickly peek to see if it’s safe to go out. I close the door slowly and run downstairs. I need to quietly slip on my pumps. I run for my life. “Gia, are you okay?” My mom asks as soon as I reach the dining room.
“Yeah, Gia, why do you look so tired?” My dad asks too.
I take a seat next to my mom and smile. “Nothing, just did some exercise before coming down. That’s all.” I start eating my pancakes.
A few minutes later, I hear them talking, and I know they’ve arrived. I need to control myself when I see them. Just then, Niall, Brandon, and Grayson walk in. I look at my pancakes and try not to laugh. “What is this?” My dad asks.
“Dad, this is a new hairstyle. Maybe they’re trying to win a woman’s heart. By the way, nice style, bro. I love the color so bright.” I say to them, and they all glare at me. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I put dye not only in Brandon’s hair, but in Niall’s and Grayson’s too. I wanted Brandon to feel less alone. The three of them will face embarrassment together as a team. Isn’t that good?
Niall’s hair is now bright red.
Grayson’s hair is purple.
And Brandon’s hair is pink.
“Why do you have those faces? Guys, cheer up. Today’s going to be a great day for the three of you.” I say.
“You better shut your pretty little mouth before I kill you.” Niall threatens, looking dead serious. Was that too much? Nah, it’s my first revenge for everything they did to me. So I guess it pays off.
“I think I’ll get going now. See you guys after work. Love you.” I smile sweetly at them and kiss my mom’s cheek, then my dad’s.
They'll get weird looks walking together.