She stood in the alley, holding the glass of wine like her life depended on it.
His words echoed in her mind, and his face was vivid in her memories.
His expression said more than he did.
Questions raced in her minds. The scenario was not enough to make her think, at least not without an exemption, or maybe some exemptions.
If her eardrums were still effective and efficient, then she needed answers.
Why did he refuse to acknowledge her, at least he could have said that they were old acquaintance?
And when did he get a girl for himself?
Thinking about that one bitter truth, her heart sank.
They finally had the chance to meet after years, and he failed to acknowledge her, why?
"Is everything A-Okay with you, Anna, you look upset." Angel acknowledged.
"Yes, I am good." Anna lied, forcing a smile.
"You do know you've always been bad at lying, right?"
Anna sighed.
"What do you want me to say to you?"
"Nothing." Angel responded.
"What?" Anna asked, with a puzzled look.
"I said nothing Anna, because I saw and heard your conversation with Jake and his girl."
"You heard and saw us?" Anna pondered.
"Yes." Angel nodded, walking towards Anna with a concerned look.
"Don't you think it's for the best? I think the Almighty wanted you to know that the one you keep on your mind day and night, has never truly had you in his mind." Angel said.
Looking at her friend, Anna realized; Angel was right, there was no need to get too attached when there is nothing left.
He denied her so easily, and that meant that he never truly cared about her.
"I'll leave you to it Anna, I'll leave you to your thoughts." Angel said and walked away.
Closing her eyes, she forced a smile.
"Maybe it really is for the best" she muttered slowly, pouring wine into her mouth.
But she wanted answers, she wanted to know what made him think of doing what he did.
The Next Day.
She walked into the café slowly, her eyes searching every nook and cranny for him.
It had not been easy getting an information on his movements, and she was not going to let go of the opportunity.
Her heart raced as she walked up to him.
"Jake." She called with a low tone.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, without raising his head.
His eyes were fixed on his phone and his keypads and fingers were not at rest either.
"I just want to talk to you." She said as she reached for the chair opposite him.
But as soon as she was about to sit, he stopped her.
Looking at her, he said.
"You can say whatever it is without sitting, right? I don't want my girl misunderstanding the scene."
Anna nodded. "Okay."
"Tell me."
"All I want right now is an answer."
"Is this coming from someone who suddenly ghosted?" he inquired.
She closed her eyes.
That was it. She also needed to give answers.
"Jake, you know I can explain, I…
"I don't need you to explain, because I don't like talking to strangers. Anna is dead to me." He said, looking indifferent.
She gasped. "Don't you think you are taking it too far?"
"What is going on here?"
It was the lady's voice again – Jake's girlfriend.
Anna turned to look at her, forcing a smile.
"I was just saying hi, by the way, how are you?" she asked.
"As you can clearly see, she is fine, so you can take your leave now, please." Jake said.
"Jake don't be rude, she is not wrong by asking about our wellbeing, right?" the lady said with a smile.
"I am Anna, and you are?"
"Hazel." She introduced with a smile.
"It's so nice to meet you, Hazel, hope we meet again." Anna complemented.
"We should definitely meet again, I just got back from Spain and I need a friend, I don't want little pumpkin here to be the only one around me, so… Can you be my friend?" Hazel asked, happily. Holding Anna's hands.
Anna's pulse ambled. She looked at Jake, but he had no expression.
"I would not like it if you decline, Anna." Hazel said.
She knew she was in a Dilemma. How was she supposed to agree to Hazel's request?
Agreeing would only make her feel like she has shot herself in the leg.
But, once again, she had no choice.
Looking at Hazel's enthusiasm and excitement, she could not decline.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Anna. I can't express how happy I feel, thank you for making my day. Yay!"
"Of course." Anna said, with a forced smile.
"So, I get to see you when I want?"
"If I am not busy, I guess." Anna responded, laughing nervously as she walked away.
Outside the Restaurant.
She panted heavily. Everything was starting to feel very awkward.
The story was between her and Jake but when she tries to forget it, someone keeps taking her back.
If only she knew why she felt this way, maybe she would be able to stop the feeling.
And if there was nothing more, she knew that Old Ties has long been severed.