I straightened my posture and enjoyed a good stretch and took a deep breath. Despite my lengthy internal dialogue, I was not feeling too shabby. Who needs reality TV when you have your little voice in your head? Now that was entertainment.

Perhaps I will sleep on it and decide tomorrow whether I should ask Mr. Cross. Who knows, I might even wake up with a completely new perspective. He might even offer the information himself. Well, a girl could only hope, right?

I was about to leave when I suddenly looked down at myself and realised something weird. What the heck was I wearing? My eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. I figured that perhaps Mr. Cross might have dressed me after the whole incident. However, that was not the confusing aspect. My confusion stemmed from the actual clothing I was wearing. My broke ass could not even dream of affording this silk sleepwear. I mean, I had to save up for damn weeks just to treat myself to one pair of bloody sneakers. This sleepwear was top-notch quality. I was talking next-level shit. The way it felt against my skin was pure luxury. 

I was completely clueless about this man's past. Foolishly hoping it was just his sister's nightwear. But deep down, I knew the truth. It was too sexy and revealing.

I have made up my mind, after all. It was time for me to head home.

It was about two a.m. Saturday morning, and I was already feeling like crap. Crap! Crap! Crap! Despite missing my mother, I was relieved to know that I would not be spending my eighteenth birthday alone. Well, my peace was short-lived when, suddenly, things changed with the unexpected bathroom incident and the arrival of that woman. 

My readers, I swear thinking about her just made me want to punch a wall. Acting all high and mighty. Think she could do whatever the hell she wanted to Mr. Cross. For the record, I left. Being the dramatic girl I was, I just up and stormed out of Mr. Cross's penthouse without even saying a word. Now I was wondering how the heck he was going to react when he finally realised, I was gone. There was a good chance Mr. Cross would not realise until much later, and the reason for this was simple. Back at the hotel, I had just left the bathroom, my mind made up about leaving.  So, I headed towards the living area to get my backpack. But as I walked past the balcony, I caught a glimpse of them. I could not help but stop and watch. It was like a train wreck. I could not look away.

With her winning smile, I could see Grace reaching up to play with his perfect hair, and Mr. Cross did not even flinch. It was as if they were in their little world, completely unaware of anyone else around them. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. So here I was, sometime later, lying on my old dusty sofa in my apartment. Alone. Feeling like a complete idiot. I let my emotions get the best of me, and now I had ruined my birthday. Adding to the unfortunate situation, I had convinced myself that Mr. Cross would be furious with me for leaving. However, it was a futile expectation.

My readers, your girl needed a smoke and something strong to drink. Something that would knock me out for the night and help me forget about all the chaos of the day. My head was pounding, and my nerves were shot. The cravings were real, and I knew I would not sleep until I satisfied them. However, I soon realise I had failed to visit the liquor store due to Mr. Cross's unexpected interruption.

It was legit late as hell already. And here I was, on my worn-out sofa, debating whether I wanted to venture out for some liquor. But let me tell you, my cravings were louder than my internal battle. However, your girl was all out of weed and the thought of smoking a nasty-ass cigarette did not sound appealing. So, I threw on my old hoodie and headed out, determined to satisfy my thirst even without my usual weed. Making my way down the street, I could not help but curse myself for not stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Damn! Who even had the mental capacity to consider alcohol when feeling so angry? 

I could not help feeling let down by Mr Cross. But was it fair to do so? He never actually made any promises to me. It was simply my wild imagination at play. It could not be helped though. My substitute teacher was one fine species of a man. 

The ringing of my phone abruptly pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked at the screen to see an unknown number flashing. Without a second thought, I answered the call in a casual tone, not expecting much from the unknown caller.

“Hello?" I said, my voice a little hesitant.

"Hey. Is this Thea?" A cheerful female voice responded.

I furrowed my brows in confusion as the sound of the voice reached my ears. I could not help but wonder who was speaking to me. The voice was unfamiliar, and it had a noticeable accent. It was not one that I am used to hearing in my everyday life.

"Yes,” I replied. “This is Thea. Who is this?"

“It's me, my love!" A different voice declared, causing me to come to a sudden halt as if a vice was clenching around my heart.

“How did you get my number?" I nervously questioned. My tone was trembling with unease.

“What kind of question is that my love?” He chuckled on the other end of the line. “I will always have your number.” The voice replied in an almost taunting tone.

My initial feeling of fear swiftly transformed into overwhelming panic.