After the two left, I was alone with my thoughts. Did he think I was a baby? And that I couldn't take care of myself?
I got up and went to draw my art commissions which were almost completed. My phone was bombed with notifications from the clients asking for the drawing. I spent the next few hours immersed in my work, the soft scratch of my pencil on paper calming down my nerves. As I worked, I felt my frustration with Andrew slowly disappeared, replaced by a sense of calm focus.
Finally, I finished the last commission and sent it off to the client. I felt a surge of satisfaction as I watched the emails fly out, knowing that I finally completed my work.
With my work done, I decided to take a break and grab a snack from the kitchen. As I walked in, I noticed a note on the table: "Cooked some fried rice for ya- Andrew". I felt a bit more calmer. At least Andrew did something for me.
I shrugged it and took the bowl of fried rice on top of the kitchen dining table, feeling a bit peckish after hours of concentrated work. As I ate, I scrolled through my social media feeds on my phone, catching up on the latest news and trends in the art world.
With my hunger satisfied, I decided to take a walk outside. The fresh air might clear my mind and help me control my thoughts. As I stepped out into the evening, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, a beautiful sunset unfolding before my eyes.
As I walked, the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood helped calm my mind. I thought about Andrew's behavior and our relationship, trying to make sense of it all.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I headed back home, feeling a bit more centered. When I entered the house, I noticed my phone buzzing with notifications. I smiled, thinking it might be clients responding to their commissions.
But as I checked my phone, I saw a text from an unknown number. "Hi" the text was sent by the number. I was confused as hell. Who wouldn't be when they receive a text from a number they don't even? So I texted back, "Who are you?" The response I got shook me.
"Your favorite teacher, Adam~"
How the hell did HE get MY NUMBER?! I swear I remember giving my new phone number to NO ONE. I decided to block him when I got this message..
"Block me and I'll send everyone a picture of you.. Naked."
With the threat of having my most intimate pictures released to the world looming over my head, I had to decide what to do next.
I was tempted to confront Adam in person, but the thought of dealing with him face to face made me feel nauseous. I wasn't sure if I could keep my composure and not strangle the man to death.
I also considered telling someone about the situation. But who can I trust with such a sensitive issue? Andrew perhaps? But I don't know because of the recent argument. Ruby? Hell no. So I'll have to deal with it myself.
Just then, I got a message from Adam, "I want to talk to you. Meet me at the old coffee shop at 5 pm tomorrow. Come alone and don't ask why."
I felt a knot in my stomach. What did Adam want to talk about? And why was he being so cryptic? I wasn't sure if I should go or ignore him altogether.
But something about the message unsettled me. More than I wanted it to.
At night, the questions swirled in my head, making it hard to sleep. Tomorrow's meeting loomed over me like a shadow, casting a sense of foreboding over my day. I heard the front door open and realised it's Andrew who came back from the party. But I couldn't hear Ruby's footsteps.
I was confused so I got up from my bed and went out to see Andrew who looked slightly drunk. "Andrew?" I called out. He looked at me and spoke, his voice a bit husky. "What?"
"Where's Ruby?" I asked. The reply I got surprised me..