Chapter 12
ZANE OR FINN?
Rita
Today’s just a too good day; first, Finn was busy throughout and he didn’t have the chance to ill treat or provoke me. Although, we had little free time for ourselves because clients kept trooping in and going out because It’s a Friday, party day! Although, we were so busy yet I felt so happy this very day.
Finally, it was recess, enough time to chat with my online boyfriend Zane while we had our lunch at the office cafeteria.
Adam and Evelyn sat next to eachother, doing their usual lovey-dovey stuff while eating. I sat opposite them, eating and engrossed with chatting with Zane, I was blushing and smiling, oblivious to the environment. Little did I know that Evelyn and Adam were watching me.
“When exactly are you gonna tell us about your new boyfriend ” Evelyn caught my attention.
“He’s Zane. The same guy Mrs Janet Johnson hooked me up with” I responded.
“Oh wow. That guy. So thanks to me” Evelyn said.
“Nah. Thanks to Janet Johnson instead. Oops! I haven’t even appreciated her all this while” I suddenly remembered.
“Wait a minute guys, is it that same Janet Johnson you complained about somedays ago?” Adam interfered.
“Yeah” I smiled widely.
“Woah! I knew she’ld help you somehow” Adam said.
“Adam, it’s not as direct and easy as you think it is” Evelyn said.
“Shiii” I hushed her ‘cos I knew she was gonna spew out the full gist.
“Shiii!” She hushed me too and faced her boyfriend: ” I personally told Janet Johnson to hook her up with a guy. She yelled at me when she got match made with Zane but just look at her now, feeling so exicted that she’s in love with Zane. Her eyes says it all, look at her reddened cheek…”
I cut in sharply.
“Okay, Okay… That’s enough! Thank you so much, are you happy now?” I said to Evelyn then got engrossed with my phone again when it beeped.
“Will you please drop your phone now and eat now? come on you’ve barely touched the meal and it’s getting cold” Evelyn complained.
“Love is crazy!” Adam laughed out loud.
“My phone, my boyfriend. Zane is literally here with me just like Adam is sitting next to you. Sometimes you both discuss all alone and forget about my existence remember?”
“Oh whatever. Just do whatever you want. Feel love, love love, it’s your first time anyways. Enjoy it while it last” Evelyn said.
I smiled, then slowly switched to a little frown.
“I have something to tell you both”
“What is it?” Adam asked.
“Err… It’s more like a confession” I resumed and they stared at me waiting for me to speak up already. I sighed heavily and dropped my phone: “Actually, I have dated someone before”
“What? I thought this is your first time” Evelyn exclaimed.
“I lied to you because the last relationship didn’t end well” I said truthfully.
“Everyone’s past relationship didn’t end well and that’s why we left. So there is nothing to be ashamed about”
“Err.. the.. the thing is it was also an online dating” I paused. They gave me the listening ears I wanted, so I continued: “His name was Jared, we dated on Love station”
“That application that crashed months ago?” Evelyn confirmed and I nodded slowly.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
“That’s the main reason why I’m scared to date again, especially online. I lost Jared forever. I’m so into Zane and I don’t want similar case to occur” I confided in them.
“It definitely won’t. Love station is scam and it’s bygone” Evelyn blindly assured me.
“I… I uhm also once dating on Love station” Adam confessed too.
“You did, too?” Evelyn flared.
“Yeah, we actually met physically and she turns out to be an old woman” Adam told us and Evelyn bursted into laughter.
“Good for you” She mocked him.
To me, what he said was more than joke, I read meanings in it. I’m yet to meet Zane, what if when meet physically, he turns out not to be what he claims he is.
I was about to tell them about my current plight but Adam spoke first.
“Have you met Zane physically?” He interrogated
“Not yet”
“Soon to meet him?” Evelyn interfered.
“Not really, I don’t think so. Zane is in Canada, he said he works there”
“Temporarily?” She asked.
“I.. I don’t know”
“Well, if it’s permanently, I guess he’ll come take you along with him, get married and start a new life over there”
“Evelyn, you are only trying to comfort me. Look at the disadvantage, for instance Adam said when he finally met his online girlfriend, she turns out to be an old woman. What if Zane too is …”
Adam cut in
“Hope for the best Rita. I’m sure Zane is different. Love station on its own was a fake app, filled with fake people. Err…your first lover Jared?” He tried to recall the name.
“Yeah, Jared”
“Jared would have literally been the one whom will turn out to be an old man or someone even worst just like my experience” Adam stated.
“He’s right. I heard Love station had a lot of fake identity, major reasons why I said it’s a scam earlier. Focus on having the best relationship with Zane, afterall a matchmaker came through for both of you” Evelyn added.
Yeah, I remember Janet Johnson said this is her job, she brings two people together, watch them fall in love, then get married eventually. She also fix broken relationship. She’s an expert when it comes to the subject ‘Love’. What else do I expect from a woman married for twenty years. Maybe there’s really nothing for me to worry about.
An idea suddenly niggled at me. I would have a video call with Zane, to make sure I’m chatting with the right person. But how sure am I sure hat he is Zane. Ugh! as far as whom I am on a video call with isn’t an old man. I giggled and continued eating.
“Hi” someone said behind me.
We raised our head up to see who it was. It was Finn, Mr Finn; our cruel boss.
I began to tremble; he has made his presence so terrifying to me ‘cos all he does is to maltreat me all in the name of me making it up to him. He already figured out my weak point, I don’t wanna lose this job.
Without our consent, he sat with us; the only available seat was next to me, opposite Evelyn.
He sat next to me! I could hear my heart throbbing!!
******
To Be Continued