The Other - Lauv

     It took me an hour to get myself situated. I pitied myself.

After wiping my face of any proof that I had just broken down, I stood to my feet steadily, and immediately went into my en-suite to take a scorching shower.

Anything to rid my mind of my own thoughts. After scrubbing my body that left my skin a blazing red, wishing it would somehow magically get rid of any sign of vulnerability, I stepped out of the shower hastily.

I didn't want to face anyone in the suite right now.

I feel ashamed of myself, even though I doubt Kat and Nic have any insight on what had happened.

I did. I knew and I wished more than anything that I would forget.

I should have acted as if I slipped and fell in the shower. Amnesia sounds better than anything right now, I thought to myself as I mindlessly got dressed for yet another day.

After doing my usual morning routine, I contemplate whether I should stay in my room all day.

But I want coffee. I need it.

Okay, well jumping out of the window is always still an option.

Shaking my head profusely, I gulp down any and all hesitation as I quickly open my bedroom door.

The door that separated me from reality. From a certain problem I was positive wouldn't go away on it's own.

The last thing I expected was to trip and almost face plant into the wall right when I took a step out of my room.

Cursing to myself, I scowl at nothing in particular.

I looked like a psycho person who was trying to get away from some kind of creature at their feet by the way I was hopping on one foot while rubbing my other--now sore one.

My eyebrows indistinctly raised when I looked down at a large white rectangular box.

"What the hell?" Mumbling under my breath, I pick up the light box and stare at it.

After looking both ways down the hall, I rushed back into my room.

I tossed the box on my bed without a thought.

With my arms rested on my hips, I cock my head to the size, examining it.

What? Why wouldn't Nic just hand it to me personally? Or maybe it's from Kat--probably some kind of inside joke.

I bit my lower lip for a second before gripping onto the box once more.

"Why am I thinking so much? It's a fucking box, Adalyn," I hissed at myself aloud.

Before I knew what I was doing, the box was open, revealing light purple tissue paper.

With shaky hands, I pushed aside the tissue paper to look at the mysterious gift.

It was a thick fabric--the material black--a piece of clothing.

Rested on the wool fabric was a white piece of paper, almost like a blank postcard.

In precise handwriting, there were seven simple words followed by an overbearing smiley face.

Blinking a few times, I read the sentence over and over before I calmly grab the piece of paper to get a better look at it.

I was trying so hard not to go batshit crazy. I really was. Taking controlled deep breaths, I close my eyes, picturing the face of someone who wouldn't be recognizable after I get my hands dirty. With their blood.

I let the paper fall from my hands carelessly, by hard gaze locked on the fabric.

My eyes widened when I realized there was a single word printed on the sweater.

One word boldly standing out in white, as if mocking me.

Chill.

That's it. That's all it said.

I bit my tongue, holding in an ear splitting scream.

Chill? That was the last thing I'd be doing when I see him.

He was certainly asking for a death wish now. And I'd have no problem giving it to him. It would be an honor, really.

I take the sweater out of it's box, holding it an arm's length away just like I had done with that Givenchy purse I gave to my mom just to be here.

Anyone would have thought I had nothing against that Givenchy purse if they saw the way I was glaring at the sweater, as if it was the most disgusting thing in the world.

It would have been something I would have cherished if it wasn't for the person who had left it at my door and if it wasn't for the simulated meaning behind it.

Gulping loudly, I place the sweater back in it's box, place the top back on and make my way back out the door, but not before making a mess out of my room to find a pen and writing my own wordy note under his own.

I contemplated handing it to him, but I decided against it, not wanting the other two people in the house to become aware of the ever growing tension and hatred.

A satisfied smile spread across my lips when I set it down in front of his door.

Karma's a bitch, I tell you.

And this wasn't even it. 

* * * *

Later that day, I practically dragged Kat out of the suite for a much needed girls day.

She asked me over and over where we were going, but I kept my mouth sealed. I didn't really know.

Anywhere that wasn't in that hotel. It may be an enormous suite, but I still felt really claustrophobic.

After I hailed a cab—which took a few minutes—I tossed the driver a twenty and told him to bring us anywhere that he recommended.

"So how're you enjoying New York City?" The rugged looking older man asks, glancing at Kat and I through the rear view mirror.

We shared a quick glance before I answered.

"Just wonderful," I stated with false enthusiasm.

I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed my time if it wasn't for the constant drama and emotions that attacked me.

The taxi driver nodded, sliding into the next lane without looking back.

There was a loud angry honk from behind which made him laugh deeply. 

"Don't ya just love the sound of the city traffic?"

I didn't know whether he was joking or not, so I did not say anything.

Another ten minutes later, we were pulling over to the curb.

Looking around, I stared in awe at all of the people and buildings around.

"Times Square is someplace you have to experience at some point in your time in the Big Apple."

The burly man turned to smile warmly at us, his long grey beard covering half his smile.

"Thank you, sir." Kat returned the smile, placing her hand on the door handle.

My eyes never leave the window as I rummaged through my purse and pulled out another ten dollar bill.

"Thanks," I said before impatiently climbing out of the car.

The various loud noises hit me as soon as I stepped out of the car and onto the sidewalk.

I inhaled deeply. "Why the hell didn't we think about coming earlier?"

I thought it was a little odd, but I soon found out the noise of this city soothes me. I hoped that the chaos would allow me to forget.

At least for a few hours.

"Adalyn, I don't think you understand just how broke I'm gonna be after this shopping spree."

She looked awestruck as we began to mingle into the crowd.

I was never one for all the shopping, especially splurging on useless junk, no matter how much money I had in my bank account.

But, if there was ever a time that I was craving an unnecessary shopping spree, it would definitely be right now.

In Times Square.

Yanking Kat by the hand, I lead her across the street to a quaint cafe that had caught my eye. "I need another cup of coffee first."

Kat laughed, but allowed me to continue to pull her along. A sultry gust of air smacked me in the face as soon as I pulled the door open.

Looking around the cozy room, I took sight of the large amount of people lounging around the plush love seats and fabric chairs.

There was instumental music softly flowing through the speakers on all four vanilla cream colored walls.

It had an Industrial feel to it and I soon came to the conclusion that the name, The Java Bean fit perfectly.

The whole coffee bar set up was on the left side of the room, the coffee and espresso machines taking up the counter space against the wall, while the island like counters were connected to multiple displays showcasing different desserts and sweets.

The right side of the room was where the lounge area was, there were a few polished wooden tables in the far back, but most of the space was taken up by the vibrant colored couches, a coffee table and the wall mounted fire place that made the aura so much more welcoming.

A hand waving wildly in my face made me blink a few times. "Hello, Ada? Are we ordering or what?"

"Right, yeah." I started to make my way to the counter, my eyes still absorbing everything.

I've never seen a cafe so homey and welcoming, so I had to take the time to appreciate it. The most beautiful service businesses I've ever seen have only been viewed on the pages of magazines.

After Kat and I ordered our drinks, we claimed a sole two-person table in the far back of the cafe.

After talking a small sip of my go-to vanilla iced frappe, I mentally listed The Java Bean off as my favorite cafe. Not only was the service and aura good, but the coffee tasted like fucking heaven.

"Oh, my god. I'm totally moving to New York after we graduate. You in?" I gulped down some more coffee before raising an eyebrow at Kat as she took the first sip.

Biting her lip, she raised the cup in front of her face and kissed it dramatically. "Hell, I'll move now."

This would definitely not be the last time we visited here.

After an hour of random best friend chatting, we exited the building, promising to come again soon.

We were full of energy by the time we reached the first clothing store, American Eagle. Katrina and I both knew we were going to blow so much money, it would leave our great grandchildren broke by the time we were done.