S H I R T Y
adjective [shur-tee]

Bad-tempered; irritable; cranky.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

You sat on her couch, preoccupied with your thoughts and staring at the ground. She had brought you a cup of coffee but it sat on the centre table, slowing cooling down.

"[y/n]... Please have something to eat or drink," Your best friend [y/bf/n] said, "You have to after taking the meds."

You sighed then reached to grab a few cashews and almonds that were placed in a bowl in front of you. After nibbling on those, you took a sip of the coffee that was surprisingly still a little hot.

[y/bf/n] sat on the couch next to you and rubbed her hands. "So," She started with hesitation, "What are you going to do now?"

You shook your head slowly and shrugged your shoulders, "I don't know [y/bf/n]... I really don't know."

*****

18 hours ago...

You placed dinner leftovers in empty Tupperware and sealed them with lids. The fact that you may not need to cook anything tomorrow took one thing off your mind.

THUD!

James stormed into the living room and you watched him with confusion through the open kitchen view. He started pacing around the living room, hands on his hips and mumbling something to himself. He rushed to the door and picked up the car keys from the hook it hung on then reached for the door handle-

His phone started to ring and he answered the call, talking with an irritated tone of voice. "Yes... I understand that... Now? You can't be serious," James spoke, "But I have-"

You saw him roll his eyes and rub his forehead. "If I was informed before-time it would have helped A LOT," James said with acute rage, "I will be keeping a note of this... YES, I'll receive it."

He ended the call abruptly and gripped the phone tightly in his hand. As if getting a moment of realisation, he rushed towards you and leaned on the kitchen bar counter.

"Love I need your help with something," He said and you nodded your head, "Can you go to Bob's and pick up the package I had ordered. These arseholes failed to inform me beforehand and Bob's out right now. It's out on his porch."

You paused, feeling hesitant towards carrying out his request. "Bob's?" You repeated, "But that's on the outskirts of town. It's going to take me an hour to-"

"Honey I know but I can't go, I have a conference call with the casting director," He said and you squinted your eyes a little. You had your own work to complete and you had planned your day accordingly to spend the rest of the evening working.

"I don't know... Can't you just tell Bob about it?" You responded and he took a deep breath as he placed his hands together, "He could ask a neighbour to-"

"You don't understand sweetheart, it's a precious item," He said sternly, his jaw clenched.

You gulped, not wanting the conversation to continue but having no choice. You stepped out of the kitchen then started to head towards your office. "Look James, I would do it but I have work to complete. Give me an hour and I'll do it-"

He grabbed your arm and tugged you back towards him. "Please help me," He commanded and you shook your head slowly.

"I want to baby, but I-"

His grip on your arm tightened till it started to ache. He approached you slowly till he stared right into your eyes, threateningly. "Help me get the package [y/n]," He demanded and you looked at him with fright.

"James I-"

"Go get my goddamn box NOW," He exclaimed and you watched him with disbelief and anger. You snatched your arm away from him then furrowed your eyebrows.

"What the hell James, I know you're stressed but you can't boss me around-"

He pushed you to the wall behind you, a hand gripping around your neck, choking you lightly, while the other pinned you to the wall. You struggled, to breathe and to break free from his powerful hold.

"JAMES-"

"What did you say to me?" He yelled then paused, "I asked you for one favour... ONE F!@#ING FAVOUR and what do you say to me?!"

His grip around your neck tightened till you had no way of drawing breath. You cried out in pain, your face turning red. You clawed his hands to try to force him to move away, screaming out for help as you did.

"James PLEASE I-"

And as a blessing, his grip around your neck loosened. He stepped away from you, horror on his face and shame in his heart. James shook his head slowly, unable to fathom what he had just done.

"[y/n], I'm..." He moved closer to you as you shoved him away, "Love, I'm sorry, I didn't-Please!"

You turned around sharply and slapped him across his face. "You were going to f!@#ing choke me JAMES!" You shouted as the tears from your eyes rolled down your cheeks.

"I wasn't..." He mumbled but you pointed a finger at his face, close to clawing his eyes out.

"Stay the hell away from me," You warned then grabbed your jacket from the coat rack. You made sure you had your phone then you reached to get the car keys from-

You stopped your hand as you neared the hook. There were hanging no more, it was an empty spot. You clenched your jaw then swallowed hard, "Give me the keys James."

He crossed his arms and planted his feet firmly on the ground. You glanced back at him and raised your eyebrows, "Give me the f!@#ing keys!"

"You want them?" He hung them out to you like luring a dog, "Come get them."

You grimaces at his disgusting attitude. He didn't seem sorry at all.

You stormed out of the house, ditching the chance at getting the car. You slammed the door shut then raced to the elevator, going straight to the ground floor.

You wiped your tears away, your heartbreak forming into rebelness and rage. As so  as you shelled out of the building, you were hit with a gush of wind from a passing speeding car, blowing your hair onto your face.

A chill ran down your spine as you examined the dark streets up ahead. You didn't know which way to go...

Your mind was muddled. You couldn't think straight. You were broken by your boyfriend's behaviour and what just happened. You didn't do anything wrong to him... maybe you should have got that box of his?

No.

It was his responsibility and he cant take his anger out on you like that. He could have killed you.

And your mind started to clear up. Tou realised that there was really only once place you could seek escape.

*****

18 hours later...

"You can stay here as long as you want honey," Your friend told and stood up, "Whatever you need I'll make sure I help you."

You smiled at her softly, "Thanks [y/bf/n]."

You stared at the cup of coffee in your hands then expressed, "You know... I actually thought that he was the one. I wanted to marry him so bad, I felt like i should propose to him.'

She smiled sadly then ran a hand through her hair. She wanted to say something to comfort you but she feared that she may do more damage.

"But I guess I was wrong," You sighed, "Sooner or later, people's demons start to surface."