A Day Without Love

Chapter I

"Promise me you won't be mad. You can't be mad at me." Leo whispered into my ear.

I can see his worrisome eyes observe me. I feel his arms tighten around my waist.

My grip around his shoulder loosens. I can never tell what he's thinking.

"I need to talk to you about something important." His tone was firm when he uttered those words.

I could feel my heart sinking into my chest. Leo was never the serious type; he would constantly crack jokes at the most random times.

"You're... you're scaring me, Leo. What is it? You're never this serious. Did... did something happen?" I whispered; my voice barely audible as a lump formed in my throat.

"Do you remember when we first started dating? I was working towards my dream of working on Wall Street. I got sidetracked when I met you and lost sight of my vision," Leo rambled on.

"I...I don't get what you're trying to say? What does that have to do with anything? I can barely make out my words.

"Well, I got the job. I'm moving to New York. Whatever we had has to end now." His words sounded so cold.

I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest, and tears started to blur my vision.

"What do you mean, whatever we had? We've been dating for four years. I've been there every step of the way for you. If I knew this would happen, I would've made sure to have never fallen in love with you," I screamed.

Before I could utter the last sentence, I watched as Leo turned his back and walked away.

I watched as he walked away from this relationship, my life, the world we built together these last four years.

All I could do in this moment was curl up like a ball and cry.

. .................

"You really need to get over him, and we all need to have a girls' night out," Ava said.

"Yes! You'll be distracted from Leo—" I interrupted Mia and said, "Please don't say his name."

"Fine. Now give me your hand and get your butt off that bed of yours." Mia held her hands out, and I grabbed them.

"Before we enter this club, remember it's our night. Have fun! Maybe you'll end up with your new boyfriend?" Ava said.

I curled my brown hair and wore a navy blue dress. Ava straightened her hair and wore a black dress with a bold gold necklace. Mia, well, she went all out and wore a white lace dress.

"What would you like?" The bartender asked.

"Surprise me." I replied.

I awkwardly stood there, waiting for my drink. Apparently, that's the only thing I'm good at—waiting.

I watched as the couple hovering over me smothered their faces into each other. Everyone here is either kissing each other or flirting.

Being twenty-one is such an awkward age. Half of my friends are in long-term relationships, while the other half are getting married.

I was never like this. It's like he sucked the life out of me. I used to be so optimistic and had big dreams. Nowadays, it's like the only thing I can do is sit around waiting for someone to save me from myself.

"Here's one Whiskey with Coke" He handed it to me.

"How much is it?" I asked him.

"Don't worry about it. The gentleman over there paid for it." My gaze followed the direction of his hand.

To my surprise, I saw a tall man with a youthful smile, curly brown hair that reached his eyebrows, and dressed formally, almost resembling business attire.

As I walked closer to him, I couldn't explain it, but his aura felt different. It made me curious to learn who he is.

"It was sweet of you to get me a drink. I appreciate it." I spoke.

"Don't worry about it. It was the least that I could do." He replied.

I was too stunned by his remark to speak. My eyebrows raised as I asked, 'What do you mean by that?'

I watched him shuffle his blazer and adjust his posture. "I saw you crying over there, near the bar," he said in a soft tone.

"I... I had no idea anyone noticed. I... I think it's time for me to go. This is too much. Excuse me." I whispered as I walked away.

I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. Ever since the breakup, I've felt so invisible. I didn't think it was possible for anyone to notice me.

"I can't leave you like this. Let me walk you to a cab!" He eagerly suggested.

He grabbed hold of my arm and led me out of the club. I walked behind him, matching his pace. I silently observed him. He wore a gold necklace tucked under his button-down. Just for a swift moment, I could see a tattoo on the back of his neck. It resembled some Roman numerals. Leo used to be obsessed with ancient Rome and the history behind it all.

He held the door open for me as we exited the club. I watched as he fidgeted with his phone.

"Where should I send the cab to?" He asked.

I hesitated before answering. I can't give a stranger my address, I could end up being on the next episode of True Crime. I also can't give him my friend's place.

"You can send it to 4371 Greenville Court." I replied.

He leaned in and questionably asked, "You live at the library?"

"Well, I live close enough." I frantically replied.

In the background, I could hear a faint voice. It sounded familiar.

"You keep your hands off of her!" Ava shouted.

Before I could react, I watched as Ava and Mia pushed the gentleman away from me.

He stood there, a look of confusion on his face as he glanced at me.

"Your ride is coming in five minutes." He gritted from his teeth.

"Please excuse my friends' behavior! I don't know what sprung against them.

"Who is he?" Ava asked.

"A nice gentleman I met from the ba---"

"My name's Xavier and you are?" He interrupted me.

"I'm Mia, and she's Ava. And the friend you've been talking to all night is Lana" Ava replied.

"Are you going to apologize?" he asked.

"Now, why would I?" Ava responded.

"You came out of nowhere and attacked me," he firmly said.

"Now, I wouldn't call that an attack. After all, I'm just a girl," Ava stated.

"Ava, stop. I think you should apologize," I said.

"No, I don't want to." Ava walked away as she uttered those words.

I watched as Ava walked away. It reminded me of when Leo left me. I noticed a black car approach us.

"Your ride's here," Xavier said.

"Come on, Lana. You've had a rough night. Let's leave." Mia tugged on my arm as she led me to the car.

As I reached for the door, I locked eyes with Xavier. I gave him a soft smile before I shut it.

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*Thank you for reading the first chapter of A Day Without Love. What do we think of Xavier?