+TYPED OUT-

BACK AND FORTH

"Monday, we need to talk."

Monday's talk was no longer on sale. Her words were precious, and she refused to waste them on the man.

How dare he, she thought.

Monday went to the side and pulled the blinds. She didn't want to see him; she wasn't ready. She was doing well and learning to live without awaiting anything from anyone.

Why was he there?

What did he want from her?

She went to grab her phone only to see it vibrating with an incoming call from Kenneth.

Monday took the call.

"Monday, can you spare me a few minutes?" Kenneth hurriedly blurted out.

"Please stop calling. I need to call my cousin. You're blocking the line."

Monday hung up and immediately dialed Luce's number. "Luce, is it you who did this?"

"Did what?"

"Did you tell Kenneth where I was?"

"No, I'd never do that without consulting you. I don't even have Kenneth's contact number. Why are you asking?"

"Kenneth is here."

"There where, at Annecy?" Luce asked.

"Yes, he's in my back garden calling my name like Cyrano did Roxanne."

"No way."

"Yes, way."

"Wow, that's,ㅡ" Luce began.

"Stupid." Monday finished. "He's dumb if he thinks that's enough. He's kidding himself."

Kenneth's action was the kind of stunt romantic Monday would have fainted for, but she wasn't that woman anymore.

"What is he doing now?"

"I don't know; I closed the blinds," Monday said. She looked behind her; she could see Kenneth trying to look through. She moved to her living room.

"No Monday. Seriously, you closed the blinds on Kenneth."

"Yes, Luce, please don't support him. He dumped me. He told me to do whatever with his child. ㅡHe," Monday's voice broke, "ㅡhe" she lost her breath and began crying.

"Oh, Monday," Luce could only sympathize with her cousin as she imagined what state she would be in if it were in Monday's shoes.

"It's too easy, Luce; I don't want this. He can't just come here and reclaim whatever as if nothing happened."

"I hear you. Please don't get upset, Monday. It isn't good for you or the baby."

"Luce, I swear, I'm so mad," Monday said as she paced. "At what time will you be here, Luce?"

A short silence followed. "I'm sorry, Monday. I didn't expect this, but my shift changed. Blaze couldn't help me. People are talking about me having privileges because we are together. I can't come, but I promise I'll be there next week."

"No, Luce. I can't be here by myself with Kenneth around."

"I'm sorry."

Monday was alone without support. There wasn't anyone she could call to help her; Dagmar was in Berlin, and Ben was in Greece with Lennon.

"Monday."

The woman ignored the man, who continued to call her name outside. She put on her earphones and listened to Spotify.

Kenneth stayed on Monday's back lawn until his fingers got frostbite. He then called it a day. Brad had booked a room for him in town. He returned to the taxi, which was more than happy to wait for his customer, who almost made him earn two hundred euros by waiting.

The driver wasn't at the end of his surprise as Kenneth offered him the opportunity to earn about the same amount every day for the next few days.

"So you want me to pick you up and wait for you every day?"

"Yes, I have an essential matter to tend to, and I don't want to struggle on this part of the logistics."

"Say no more," the driver said.

Kenneth checked in, showered, and sat staring at the ceiling on his bed. He was sure the most devasting thing that had happened to him in the last few months was Monday's pregnancy revelation until he saw her stare at the window.

She was angry, but sadness sat on her face like a veil. It hurt Kenneth; he didn't think seeing her would affect him this much. He forgot guilt was already heavy on his plate.

The driver waited as planned the next day. He drove silently while watching Kenneth ponder.

"Is it your first time in Annecy?" The driver asked.

"Yes."

"What brings you here?"

"Love," Kenneth replied solemnly.

The driver smiled, "L'amour, huh? It could kill a man. Where are you from?"

"The U.S New York, to be exact."

The driver whistled, "They must be one big love."

"Yes, she's everything. Only love seems more exact."

Kenneth had no difficulty admitting his feelings.

Why couldn't he do the same with Monday?

How could he guide people when he could not channel his feelings to the person who mattered the most?

He had to do better and find a way to let Monday know how he truly felt about her.