A little time out.

(ARIELLE'S

POV)

I was startled by Ashley's question, totally thrown off guard. "I...I don't know," I stuttered. "For now, all I want is to return to work."

"I understand," she said, patting my shoulders. "Come on, let's go back to what we were watching."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. The following days were uneventful and the cycle repetitive. Ashley went to work and returned in the evening while I stayed at home, doing almost nothing.

I missed my job, and made up my mind to return to work, damning my mother's and Ashley's advice. I planned to tell Ashley when she returned from work today.

As for Jared and Sofia, I had no option but to block them on all social media platforms as I kept seeing pictures of them together at every turn. I deleted Jared's numbers and blocked them. I would protect my sanity at all costs.

My mom was still in the dark about the divorce, and presumably Jared's mother too. I was not going to tell either of them. I'll let them find out for themselves, and if Jared and Sofia had the balls they could do it themselves. The familiar sound of the doorbell suddenly went off, alerting me of Ashley's return. I rose and walked to get the door.

"I'm home!" Ashley examined her usual mantra whenever she returned home.

I smiled and we exchanged hugs and pleasantries. I let her settle down, before bringing up the topic.

"Ashley, can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course, what's up?" She responded, giving me her full attention.

"Look, I know you're and my mom wants the best, but I have to return to work. I have recovered fully, and I don't feel the pain on my waist anymore. Please, let me resume work."

"Arielle, you've been through so much. So much for one person to handle, you need to recover fully. Your workplace gave you enough time to recuperate, so what's the rush?"

"I know, but staying at home is making me feel even worse. I need something to keep me engaged. Staying home, and away from what I love doing is driving me crazy."

Ashley sighed in resignation. "Fine. Your mind seems made up already. When do you plan to resume?"

"It's the weekend already. I'll resume by Monday."

"Alright, but you're putting me in a tight corner. Your mother will come for my head if she discovers I let you resume work," Ashley grumbled.

"She won't. I promise, I'll tell her I convinced you," I said, throwing my hands around her.

you trying to bribe me?" She asked, giving na a playful suspicion

do you think,

burst into

the caller's ID. "Oh, my God, I totally forgot," she mumbled, answering the phone. "Hi, Juliet. I'm so sorry, it slipped my mind. Oh, sure, I'm still coming, and my friend

curious about the conversation. The moment the call dropped, I asked,

that was my colleague at work, Juliet. You know it's the weekend, and she

"Okay, so you're going?"

responded, a mischievous look in her eyes.

I started to protest,

home alone." And before I knew it, she was pulling me to my feet. I trailed

We don't have all the time," she chided, tossing

I don't know... I'm not really in the mood for

why you need to come. You've

sighed, knowing my resistance was futile when it came

"Fine, deal."

to get dressed. Ashley insisted I wear something "party -worthy," and so I settled for a simple black dress, while she

the karaoke bar didn't take long, and before I knew it, we were walking into a dimly

us and waved us over. "Hey, girls.

her, and I exchanged a polite handshake. With Ashley and Juliet, the atmosphere was boisterous, and

worried for Ashley. She was a little too hyper active tonight.

unfazed. "Why don't you

I shook my head vehemently. "I'm not good at singing. I sound like a frog and wouldn't want

wouldn't back

the people here sing

response, she moved over the song selection machine. "What song can you sing, and I'll help you

approached us. He

at the

Why was it

him but he

his facial features from

my friend. You see,

young man responded. And then he turned to me, "Madam, do you know any song you can sing from start

"I know a

"I'm alive," by Celine

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