The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 8 – “Come onnn, Em! You can’t sit here with that gloomy face. Don’t worry about the job, just ennjoy, girl! Everything will be fine,” Molly, one of my college friends, slurred, leaning against the bar counter. “Here take this drink, you’ll feel good.”

I shook my head. “I’m not in a mood. So I’d just pass.”

She pouted. But as I didn’t drink the shot she offered to me, shrugging, she gulped it herself.

Kate and John, my other friends and circle’s popular couple, shook their heads at her and went back to their cuddling.

We were at a local pub with our college friends. After they got to know about Warner’s getting the job, they wanted to celebrate it. So here we were, enjoying the night. Except me. Too many thoughts were playing in my head to get wasted with alcohol.

“Here, at least drink this orange juice. It’s really good, I tell you.” Warner handed me a glass, sipping on his own.

“Thanks!” My eyes went around the dancing crowd and the moving lights. Even the booming music didn’t make my mood better.

“Hey!” He turned me to him. “Don’t worry, alright? I’m sure you’ll get it.”

I smiled and then he got busy with the others, laughing and joking. And I just concentrated on my juice in silence.

You can’t escape from me anymore.

What did he mean by that? Whatever he said that night, at the parking lot, and then that message, what do I think out of it? Why all of a sudden he was behaving like he… like he’d some right over me or something. All these years, he didn’t even ask about me to anyone. And now…

A sigh left my lips. He confused me. I confused myself, or should I say my feelings did. Even knowing he could give me an another heartache, why did I still feel so connected to him?

“Em? You’re here with us, right? You seem lost,” Kate asked.

“My love, you know why she isn’t in a good mood tonight. We’re pestering her from the moment she arrived. Leave her alone,” John said, kissing her temple, and then pulled her for a kiss. The others gagged at their PDA, laughing.

Something soared in my chest and subconsciously, my hand touched the corner of my lips. The place where his scorching mouth was just nights ago.

Warner’s pocking me pulled me out of my reverie. Looking at his eyes, guilt washed over me like a cold bouquet of ice. My hand balled into a fist.

How could I think of someone’s kiss when I was sitting right beside my boyfriend? Shame befell on me. But I couldn’t control my feelings even if I wanted to.

The beeping of my phone distracted my sense of shame. My eyes widened when I checked it.

An email from Coopers Fabrics!

I squealed as soon as I read it, making Warner and others watch me with confusion. Grinning ear to ear, I leaped up from my seat. “I did it! I got the job!”

Whistles and cheers resonated around the group as they congratulated me one by one. Warner seemed as happy as I was and engulfed me in a bear hug.

Finally, after so many days something good happened in my life.

“Now that our dear Emerald got the job, it’s time to double celebrate!” John yelled out. “And you Miss-” he pointed at me, “-no more gloomy face, enjoy with us now!”

Kate and Molly bobbed their heads as they passed me glasses of shots. And this time, I didn’t hold myself back. And why not? It was a matter of celebration.

After hours of drinking and spending time with everyone, I was swaying on my feet. I couldn’t even walk properly without stumbling on my way. Once everyone called it a night, John and Kate offered to drop me and Warner. As the couple drank less and got cozy more.

“Careful, Em!” Warner cautioned when I got out of the car with wobbly legs.

“Bye, guys! We’ll see you soon!” shouted Kate, even if we were just outside the car. I cringed at her high pitched voice.

towards my house. My eyes

want me to drop you to your home?” I heard

Thanks, man! You guys can go now.

goodbyes, they drove off. The sound of car engine reverberated across the empty street. Only one or two dogs barking

I could fall on

giggled without any reason. “You don’t worry about me. You

straight, Em.

will be fine. You go.” I insisted,

sure?” He seemed

he gripped my chin and pressed his lips against

affection. Something told me to pull away, but

I squinted my eyes to see clearly. There, at the

as I felt its gaze on me. Though I couldn’t make out anything out

at?” Just as Warner turned around, it vanished totally into

think I just saw

no one, Em. Who would be there at this late night?” Warner frowned. “But if you’re not

fine. It could be my imagination. I think, I drank too much tonight. You go home, I will be fine.” Though it could really be just my imagination, but after that, I wasn’t

a hug. “I will go now. See you

that shadow, but there was no one. It must be my

***

the night before your first day at job,” Mom chastised over the

dream of a particular person. And then the hangover came along. Even though after two pain killers, I got some relief, I couldn’t fall asleep after that. Excitement

will your office start

And I already could feel my

hour, you know, honey? I don’t want you to look like a zombie on your first day.” When I’d informed her about the job, she was over the moon. She was way more excited for my job than I was. And I was happy about that. At least she wasn’t upset with me for leaving all of

asleep even if I want. So I

your office, I want to know how

I will. Now can I

for me outside for jogging anyway. I will talk to you

“Love you, too!”

***

doorbell rang, halting my movement around the kitchen. I

here

peaked through

What are you doing here today? I thought you’d be at your daughter’s place on vacation,” I asked as the aged

when I shifted to this city. Since then she’d come and look after my needs every morning and evening. Even though I could handle everything myself, this lady

morning, Ms. Hutton. It seems you’re not happy to see me

just surprised to see you

primary responsibility, feeding me well. Well, because obviously, I sucked at

supposed to. Even Mindy was upset that I left so soon. But you see, dear, the cold weather didn’t suit me well. So I cut it short and came

daughter, who lived in Canada. And once a year, Carole goes to visit her

taken the day off today and rest,

dry sandwiches for another day?” She glanced at the leftover bread I was

sheepish grin, I hopped on a chair and eyed the box she

“What’s in that?”

I brought you some cookies I got from Canada. They’re delicious, you will love them.” She smiled with affection in her eyes. Though she was a caretaker of me, she has become more of a family for me over those years. She loved me just as

cookie and munched on it. And the moan that left my mouth, had

These were amazing!