By the middle of the week, I was able to move my legs fairly well, if I remembered to keep my bandage on, and after some deliberation, I decided to crawl out to the store. You can't hide from the world for the rest of your life. I need to buy at least the essentials: bread, milk, and chocolate bars!

Quickly dressed, I looked at myself in the mirror and remembered Alex's words about "gray mouse". What can I say? Here she is, in person! Angry, I changed my jeans and sweatshirt for a jumpsuit of skinny pants and a hoodie. Changed my ponytail into a messy bun and even put on a little makeup. I had to wear a long down coat (I forgot that the coat should be cleaned after the fall). But winter sneakers successfully fit into the look. The mirror reflected a more modern girl, not a "geek". I could use a little more self-assurance. It seemed to me that if I went out, TikTok fans would recognize me at once!

As it turned out, that's not what I should have feared, but an ambush in front of the house. As soon as I took a few steps away from the entrance, Alex jumped out of a car I didn't recognize. It was stupid to rush back into the driveway, so I used tunnel vision and went on without looking at him.

"We need to talk!

Alex grabbed my arm, turning me roughly towards him. I hissed, feeling the pain in my leg from the awkward movement.

“'Do we have anything else to talk about?' I asked, pulling my hand out of his grasp.

How long have you been with him?!”

“With whom?” – I didn't understand.

“Rebrov! “

I was a little confused, hearing that name for the first time, then I realized who he was talking about.

“With Andrew?”

“That's amazing! Turns out you don't know who you're sleeping with. Or is sex not a reason to get to know someone? “

I almost said yes. I could hear the mockery in his voice. I also wanted to hurt his feelings.

“How long have you had this? “

"I lied. Yeah, a long time," I said. "What about you?"

"I can't believe I lived with you!" he said.

Alex gave me a scornful look and took a step back, as if he was disgusted to be standing next to me.

"You shouldn't have lived." You should have left as soon as you found Diana! – I shouted angrily and continued on my way.

– I'm lucky I didn't marry you, or I'd have to take a DNA test for all my kids.

I felt like I'd hit a wall. I mean, I hit a wall. In my mind, I knew he'd said all that to hurt, but I couldn't help but react. Turning around, I was ready to claw his eyes out. Alex took a quick step to the car and drove off, tires screeching.

I stood on the street, breathing heavily, and feeling like I'd been doused in slop. I clenched my fists, but I went to the store instead of running home to cry. I just decided to buy a bottle of wine in addition to the candy bar.

A walk around the store did me good: I forgot about my problems with Alex, and I couldn't resist the financial ones. I had some savings (goodbye, Turkey!), but I couldn't live on them for long. It was urgent to find a new job. However, I didn't know which school would hire me with such a reputation. I can imagine what they will write in the characterization from the last place of work!

Having taken the most necessary things (I especially needed tangerines and wine), I went to the cash register and immediately, by the law of meanness, got in a huge line. I've noticed many times that while walking along the aisles, the cash registers are free, but as soon as you head towards them, the crowd comes.

After standing behind four people with huge shopping carts, without looking around, I began to take out products from the basket. Then I looked for a discount card for a long time and when I turned to the terminal, I found someone else's card paying for my purchases. Blinking, I looked up and almost groaned. Today was definitely a day of meetings: after Alex I decided to visit Andrew, in person!