"Did she really deserve that fate?"
The thought refused to let go. I hadn't even written the ending yet.
Speaking of which, I needed to do that now.
I opened my laptop, but before I could type a single word, my phone rang.
Raymond.
"Hiiii," I answered.
"What are you doing?" he asked immediately.
"Thinking about that vacation?"
"Uhhh... well... I am-"
"Don't tell me you're sitting in front of your laptop or even thinking about writing, bitch," he said, so accurately it was almost terrifying.
"Okay, fineeee, I won't!" I laughed.
"Seriously, Aubrey," he said. "You have a problem. At this rate, your constant writing and zero rest will be the death of you."
"Already might be," I joked. Then hesitated. "So get this-I got into a cab and I thought I heard the driver say, 'I saw your new draft, but did she deserve that fate?' It was probably all in my head."
"Aubrey." His tone softened. "I am begging you. Please take a vacation. Anywhere fun. You're stressing yourself out."
"I can't," I argued. "The office, my stories, and my arch-nemesis who's always waiting to steal my thunder-"
"Wait. Cecilia?" he interrupted. "That's why you're overworking yourself?" He scoffed. "She's in Miami on vacation. She's not plotting anything. And the office? I'll handle it. We have other employees. You officially have no excuse."
I sighed. "Fine. I'll consider it-right after I finish this pending draft. By the way, have you started reading it?"
"Yesss," he said instantly. "And I must say, this might be my favorite. Everything is so emotional. I'm guessing Veronica's fate is what you're working on-but no spoilers."
"So... can I fix the ending now?" I asked.
"Fix it. Then send it to me. And after that-vacation," he said firmly.
"You're starting to sound like a broken record."
"No, I'm not. Don't forget the vacation. Goodnight, peaceeee."
The call ended.
I put on soft music and finally typed.
Did she deserve it?
No.
Does she even exist?
HELL!!!!!! NO.
So why did it feel like I owed someone an apology?
I finished the draft, sent it to Raymond, then closed my laptop. Scrolling through Instagram, I saw Cecilia-laughing, carefree, on vacation with her friends.
If she is on a vacation, then why am I restricting myself.
I texted Raymond immediately:
"You're right. I need that break 🥱😌 I'm going on the vacation ⛷️"
His reply came instantly:
"Yayyyy 🎉 Let me guess-you saw Cecilia's story 🤦💁"
"HEY 🔪☠️ Are you calling me a stalker?"
"Yes. Yes, I am."
"Fine," I admitted. "It was coincidental.😭"
"You're friends with your competition just to monitor them," he replied. "Smart, but still obsessive.🙄 So-where are you going?"
"Las Vegas," I typed. "I've always dreamed of it."
"Beautiful choice. City of sin. You'll have fun."
"Goodnight."
"Nighty."
I turned off my phone, closed my eyes, and pictured Vegas-bright lights, rides, noise, freedom. I wished Ray could come, but he'd be busy. It was fine though.
I could handle Vegas.
There was nothing to worry about.
...Right?