Chapter 1: BREAK UP

JEREMY'S POV

At 11am in the morning, while some were busy with work, others idle and the rest probably just waking up, my body trembled in fear, as the phone was pressed closely to my ear.

With the television muted, the only sound heard, was the tension in my voice, coupled with the sharp inhales and exhales I took.

The leather couch, comfortably resting in the spacious living room provided warmth to me, for the time being. At least, my butt was seated in comfort, meanwhile my heart raced, long enough for me to see life flash before my eyes.

It might be a tidbit extreme, but I felt like that.

"You must be kidding me, how exactly do you plan to throw away 10 important years?" I yelled to the person at the end of the line. Even though I tried to maintain composure and sound collected, I bet I was doing terribly.

Even through the line, the nonchalance could be heard in her voice, " It is no longer important, can't you see? It's all in the past now. I'm done, it's over.” There was a pause while she swore under her breath before continuing, “I'm starting a new life. I quit my job and I still have a few things left but I can easily pick up the important ones later"

I asked, "You were never going to come back to New York, were you?" nodding my head already guessing what her response would be.

"No, I'm sorry Jeremy but that's just how it is. Goodbye ...." she said curtly, before hanging up.

My eyes remained fixated at my phone screen for a few minutes before I threw it across the room. The sound of shattered glass and screech that followed was satisfying.

Just like the phone was broken, so was I. Apparently she moved on, just like that!!! And also moved away.

I guess I was never really important. After sacrificing a lot for our relationship, my family, my friends and now she moves on. She moves on!!!!

Maybe, just maybe it was my fault for thinking otherwise to begin with. I placed myself high on a pedestal that never existed, much to my dismay.

Slowly, I drifted myself from everyone, just to satisfy her, to show my commitment, only to be treated like this???? Like I didn't matter?!!

She didn't even have the decency to tell me in person, how dare she!!! Such a bloody coward.

Running my hand through my long hair, I scoffed. I never really liked my long hair but she did, so I left it. Just to please her. The only important woman in my life. What a joke.

I remembered the day I told my mother I was going to marry her someday. My mum who happened to be very religious was upset, she told me Hannah was raised by gay parents, hence, she kicked again it. Not just that, she claimed she was rude, proud, and self-centered. It made no sense. At least not then.

I haven't spoken to her since then, she didn't accept me so I felt there was no need to continue to talk to her. Can you imagine? I stopped speaking to my own mother because of her.

After all, I'm an adult who can make decisions without needing anyone's help. It now seemed like "adult" is not quite suitable for me. Seeing as my sensibility counters the whole concept of being a grownup.

Now it feels really stupid, I shouldn't have thrown everything away.

I stopped talking to my friends too, I quit college and I joined a modeling company along with Hannah. So we would be the “power-couple” in the eyes of the media.

My train of thoughts was cut just when the words, "This feels like the best time to get drunk” left my mouth.

Unfortunately, I don't drink alcohol. My luck huh?

It's just not fair, absolutely unfair. Life in general wasn't being fair to me at all. Why do I have to lose the ones that matter all the time?

For a second, another thought crossed my mind....

I should probably call my agent to tell him I wouldn't be able to make it to the shoot today, but I don't even have a phone anymore. I wonder why.

Not only do I not have a phone, I also have nothing. No friends, no family, no girlfriend, absolutely nothing. Just a job and fame. What comfort does that give?

“I don't drink alcohol, but ice cream should work”, I told myself, as I opened the refrigerator and brought out a pint of ice cream. Which I intended to drown sorrows in.

Unfortunately, there was nothing good showing on TV even though I had umuted it. The ice cream which was quickly melting was my only company.

It's quite hilarious to see that my life has been reduced to that of a loner. How much company can a movie and icecream give?

Is this what I had become? Me? Jeremy Heath?

This day wasn't what I expected it to be, at all.

Eventually, I abandoned the mess I had made in the living room and wandered into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. Where I expected to forget all about the events of the day.

***********************************

The next day, I was up at 5am sharp. That was pretty early in my opinion. I am usually never up till at least 7. My sleeping schedule would probably be jumbled for a while, until I can get a proper hold of myself. But right now, that was the least of my concerns.

My legs took me to the living room, where I met the sight I had abandoned the previous day.

The leftover melted ice cream was on the couch, my broken phone with the broken glass was littered on the floor, the wall was slightly dented because I threw my phone into it.

I tried to put everything back into its place, cleaning the house, and arranging everything properly. After that, I returned back to my bedroom, hoping to wash away the memories of yesterday.

Taking as much time as possible, I had a shower. As the cold water met with my skin, the shiver running down my spine kept me distracted. It might probably be considered to be one of the longest showers I have ever had.

After that, I changed into presentable clothes {If you'll consider denim jeans and a sweater to be presentable enough}.

Getting into my car next, the engine blared to life taking me to my place of work. In no time, I had arrived at the building.

Strolling into Sam's office, disappointment washed over me when I saw that he wasn't in.

So, I decided to check the cyc studio. It is usually a busy place, almost everybody occupies the room from time to time. It was most likely the place to find him. And I wasn't wrong.

There he was, finishing up with some clients.

Calling out his name, " Sam?" I tried getting his attention. Which worked really well.

"Hey" he responded, glancing at my direction. Motioning for me to come over, I walked closer to where he sat, admist the chaos of everyone trying to get things done in the studio.

Without further ado, "What am I doing today?"

"Where were you yesterday? I tried calling you but it wasn't going through." Irritation laced in his voice, "You were supposed to finalize the deal with those German promoters, and you had a photo shoot yesterday for that shampoo ad. All that aside, a new job came up and we need to discuss other things"

Sam could go on and on, reciting a bunch of things I should be spending my time doing.

"I wasn't in the mood to work yesterday, but I'm here now. So, we can as well do what I was supposed to do. " I know I sounded arrogant but, I wasn't in the mood for one of Sam's lectures. I just wanted to do this and get it over with, maybe I will even go to a bar and spend some time there. Watch everyone drink without taking even a single sip. It's a hard life.

"The promoters were very upset that you stood them up for no reason and you didn't even have the decency to call and try to reschedule.” Like I said, Sam could go on and on, “Luckily for you, I came up with an excuse because they were no longer interested in doing business with you," he said to me, making me see reason.

Regardless of what was going on with me, I felt grateful nonetheless.

"Thanks, so what do we do next?"

He nodded his head, accepting my gratitude.

"We need to discuss first before going into further details. Let's go to my office"

We both walked out and headed to his office without saying anything until we got there. Sitting down, I waited for him to speak.

"You'll be getting a new housemate, probably next week" he stated.

This was the part I wasn't interested in talking about, I knew I was getting another roommate because Hannah quit.

She doesn't get to live with me anymore, which might be a problem because the company provided our accommodation.

It was a bungalow located at one of the most serene environments in the entire city. Typically, bungalows are usually one storey buildings. This one was a detached, domer bungalow with internal stairs. Upstairs were two bedrooms, an office space and a laundry room. The lower part of the house had the kitchen and living room. In front and back was a low level {veranda). Unlike a regular bungalow, it wasn't so small in size.

It was pretty cozy, so we didn't move out even when we got the money to do so. Just remaining there, as it was okay for both of us. Not anymore, I assume.

"Ok" was all I said.

"I was informed that Hannah quit. Sincerely, I'm very disappointed. She should have said something, at least, a goodbye" I saw the sincere hurt in his eyes and shifted in my seat suddenly feeling uneasy.

"Erm...."

I couldn't say anything else because my throat suddenly became dry, and I ran out of words.

"Anyways, just thought to give you a heads up so you wouldn't be surprised when a random stranger shows up at your house."

I muttered thanks under my breath, waiting for him to continue.

"So, the promoters will be here by 12 and then you finalize the deal before we go for the shoot," he concluded, scratching the back of his neck.

If there was a word for his expression, then it would be "awkward."