He called when it was midnight. She let it ring. She closed her eyes till they hurt.

Why was it hard letting him go? Yes, she loved him but he didn’t love her. She had seen all his actions. His friends called her a “Blesser.” She hadn’t known what a “Blesser” was and now it was all over the internet. She knew what a “Blesser” was.

The next day, she knew Henry would start early at 6 a.m. She drove with the head chef. They stayed at the same complex. Henry didn’t see her enter the hotel and she was happy, this life was killing her.

“Who are you hiding from?” Frank asked.

“Nobody, I just don’t want to see the customers. You know how much of a nag they get,” she answered, checking if he was not close.

She walked in the kitchen fast. Customers always asked to see the chef before ordering their food. Her blood was rushing as if she will collapse.

“Charlotte, please chop the onions properly, it’s a casserole not a soup,” Musa shouted.

She wasn’t feeling well. She wished, she could get another job and leave Henry. Maybe he won’t pursue her all the time. She has to tell him its over soon.

At 4:30 p.m. her shift was over. She removed the chef’s jacket and hat and she grabbed her bag. She walked out the building. She walked slowly, checking in all directions. She heard Henry talking with someone as she walked past the cars in the parking lot. She decide to listen to what the conversation was about.

“She is my Blesser, nothing more. I am a player. I just sleep with any woman who says I am serious with her?” he said.

“Why the change of heart?” the voice said.

“I don’t love her, she is full of drama,” he said sitting on his chair.

“My man, you are only 37. Marry her and get a life,” the voice spoke quietly.

“No, that will tarnish my freedom.” he said.

Charlotte came out from where she was hiding. They kept quiet and she walked away fast. Henry ran after her.

“Charlotte, why don’t you greet your bae?” he asked when he pulled her.

“What? Didn’t you call me your Blesser?” she pulled away.

“Charlotte, what did you hear?” he asked holding her hands.

“Leave me alone,” she shouted.

The other guards were watching when she looked at them. They walked away to take their positions. They were afraid Charlotte could report them.

“I love you, I mean…” he tried to kiss her.

“Back off before I call the police,” she screamed.

Frank ran towards them and pushed Henry. “Henry. Go,” he ordered.

Henry was so much afraid of Frank, not only him but all the other workers. Frank had a soft spot with the ladies. If he saw a man abusing a woman he would deal with them. Frank beat his sister’s boyfriend when he was forcing her to sleep with him.

“Are you OK?” he asked holding her hand.

She hugged him. She was hurt and all over the place.

“I am sorry, I should go,” she said hiding her tears.

Henry saw her leave and watched her while he hid by the corner. He took his phone and sent a text message.

I am sorry but I love you. It was just a talk, I didn’t mean a thing. Please forgive me.

Charlotte saw the message and deleted it before even reading.

***

Tell us what you think: What do you think Charlotte should do to get Henry to stay away from her?