Giving up hope
Amanda Thompson
“Mr. Albert, let me remind you, I’m an orphan with nothing to offer but myself. If this is going to work, you’ll need to accept me for who I am, not what I have to give,” I said, my voice dripping with irritation.
“Look, I don’t think this is going to work,” he replied, his tone flat. “I told your friend who set this up that I’m looking for a stable woman. At your age and with your… size, I expected you to bring more to the table. This is a waste of time, and I don’t want to waste any more of yours or mine. I wish you the best.”
This is always how it goes. They all end up saying the same thing: “You’re fat,” or some other version of that. But you know what? I’m done. Maybe love just isn’t meant for me.
I’m thirty-eight years old and still single, but I’ve stopped searching. I’d told my best friend Jada that I’d give dating one last shot, and if this didn’t work out, I was done trying.
Now, it’s time to enjoy the little money I’d set aside for future kids. Since that dream isn’t happening, I might as well spend it on myself.
<<<
When I walked into my apartment, Jada was on the couch watching a Netflix game show. She greeted me with her usual bright smile.
“Well, well! How’d it go?” she asked, her mouth full of popcorn.
I shook my head, grabbed a handful of popcorn, and plopped down next to her, resting my head on her shoulder. She didn’t need to ask; she already knew.
“You know what, forget about those idiots who can’t see what they’re missing. You’re beautiful, Ama. The right guy is out there—”
“No, Jada. I’m done. No more,” I cut her off.
I know she’s just trying to help, like always. I grew up with my aunt, who was my only family until she passed. After that, Jada’s parents took me in. We were in high school together back then, and Jada has always been my defender, my sister. I love her more than words can say.
Jada is married now, with two kids. She has warm brown eyes and matching brown hair, and she’s perfect in every way—average height, light skin, and playful as ever. She never takes life too seriously, which is part of why I adore her.
Her parents have also passed away, and now she’s the only family I have left. We’ve always looked out for each other, no matter what.
“I’ve got a plan,” I mumbled.
She turned her head toward me, waiting. I couldn’t see her, but I knew she was watching.
“What plan?”
I sat up straight, facing her. “I’m going to take my savings and head to Temptation Club tonight. I’m going to find the cutest man I can, and I’m going to finally feel what it’s like to be a woman,” I declared.
Jada raised an eyebrow. “You don’t need to blow your savings for that, Amanda,” she said.
“None of these guys want me for who I am. They just want something from me. So why not pay the hottest guy I meet tonight to have his way with me?” I teased, giving her a playful wink.
