Love over old habits

“Do you think he is going to stop?” Jennifer asked Mercy. The two roommates and best friends.

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Jennifer is an extrovert who can give her all in both relationships and friendships.

She is the kind of girl everyone will love to associate with because of her kindness.She sighed, looking away.

They both had come to Jennifer's boyfriend's house for a sleepover just as usual. Jennifer had come along with Mercy, coupled with a well-cooked home meal.

“He knows he is cute, right?”“Are you eyeing my boyfriend?” Jennifer asked in defense, standing upright from the railings at the vanrandi where the both of them leaned to get some fresh air. The air is crisp and peaceful.

“He is not my kind of guy. I'm just worried about you, that's all, Mercy said.

The girls leaned back on the railings, silence as their hearts pulled heavy thought.

Mercy has watched her friend go in and out of relationships within 6 months, and it all boils down to the guys breaking her heart and leaving her hanging.

From Mercy's point of view, she thinks her friend is giving too much. Cooking and making sure she takes care of each guy that comes her way.

She is always the good one, like she is always doing for others while the guys are always on the receiving end.Mercy’s advice on proving to her friend not to do too much amounts to nothing but argument and insults, so instead she preferred to keep her cool and provide a shoulder to cry on when the time comes.

A few days ago she remembered walking into her friend in tears. Her boyfriend has broken up with her. Mercy was left to comfort her without saying a word of advice to her.

Two weeks gone, and Jennifer had already landed herself with another guy.Just like the same ritual, they were out to see the guy with a home-prepared food.

James Jennifer's new boyfriend welcomed them both with open arms and led them into his apartment. Mercy's face lit up; this one was particularly different from the other kinds of guys.

His physique, his muscles, his tattoo, and the way he spoke elegantly.The rest of the hours was spent on jokes, eating, and chatting till everyone got tired.

Mercy has the option to watch a movie while the other two lovebirds stay in a lovey-dovey, deep conversation. Jennifer's giggles could be heard across the room whenever James made any jokes in her ears.

Mercy was assured that her friend’s relationship was going to work this time. Seeing her happy makes her happy too.But then suddenly James rose to his feet, went to the side table, picked up a cigarette, and began to smoke without any care in the world.

Mercy was disappointed and immediately went to the veranda to catch some fresh air. Jennifer later joined her, and they both stood in silence watching faraway buildings and people going about their business.

“Your boyfriend smokes.” Mercy tries to start a conversation but doesn't want to sound rude, but eventually she does, and she wishes to take back her words.

She gulped down her nervousness when Jennifer ignored her and acted like she didn't hear her say anything.“I don't mean to be rude, Jennifer, but him…” Jennifer cut her short before she even began her long advice column.

“What happened to We watch, but we don't judge?” Jennifer asked, turning to look at Mercy, who looked away.

“I know he smokes, but I still want to stay with him. I want to be with him. He assured me he was going to stop because of me.

“And you think it's going to happen; you need to wake up, girlfriend. He is never going to quit smoking,” Mercy added.

“If he doesn't stop, I'm going to leave him. I have already discussed it with him.

“Jennifer, it doesn't work that way. This has been his habit, and I don't think it is going to be easy for him to stop all of a sudden just because of you."

“I will try to convince him,” Jennifer assured.

Mercy looked at her friend's eyes; she was madly in love with him; she could see it, but then she wasn't so sure if James was going to stop a habit he had nurtured for years for her. It was going to be difficult; Mercy was just looking out for her friend, and she didn't want her to shed any tears over a guy who isn't worth it. Just like the previous relationship, it ended just like the previous.