Chapter 36: Convincing Theory.

In my entire life time—throughout high school, college, and my twenties—I have never been dissed by a guy. Not dumped. Not stood up. But here I am—a two time loser all in a week's time. I am completely alone, with not even a prospect in sight.

Painful enough, I also don't have Sandra, my steadfast source of comfort when other things, unrelated to romance, had unraveled in my life. Nor do I have my own mother—whom I don't want to call, just to hear some variations of "I told you so." And here's Vanessa, who came to my apartment this afternoon. She came after I had called in sick to work for three straight days. I'm even surprised that it took her so long to rush to my aid, maybe she has no clue of the depth of my despair.

"What has gotten into you?" Vanessa asked, glancing around my messier-than-usual apartment. "I've been so worried about you. Why haven't you returned any of my calls?"

"Jon dumped me," I said mournfully.

She raised the blinds in my living room. "Jon broke up with y