01 — The truth

I couldn't believe my eyes.

My lips part, but no sound escapes through them. In fact, even if any words dared to be said, they would probably be lost in the loud music that makes the bodies around me move.

I feel sick.

I rub my eyes, smearing the makeup that I put on just because he called me here…

Someone bumps into my body, and I don't dare complain because I know it's my fault for standing in the middle of the dance floor. But I am frozen in place, my throat dry, trying to understand if what I see before me is true.

Yes, it's the truth.

My boyfriend is really dancing with Alice Moore, their body is clung together.

My perfect boyfriend, handsome and popular… Honestly, I never understood exactly what Bryan saw in me, being my complete opposite. I'm just an eighteen-year-old nerd who isn't concerned about clubs like this, drink, and music so loud it seems to reverberate inside your head. But even with our differences, I tried my best to love him. And I thought that I did.

But now, with the truth in front of my eyes, I understand why he didn't see a problem with me not being open to sex… Because, apparently, he's also a cheater.

And I'm damn angry about it.

Tears threaten to escape my eyes as I finally regain control of my body and walk towards them with steady steps, heels snapping on the dance floor and, as expected, muffed in the electronic music. 

Even though my eyes water, I grit my teeth and feel the blood freeze inside my veins and the coldness spread through my chest… Because Alice is looking directly at me.

Our eyes meet and hold each other for a few seconds that seem like an eternity. A smile breaks out on her lips as she brings her hand to the back of Bryan's neck, wrapping her body around his in the rhythm of the music that seems to have become sensual. His hands are on her hips, moving up to her waist and down again to her thighs, as if guiding her.

Then they kiss.

And I feel like I could die right there.

My chest hurts as if it's being torn apart, broken in half, completely shattered to ashes. My heart throbs painfully, and I try hard not to blink, as I know that, the moment my eyelids close, tears will stream down my face.

They're kissing so fervently in the middle of that dance floor, that red lights. And it's as if everything around me is in slow motion.

The frozen blood melts from the combustion in my chest, the sadness becomes fuel for the trapped anger. My head is completely clouded, and I feel my steps moving briskly toward the kiss that, heavens, seems inappropriate to be done around so many people.

And as if I'm bubbling up, I pull him by the arm, interrupting the fervently clashing mouths. Bryan looks up with some anger and, noticing who pulled him, his expression becomes confused — then desperate.

“Scarlett?” Bryan calls my name, and at other times, I would feel butterflies in my stomach. But I'm blinded by anger, my heart is beating painfully, and I know that although my face takes on an angry expression, my eyes are watery. “What are you doing here?”

I open my lips to answer him, but Alice is quicker, and her voice sounds shrill even amidst the loud music, “Hey, what are you doing with my boyfriend?”

I looked from Alice to Bryan, and his expression of pure panic.

“Boyfriend?” I repeat the word in a shaky voice, not even sure if he's able to hear me.

“Look, Scarlett…”

“Did she say boyfriend?” Once more, I look from Bryan to Alice, then turn my eyes back to Bryan, feeling my blood bubble even more, like a volcano about to erupt.

Bryan hesitates, bringing his hand to the back of his neck, averting his eyes.

That alone should be answer enough, but no… I need to hear it from his mouth.

“Alice is your girlfriend?” I repeat firmly, with resentment shining in my brown eyes.

“I can explain everything later…” Bryan starts, but my dry laugh leaves him speechless.

Coward… He's too much of a coward to admit it.

Alice grabs his arm, batting her eyelashes coyly, “What's going on, Bryan?”

I breathe deeply, feeling my body bubble oddly. My head is becoming increasingly cloudy and confused… all I want is to release all this anger, this resentment that's eating away at me. I want to make them pay.

I shake my head, trying to come to my senses. Can't let myself be dominated by these feelings… I don't want that to happen again.

But even as I try, I'm feeling my body being consumed by the flames of my anger, and a growl comes from deep in my throat. Thanks to the music, no one could hear it. In fact, neither do I understand where this sound comes from.

I look at Alice and see that there's a wicked smile on her lips…

Hah, that bitch…

I take a step towards them, about to let my anger consume my sanity… when I feel a hand wrap around my waist. The surprise at this act makes me blink confused and look at the person who is holding me, saying a few words in my ear, that I honestly didn't understand, pulling me away from Bryan….

I'm petrified.

A tall man appears beside me… I'm not exactly short, but still, I barely reach his chest. His hair is dark, as are his drawn eyes. Even in the darkness of the club, the red lights that briefly illuminate him make him incredibly handsome…

Who the hell is this guy?

His firm hand on my waist leaves me frozen, and I'm unable to say any words as he guides me to the back of the club that, if not for Bryan's message, I would never have set foot in. After all, why did he call me here if he was with Alice?

I feel used.

A real idiot.

I don't want to blame myself, look for excuses for the betrayal he committed, especially when he was unable to deny it when Alice called him boyfriend. Especially when his girlfriend, for the last eight months, was me….

“You seemed about to attack them…”

“What?” I blinked a few times, not understanding him. The confusion on my face makes him surprised, and he gives a subtle smile.

“You look angry.”

Okay, sure I look angry.

I lower my eyes, staring at the black high heels I put on especially for this occasion. I'm not one to get all dressed up, or go to places like this, but I did… because of a cheating boyfriend.

I'm really an idiot.

“You know, you look like you could use a drink… Want to have one with me?” He asks, looking at me with bright, expectant eyes… as if he sees something in me, something that captives him.

“Yes.” My lips are faster than reason, and, heavens, I know I shouldn't accept it, I wouldn't accept it, but there's something inside me that needs this, somehow… Well, this night is already chaotic, what could worsen it?

His crisp lips lift into a bigger smile, and it brings a strange feeling to my stomach, a chill that runs up my spine and shivers my skin.

“Let's get out of here then.”