Slipping Through the Cracks of Our Hearts

the dinner party

TW: Abuse

The day went by so slow, as I spent all my hours catching up on homework that I hadn't completed before. But it's 4:45 and I need to start getting ready for this work dinner. I heard it's really formal and there will be quite a few people there so I'm going to dress nice. 

I go into my closet and pick this gorgeous short red velvet dress with matching gloves. I'm going all out because I want to make a good impression on these wealthy and important people even though I'd never usually go out dressed this fancy. 

After getting ready I start gathering my things to put into my purse when Blake suddenly barges in. He's drunk. "Islah baby, where are you going? You look so fucking hot.", Blake tells me. "I'm going to a dinner party Blake." "What? Without me? And you didn't think to tell me?!" His temper is rising. "You're not going anywhere." "If you must know, I just got a new job and we're celebrating the company's anniversary with dinner. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna be late." I attempt to leave but Blake pushes me back. "What the hell Blake?!" 

"I'm fucking coming with you." "No you're not Blake! You're drunk and I don't need people to think bad about me. This first impression is really important.", I tell him. "So what, you don't think I'm good enough for you? We're a couple, and couples do things together!" Now he's really mad. "No I'm leaving now, without you. And we are not a couple!" Then suddenly he charges at me and punches me in the face. 

"You fucking like that bitch?! This won't happen next time if you listen to me."

Did he really just do that? I can't believe it. I want to cry but the tears won't fall.

He then storms out, leaving me sitting there, frozen. My face fucking hurts. There's already a bruise and puffiness forming around my eye. I need to cover this up fast. I put some concealer and foundation around my eye and hope for the best. I check the time. "Shit, it's 5:50, I'm gonna be so late!"

I quickly grab my things and head out. I really hope the bruise isn't noticeable. God I can't stop thinking about this whole situation. What happened to Blake? Why is he like this? I've done nothing to him and he still treats me like shit. I'm just going to try to ignore what happened so I can enjoy my night.

I finally arrive at Melissa and Dan's house and it's massive and luxurious. I check the time and it's 6:18. Shit this is bad. A random lady opens the door and she's very kind and welcoming. "Hello, welcome to the dinner party, what's your name gorgeous?", she asks me. "Hi there! My name is Islah." "Ohh Islah, the recent hiree! It's lovely to meet you, I'm Joanne, Melissa's sister. Welcome." "It's lovely to meet you Joanne, I love your hair! Also sorry I'm late!" "Oh it's all okay, don't worry about it. We're still waiting on Owen anyway.", she tells me. 

"O- Owen? As in your nephew?" "Yes of course! He's usually the late one. He's not the biggest fan of these things but his parents insisted he would come." I awkwardly laugh. I didn't think Owen was gonna be here. Then again this is his parents' party so I don't see why he wouldn't be here. "You can make yourself comfortable and have a seat anywhere you'd like Islah, I'm gonna go mingle with some others. Enjoy!", Joanne tells me. "Thanks." I smile. 

After about fifteen minutes of me talking and getting to know some of the guests, Owen arrives. I look at him for a split second before our eyes could meet. I then quickly excuse myself and try to head to the nearest washroom. This place is too big to find anything.

As I search for the bathroom I hear footsteps coming from behind me, so I bolt into the nearest room, thinking it'd be the bathroom, but no. The room is very masculine and has sports trophies everywhere. Then I see something, giving me a clear indication of whose room I'm in. It's a picture of Owen's football team. Shit. It's his room. 

The door opens. 

"Islah?"

This is awkward.