Torn

XI

Warning: This chapter contains themes of violence that may not be suitable for some readers.

Chapter Song: I'm Not Okay (I Promise) - My Chemical Romance

Nina

I was shocked by Ren's words; I knew he didn't have trouble delivering low blows, but this was new. The strangest part is that he seemed to actually believe it, he was sure Emma liked me. She was still holding his wrists, but her grip had loosened. I wondered what kind of face she was making as I intently stared at the back of her head.

The silence filling the room was unbearable, but it was also the perfect queue to leave. I took my bag and walked to Emma; softly calling her name, but she didn't budge, so I stopped beside her and tugged at her sleeve trying to get her attention. Seeing her face contorted with dismay was another thing to add to the list of Ren's transgressions.

"Can we please just go?" I asked.

No words came out of her mouth, but she answered with a subtle nod, dropping her arms to her sides and carrying my bag. She then pushed him out of the way and gently took my hand. We walked out of the room together; her eyes were fixed straight ahead. Having her by my side gave me the courage to look back as he once again called my name, offended after being ridiculed and walked over by Emma. What I saw was far from the man I once loved, his twisted face, red tinted eyes and hands balled up in fists, trying not to make a scene at his workplace.

I quickly looked away, starring at the path ahead, with the certainty that only come from a broken heart; assuring me I'd never go back.

...

The drive to Rowan's boutique was in deathly silence, with the both of us too absorbed in thought to utter a word out loud. I wondered what was going through her mind, and why she was left dumbfounded by Ren's provocations. It couldn't be more than that, I thought. It couldn't be more than a heartless lie, a desperate escape to win an argument.

When arrived I got ready to get off the car. "Wait." But she stopped me.

"What is it?"

"I don't... I just-." A frustrated laugh escaped her lips, as she avoided my gaze. "I don't even know what to say. I can't believe what he did to you."

"I know, but it's all ok-."

"It's not!" My eyes finally met hers, clouded by pain. "There's no way you could be fine with it. With any of it."

"Well, I think we're pass the point of useless lies. So please believe me when I say that I'm okay. Right now, in that regard, I'm okay." She understood, but her lips were still pressed together, distressed.

After that short conversation she helped me get out of the car, and for the first time her hands felt cold. I had a strange feeling but pushed it into the back of my mind and knocked on the door. "Nina!" Rowan welcomed us with a bright smile. A smile that quickly faded when they took a better look at me. "Are you okay? What happened? How did you get hurt?"

I looked away uncomfortable; undoubtedly the question would come up, but I didn't want to go into detail about what had actually happened. "It was an accident, I fell and hit my head. I'm very lucky it wasn't anything serious." Lucky, that's a good joke.

"Are you sure? We can reschedule and wait until you get better."

"No, really, I'm okay. Also, I brought a friend, I hope you don't mind." I pointed their attention to Emma, hoping that would lighten the mood.