Her Love Is Traumatic

Drunken Beauty

Alex came out of the bar, his heart heavy with emotions. The sight of Christine, so close yet so far from him, left an ache in his chest. He tried to walk away, tried to leave it all behind, but his heart wouldn't let him. He was about to start his car when he realized his keys were still inside. Frustration gnawed at him as he turned back to retrieve them.

Inside, he caught a glimpse of Kate heading toward the washroom. He looked over to the corner where Christine was still sitting, her head slumped on the table. His feet moved on their own, drawn to her like a magnet. He couldn’t leave without seeing her one more time.

Quietly, Alex approached and sat across from her. The sight of her peaceful face, framed by her cascading golden hair, tugged at his heart. She looked so innocent, so beautiful. He gently took her hand in his, feeling its warmth and softness.

A small smile curled across Christine’s lips as she mumbled in her sleep, “Alex…”

Hearing her say his name—after all this time—felt like a punch to his gut. His chest tightened, and he couldn’t stop the flood of emotions washing over him. His grip on her hand tightened, the unspoken love swirling in his mind.

“I love you, Chris,” he whispered, barely audible. “But I guess it’s too late now. I missed you so much, you are my life, I don’t know what to do without you.”

His voice cracked, but he forced himself to stay composed. With trembling fingers, he gently tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing more of her face. She looked like an angel, untouched by the world. He knew he shouldn't but in a moment of desperation, he pulled out his phone and took a quick picture of her, something he could hold on to when the reality of losing her became too much.

He let his fingers graze her soft golden locks, tracing the strands as if memorizing the feel of them. His phone’s screen displayed her sleeping face, now set as his wallpaper. A keepsake.

“I wish you were mine, Chris,” he whispered, his voice barely holding together. “But that’s not possible now. I’ll just keep this photograph of yours. I’m sorry, Chris, I’m so sorry.”

With a final glance at her, Alex’s heart shattered. He stood up, walking out of the bar, trying to keep himself from falling apart. The moment he got into his car, the tears he had held back burst forth. His shoulders shook as sobs wracked his body, the pain of knowing that she was no longer his to love ripping him apart from the inside.

After several minutes, he wiped his eyes, glancing at his phone again, her face a bittersweet reminder. He turned on the music, trying to distract himself from the ache, and started the engine.

______________________________

Inside the bar, Robert had just finished his performance and immediately looked around for Christine. He spotted her, head still on the table, sleeping. Concern flickered across his face as he walked over. Kate was already nearby, standing guard over her.

“Someone mixed vodka in her juice,” Kate said, her voice edged with irritation.

Robert sat down and gently shook Christine. She blinked groggily, her eyes barely focusing as she looked up. As her vision cleared, she saw Robert’s face and immediately slapped him across the cheek.

“Don’t touch me, you scoundrel,” she muttered angrily, her voice slurred. “I belong to Alex.”

She slumped back onto the table, her anger dissipating as quickly as it had come.

“Wow,” Kate said, clearly impressed. “She’s amazing.”

Robert rubbed his cheek, now red from the slap, and sighed. “Yeah, that’s what I get for being a caring best friend.”

Kate chuckled. “She’s not your girlfriend?”

Robert shook his head, trying to laugh off the situation. “Nope. As if she hasn’t already made it abundantly clear who she belongs to. Why? You interested?”

Kate shrugged, a playful smile on her face. “I wouldn’t mind turning gay for her.”

Robert chuckled and stood up. “Well, great. Can you help me get her to my car? She can’t stay here.”

Kate helped him lift Christine, and together, they made their way out of the bar. Robert tried to ask Christine for her dorm number, but she was too incoherent to give a proper answer.

“I’ll let her crash in my room,” Kate offered. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of her.”

Robert nodded, relieved. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
He turned towards his car and left.

Kate almost dragged Christine along the hallways and was about to reach her room when someone interrupted.

“Where are you taking her?” Lara’s voice cut through the night, sharp and commanding.

Kate turned to face her, her stance unflinching. “Can't you see? My friend here is clearly drunk. I'll take her to sleep.”

“I’ll do it,” Lara said, her eyes narrowing. “I’m her roommate.”

Kate’s eyes flashed with skepticism. “And why should I trust you?”

Lara stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. “Because I say so.”

Kate raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “She’s my girlfriend then. Hope you don’t have a problem now.”

Before Lara could protest, Kate turned and dragged Christine inside, slamming the door in Lara’s face.

Lara stood there, stunned, her fists clenched at her sides. The audacity of that woman, calling Christine her girlfriend. Her stomach twisted in anger and jealousy, a storm brewing inside her. She had come all this way to be close to Christine, only to be shut out—again.

She stormed back to her room, each step heavier than the last. The door slammed shut behind her as she let out a frustrated scream. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, betrayal, jealousy. She began throwing her clothes and books around the room in a fit of rage, her fury bubbling over.

"She’s mine," Lara muttered under her breath, her voice shaking. "Christine is mine. Why can’t she see that?"

Her breathing became erratic as she collapsed onto her bed, tears streaming down her face. The jealousy gnawed at her like a parasite, consuming her thoughts. How dare Kate call herself Christine’s girlfriend? And where was Alex in all of this? Did Christine still love him, or was she moving on with someone else?

Lara gripped her hair, pulling at it in frustration, her mind spiraling further into obsession. She couldn’t let anyone else have Christine. Not Alex. Not that women. No one. Christine belonged to her, and Lara would make sure she realized that—one way or another.

Meanwhile, in Kate’s room, Christine lay peacefully on the bed, oblivious to the chaos around her. The room was quiet, save for the occasional sound of the wind outside. Kate slumped on the couch beside the window, her eyes trained on Christine, making sure she was safe.

Though Kate didn’t know Christine that well, something about her innocence and    childlike aura made her care. She knew Christine was special, and seeing her in such a vulnerable state, she couldn't help but feel protective.

With a soft sigh, she leaned back against the couch, her eyes still on Christine. She felt a sense of responsibility settle over her, as if it was now her job to keep Christine safe, at least for the night.

Outside, the world continued, full of its own chaos, but inside this room, there was peace—at least for now.