Consumed

One

​​It's insane when you think about the way one person can affect your whole life. Scary almost. Never in a million years did I think I would believe that love exists in a way that could completely consume me. And, little did I know that it would be the best thing to come out of my life.

One year earlier

Serephina's POV

"You've got to be kidding me, Karson! I saw the messages, the pictures, and you still want to tell me I'm crazy," the words spit out of my mouth as anger surges through my body. My boyfriend, well, ex-boyfriend, has cheated on me again. I should have left his lying ass months ago, but he promised he would change. Naive? Yep, I know it, but it didn't stop me. His face is a mask of anger that I had never seen before, "Ser, if you don't shut up and let me explain, I can't promise you'll have a great outcome."

My eyes widen, the anger in my body only seems to intensify. Taking a deep breath, and stepping back, "You did not just threaten me." Before he can react, I'm grabbing my phone and calling my best friend. As soon as I press call Karson is ripping my phone out of my grip. "You're not going anywhere until you listen to me!" His breath is hot on my face, but my gaze is only on the call that's ongoing. All I can do is hope Lara hears everything.

"If you don't give me my phone in five seconds, I'm going to lose it. You have no right to force me into listening to you. I saw the shit on your phone. You can't lie your way out of it this time," I seethe. When I reach for my phone he shoves me back by my shoulder, making me trip over the coffee table and onto my ass. I land with a thud and an oof, as I stare up at him in disbelief.

"I told you, you're staying here and listening to me," his tone demands no argument, but I'll be damned if I don't try to put up a fight. My bottom is sore as I stand, but I'm not fast enough to stop him from throwing my phone to the tile flooring, completely shattering it.

Both of our chests are heaving in anger, the sound of my phone's glass crunching under his boot as he steps closer. "Do not fucking touch me," my voice is sharp, insistent. That doesn't stop him though, he reaches out and grabs my bicep in a tight grip. "You know what? I did cheat on you, you know why? You're a frigid bitch, and you can't keep me satisfied," he says, ice coating every word.

Delirious laughter bubbles out of my chest, a stark contrast to the heated anger on my face. "I can't keep you satisfied, huh? That's why you only last for five minutes?" I snort, trying to tear my arm from his grip, "If anything, you can't keep me satisfied." And damn it, I should not have said that. My back is shoved against the wall, one of the coat hooks digging into my back. Regardless of the pain, I still can't come to regret what I said. "You little bitch, I'm going to kill y-,"

My gaze doesn't move from his face when the door slams open. "Son, if you don't remove your hands from my daughter, you're going to lose them." My dad's voice barely registers in my mind. My hands are shaking in anger, trying so hard not to kick Karson where it hurts. Forcing myself to look at my dad, once he finally lets me go, "Keep him down here while I pack, please." Then without another word, I book it upstairs with Lara hot on my heels. The only thing running through my mind is to grab my things.

"What the hell is going on, Serephina?" My best friend snaps, but helps me pack my belongings nonetheless. My upper back aches as I hurry to pack, not looking up as I answer her, "He fucking lost it. I found messages and pictures between him and another girl. I tried to leave, and he wouldn't let me," taking a shaky breath, I continue. "I've never seen him so angry, Lara. I know for a fact he left a mark on me. God, why did I ever stay with him in the first place?"

I refuse to look at her, not wanting to see the sympathy on her face. I don't want pity, I just want to get out of here, "That's something you can only answer yourself, honey. We couldn't tell you to leave him, you had to want to do it yourself." She replies, gently. I shake my head and zip the suitcase up, grabbing my now full duffel bag as well. "Let's just go," I mutter. Lara makes herself useful, and grabs the box from under my bed full of my late mother's heirlooms.

My dad is screaming, but I hadn't even noticed it while Lara and I were packing my things, "Lets just go, dad. He's not worth it." My gaze meets his normally kind, green eyes are now dark with resentment for Karson. But, he doesn't fight me, he just shoves Karson away before walking over to me. Smiling weakly, but gratefully I hand my dad my suitcase. None of us look at Karson as we leave, but I stop before stepping out, "Don't contact me, don't contact my friends or family. We're over, and I want nothing to do with you anymore. Thanks to you, I'll have to go get tested for STDs," with that, I slam the door behind me and follow Lara to my dad's car.

"What happened, Ser? Why was he touching you like that?" My dad's gaze flicks over to me, then back at the road. I sigh, "I caught him cheating again, dad. I wanted to leave, but he took my phone and smashed it on the ground. I'm lucky Lara heard anything before he did that," my gaze meets hers in the rearview mirror before going back out the windshield. "Thank you, by the way. I'm not sure what would've happened if you guys didn't show up," I pause, turning around to face Lana, "Can I stay with you for a little bit? I have enough money put away to get an apartment, but I have to find one that I want first."

"That was literally the dumbest thing you could've asked me, bitch," she snorts, a shit eating grin adorning her lips.

"Language, girls," my dad tuts, but he isn't able to hide the amusement in his tone. "Sorry." We both reply in unison, busting out laughing. My dad just rolls his eyes, trying to hide his own laughter. "But seriously, if I ever go back to him I expect you guys to pull me out kicking and screaming, or knock me out. I don't care. Mom would've kicked my ass by now, her 24 year old daughter staying with a cheating, lying bum." My dad just laughs, and pulls into Lara's driveway, "Your mother just would've wanted you happy, sweetheart. Never forget that." I have to swallow back my emotions, before I can reply, "I know, dad. I love you, thank you for your help tonight." I lean over the seat and give him a tight hug, "I love you more, sweetie." He murmurs into my hair before letting me go.

Lara and I slip out of his car, both of us grabbing my things. We wave to my dad as he pulls out, then we take everything inside. "So, what's the plan now?" my best friend asks, giving me an encouraging look.

"Well, I quit my job today so I guess it's time to find a new one, and a new apartment," my reply comes quickly, anxiety and excitement clear in my voice.