SHATTERED INNOCENCE

CHAPTER 7: A NIGHT TO FORGET

Seeking solace from my parents' constant arguing, I told them I was going to Vivian's for a girls' night. They barely noticed, too engrossed in their own drama.

At Vivian's place, I met her friends: Emily, Tracy, Sophia, and Pearl. We spent hours gossiping, laughing, and sharing stories.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to body counts.

"I've been with five guys," Emily boasted.

"Four here," Tracy chimed in.

Sophia blushed. "Two."

Pearl grinned. "Three."

Vivian turned to me. "Amanda, what about you?"

I hesitated. "I haven't had any."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "You have a boyfriend, though."

"Yes, Jake," I replied.

Tracy's eyes sparkled. "How can you have a boyfriend and not... you know?"

I blushed. "We haven't slept together."

Vivian's friend spoke up. "That's a lie. He's cheating on you."

I defended Jake. "No, Jake loves me. We're just taking things slow."

"...Guys have needs," Vivian emphasized. "He can't stay faithful for three years without... you know."

I shook my head. "No, Jake is not like that. Jake loves me."

Vivian raised an eyebrow. "If you want to keep a guy, your legs have to be open. You're starving him."

Tracy nodded. "Come on, Amanda. You're almost sixteen. It's time to take things to the next level."

Emily chimed in. "Yeah, or he'll find someone who will."

I felt a surge of doubt.

On my way home, Vivian's words echoed: "Keep your legs open or he will cheat. You're starving him."

My phone buzzed. Jake's message made my heart skip a beat: "Come over to my house."

I hesitated, weighing the risks.

But Vivian's words lingered: "You're almost sixteen..."

I made up my mind.

I arrived at Jake's house, nerves buzzing.

Jake greeted me with a charming smile.

We talked, laughed, and the tension built.

Jake's eyes locked onto mine.

He took my hand, leading me to his room.

His touch sent shivers down my spine.

We kissed, our hearts racing.

Jake's hands explored my body.

I felt a mix of excitement and fear.

He gently laid me down.

His lips traced my skin.

I closed my eyes, surrendering.

The morning after, Jake's smile gleamed with satisfaction.

"How was last night?" he asked, his voice laced with pride.

I blushed, still basking in the afterglow. "It felt good."

Jake chuckled, feeling vindicated.

Days passed, and I didn't hear from Jake.

I tried calling; he didn't pick up.

I visited his house; he was never around.

It dawned on me: Jake had blocked me.

I felt used, discarded.

I called Vivian, seeking solace.

"Maybe something happened," Vivian offered.

"No, Vivian, he's just done with me," I said, tears welling up.

Jake stopped contacting me altogether.

No calls, texts, or messages.

He moved on with his life, leaving me shattered.

I thought I'd find relief, but his silence hurt.

It felt like he'd discarded me, used and thrown away.

Days turned into weeks.

Weeks turned into months.

I struggled to heal, to find my footing.

My parents' support helped, but the pain lingered.

I felt like I'd lost myself, my innocence.

School became a blur.

Friends' conversations felt hollow.

I went through the motions, numb.

One day, while walking home, I saw Jake.

He walked hand-in-hand with a new girl.

Smiling, laughing, and carefree.

My heart ached.

I approached Jake, my heart racing.

"Jake, I need to talk to you," I said, firm.

He looked taken aback. "Amanda, what's up?"

"We were something, weren't we?" I asked, emotions swirling.

Jake shifted uncomfortably. "Amanda, I—"

"Don't lie to me!" I interrupted. "You used me. Exploited me. Threw me away like trash."

Jake sighed. "Amanda, everything's over. Move on."

"Over?" I repeated, incredulous. "You think it's that easy?"

Jake shrugged. "What do you want me to say? I'm sorry?"

"Sorry?" I laughed bitterly. "Sorry isn't enough."

Jake's expression turned cold. "Fine. Whatever. It was just fun, Amanda. Don't make it more than it was."

Fun.

That word cut deep.