Goner

I closed the door as silently as I could, walking down the stairs with my suitcase in hand. I can't believe I finally did it. I was running away from this toxic home. I wonder how they would react in the morning.

I bet he'll get angry and threaten me. I bet she won't do anything about it except smile.

I walked along the dimly lit sidewalks, making my way to the bus stop. I knew the bus wasn't arriving at three in the morning, that's why I called an uber. He arrived shortly, and drove me to the airport.

I got on the plane, millions of butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I was excited, but nervous as well. I've never done this before.

What if I get lost? What if my parents chase after me? What if the plane crashes?

I shook my head, relaxing against the uncomfortable plane seat. The plane took off and, after an awfully quiet flight, we landed on our destination. I got off the plane, suitcase in hand, and called another uber. I gave him the direction and he quickly took me there.

I stood out of the car, facing the house. His house.

With a smile, I walked over to the door with long strides. I stood before the door, gripping the suitcase tightly.

Finally, after three years, I was going to be able to see him again, feel his hugs again, kiss him again. We'll live together and he'll be the one who will finally bring me the happiness I longed for.

I freeze, mouth slowly going agape.

Was that... a giggle?

The same noise broke me from my thoughts. My body felt heavy and weak at the same time.

No, it can't be...

I carefully made my way towards the window; what I encountered with next drained all the color from my body.

There he was, as handsome as ever, tousled hair, shirtless and mouth stained with red lipstick and his hands gripping every inch of her body. Kissing her lips as she gripped his arms, digging her red-painted nails into his biceps.

My eyes brimmed with tears, my chest feeling tight, heart aching tremendously. Suddenly, immense anger rushed through me.

I grabbed the flower pot near me and I threw it against the glass window. It startled both of them and I crawled in.

"Valerie, w-what... how... how are you h-here?" he stuttered, without letting her go which didn't calm me down either.

"I flew here. I ran away from home. All of it to finally be with you. To finally get away from those two who make my life a complete misery. And I find this. I FIND YOU RUNNING YOUR HANDS ALL OVER HER. YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE GOING TO WAIT. YOU TOLD ME YOU LOVED ME. YOU FUCKING LIED TO ME. I TOLD YOU EVERYTHING. I TOLD YOU ALL OF MY PROBLEMS, ALL OF MY INSECURITIES, EVERYTHING. WAS EVERYTHING A JOKE TO YOU?! ALL OF THOSE 'I love you's', DID YOU MEAN THEM, OR WAS ALL OF IT A FUCKING LIE?! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU TREY! YOU'RE SUCH A FUCKING DOUCHEBAG!" I roared, throwing everything I had near me. I looked over at her, cowering behind the couch cushions.

"AND YOU." I screeched, pointing at her. "YOU WANTED HIM? WELL, NOW YOU CAN HAVE HIM. HE'S ALL YOURS. I'M FUCKING DONE HERE."

I picked out my suitcase, stormed out, slamming my door shut.

I ran. I ran and ran until my feet gave out. I ended in the city, lost and vulnerable. Looking for a place to sit, I made my way towards an empty café table. As I sat down, I broke down. The ache my heart was only growing bigger, hurting even more.

He cheated on me. He... he cheated on me. For how long? When did he stop loving me? What did I do wrong? How could he do this? How... why... Why did he betray me...?

A buzz, broke my train of thoughts. I sniffled vigorously, wiping my face with the sleeves of my sweater. I took my phone out of my pockets, a confused expression washed over my face.

"What's up, Marshall?" I sniffled again, unable to hide the cracks in my voice.

"Val, what are you doing here?" I shot up from my seat.

What...?

"3 o' clock" I looked in the direction she told me, eyes widening and suitcase dropping to the floor.

There she was. My best friend. The only other person who was ever there for me. The only other person who truly made me happy. I had forgotten she lived here.

I ran towards her without a care in the world when suddenly, bright yellow lights blurred my vision and horns deafened my ears. Marshall ran over but it was too late. Just like a deer caught in headlights.

I was a goner.