Truly Safe

ONE

No more. I grabbed the knife. Should I use it? No. I threw it as hard as I could, and almost smiled when it landed in a bin, just where it belonged.

He made a sound, almost like a growl... Then everything went black.

When I awoke I felt bad, really bad. Cautiously looking down so i would not jar my aching body, I found my slightly tanned skin had turned mostly blueish-purple, clearly my boyfriend, sorry, ex-boyfriend, had not stopped when I fell unconscious.

Where was I? Outside my house. I imagined what it would be like if my ex advertised his destructive services to potential girlfriends "I'll fool you in to loving me, hit you around a bit, apologise, fly off the handle again, beat you up and then I'll even drop you off at your place when I'm done with you! How's that for service, eh?" I laughed at myself. Then abruptly stopped when I realised that the 'advert' I had just made up pretty much summed up our relationship.

Feeling in my pocket for my keys I rose slowly to my feet.

***

"No."

"But why not!? I just can't understand you!"

"No speed dating. And that is it. I have made my decision and you will not change my mind." I added as I saw Millie open her mouth as if to say something. This is good. I am strong. I can stand up for myself.

half an hour later I was still trying to convince myself of these three things. On the way to the pub for their annual speed dating event.

"Okay, everybody... Settle down now, that's it... Um..." The lady who was- I guess - in charge ( if you can call standing on a platform, stumbling over your words and shuffling papers around being "in charge') was trying to get everybody under controll. I say trying, I mean failing. I pitied her.

"Okay, this is worse than I ever imagined! Why, why, why did you bring me here!?"

"I hate speed dating!" Millie replied, as if that answered my question. It didn't.

"And...?"

"This chaous occurs every, single, year!" She looked happy, no....  Thrilled. And why? I have no idea. "Don't you get it?" Nope. I shook my head, "Speed dating is just, well, uggg! But this? All these single guys milling around, enjoying the free bar... Looking for a lady..." She nudged me towards th bar and giggled. So, less speed... More dating. I was starting to like this crazy idea of Millies. But no. I am done with men. All of my five relationships have gone horribly, horribly wrong. So no more.

No harm in playing along with Millies fantasy for a while, just not too long.