When I Saw Him

Chapter One

(Vereena's POV)

It's been almost 2 months since Carson and I broke up, since I've gotten out of a mentally draining relationship...since I've been abused.  All I can say is that it's hard. Just knowing the person you've dated since freshmen year of high school could do something so cruel and vile. That was only two years ago. And not a day goes by where I hate myself for being with a man who could do this to someone he was supposed to love. I guess I wasn't important or even the slightest bit special. I was a nobody to him. Only a pon in his sick game.

My junior year of high school has been a bit difficult with Andrea calling me a slut or saying that I'm not worth it. I know she's wrong but I can't help but feel like she could be right. Ever since I've broken it off with Carson, people at school look at me differently now. Saying things like "Did you know that Vereena broke it off with Carson? How could she do that? He's one of the hottest guys in our grade" or maybe "I can't see why she broke up with him, he's super sweet and caring, what a total bitch move". Of course, they can't see it. None of you were in a relationship with him! I hope to god that no one will ever experience what I did. I sure as hell hope I didn't.

It's Monday morning. A start of a new week and I'm really not looking forward to it. I get out of bed and manage to look somewhat presentable for the new day. It's about 6:30 a.m. and everyone in the house is asleep except my sister, Jocelin. She's always up super early and I have no idea how she does it. I get ready quickly and leave the house before she notices I was even awake. I don't feel very talkative lately. I haven't been since the breakup. To this day Carter keeps sending me threats that if I don't go back to him I'll regret it. I almost believe him. I walk outside the house and the cold autumn air hits my face and it feels refreshing.  As I walk onto school grounds I see my best friend, Constance, hurtling towards me in the distance.

"Vereena!! Vereena!!", Constance screamed as she ran into me at full speed, nearly knocking us over.

"Goddamnit, Constance!!! You nearly knocked us over!", I said with annoyance.

"Sorry girl but I was way too excited to walk over here. I swear it was worth the rush !"

I realized that Constance was excited to tell me whatever she had to say. So, as the good friend I am, I let her speak about whatever had her riled up. "What is it that you so badly wanted to tell me?". She reached into the front of her backpack and pulled out two invitations to Andrea Richards party that was being held Friday night.

"ARE YOU INSANE?" I screamed, Constance looking confused, "Andrea hates my guts! There's no way I'm going to that party in one piece".

"Vereena, not in the slightest chance is she going to notice you. Her house is way too big, plus a lot of people are going to be there. Bet she wouldn't even know you're there if you were the prettiest girl at that party. Which you will be, cause you're going !".

I looked at Constance while thinking to myself that this would be the perfect opportunity to get my mind off of all the batshit that's been flying around recently. Although I couldn't help but feel that there was going to be consequences if I said yes. I happened to know that Carter was going to be there because he loves to party. Silence filled the gap between me and Constance. I knew she knew I was thinking deeply about it, and the truth is, I was.

"Okay, I'm in".

Little did I know that those small three words did, in fact, bring one huge consequence.