Broken

Chapter-5: Betrayal and lies

The distress and agony that I held deep inside my heart were probably apparent on my face because earlier, mom had hinted at the fact that something was indeed bothering me.

Only if they knew!

I had to fake a lie in front of my parents. I brushed the topic away saying that it was possibly because of the educational stress that had been lingering on my mind. I kept tossing sides the entire night and couldn't even sleep a wink. The day's events and Blake's brutal acts kept replaying in my head. My friends messaged to check up on me, wondering if I was doing good. I appreciated that they were looking out for me but I didn't have the guts to talk to anyone. I didn't want to face anyone!

The next morning was, as a matter of fact, hopeful as Justin would be returning back to the school. I was absolutely excited to meet him after such a long time. We often texted each other while he was away but I missed him in person. I missed that goofy smile that he often flashed whenever he saw me. He had been a little distant, lately. I guess it was probably because he was stressed about managing his soccer team side by side with studies. A little time away must have landed a positive and fresh influence on him.

I even bought a wristwatch as I intended to surprise him. I wanted to buy a perfect gift for him, something that was indeed worthy of him! The watch wasn't anything special but it was just a gesture of goodwill.

Who knows, maybe one day I might fall in love with him?!

I wanted to give him a chance!

I wanted us to work!

As I entered the locker room, the scene that my eyes caught devastated me and I was left completely numb and shattered!

How could he....!

He told me that he loved me, then how could he?

All the surroundings vanished and my eyes were fixed on one and only Justin, my once trustworthy boyfriend, as he stared lovingly at a brunette, who was clung to his muscular arms.

Was I just born to be ignored!

Hurt!

Hated!

Despised!

He brushed the strand of hair away from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear, completely unaware of my heartbreak. I pursed my lips tightly, attempting to hold back a sob. My jaw quivered with hurt and anguish and I felt a warm stream of tears running down my cheeks. All the eyes were on me, but I couldn't care less! I caught in her petite figure and her beautiful face. Undoubtedly, she was far better than me. I was stupid enough to think that I was worthy of him!

All of a sudden, his gaze flickered to my face and his eyes widened in shock and disbelief. I allowed him to see my broken state, not daring to hide my tears. The hushed whispers and restrained gossips around me were evident, but I couldn't be bothered! All I wanted was to cry!

Regret washed over his face as he comprehended the situation. I cried harder as I realized where it would lead us! There was no way back! There was no way to make it right!

"Liz...." he marched over to me, but I lunged at him, pushing him back, allowing my anger to overcome my pain.

"How could you....?"I couldn't even complete the sentence as I choked on my own tears. The place was suffocating me! I clutched onto the gift in my hand tightly and stormed outside, shouldering everyone who blocked my way. I managed to make my way over to the hallway, ignoring the intense stares on my tear sodden cheeks.

What a scene! I thought.

"Alissa, I am sorry...." he followed me, pleading to give him a chance to explain himself. I turned over my shoulders and looked at him with my red puffy eyes. I was glad that at least I wasn't crying anymore. I stared at him in silence, unsure of what to say.

"I love you! It was just a mistake," he blurted frantically, grasping the straws in his brain and he took a step towards me.

"It didn't look like a mistake!"I stated flatly, my voice devoid of any emotion.

He shifted his gaze to the floor, refusing to look me in the eyes. What was left there for him to say anyway? That he was sorry? That he loved me? I knew they were all white lies.

"When?!"I seethed, trying to suppress my emotions somewhere beneath.

"A month ago," he said, his eyes never leaving the floor.

A month! He had been cheating on me for a month! The mere thought of it nauseated me and I felt sick to the core! How stupid of me!

" Please, give me a chance...." his voice quivered as his eyes got teary.

He had broken me!

Breaking up with him was the only way to let go of the hurt, betrayal, and anguish. Fairy tales didn't exist, least not for me!

"Justin, you might be sorry, but it's over! We are over!" his eyes were now steady, resting on my face, as he remained silent while I poured my heart out.

I stayed rooted to the spot, trying hard not to break down!

" I liked you, Justin. You were my first boyfriend. I trusted you but you broke me!"

"I...." he trailed, but I cut him off, not being bothered by what he had to say.

I didn't want to hear any excuses.

I let out a defeated sigh. " I'm sorry, but I am breaking up with you!".

I finally managed to say and spun on my feet, not wanting to see his reaction.

He stayed rooted to his spot as I marched towards my classroom.

With every step that I took away from him, my mind became more clear, my heart calmed a little more as if the growing distance between us was providing me some sort of emotional strength. Another chapter of my life was closed! I shut my eyes, pausing for a moment, allowing myself to settle down. I sighed one last time, reassuringly, that I was going to be okay and headed away from the strings of hurt and betrayal that had scarred my soul!