Broken

Chapter-7: Breakdown

It had only been twenty-four hours since I had broken up with my ex-boyfriend. I opened up about my decision to my parents. The talk was littered with a mixture of tears, cries, and comforting smiles. It is indeed good to have a caring and loving family. Friendship is undoubtedly beautiful, but the bond of family is something magical.

I didn't miss Justin as much as I had anticipated. In the mess of my pent up emotions, I had completely forgotten about my worst nightmare, Blake Ryder. My heart clenched as his thought crossed my mind.

A new day, a new hope! The next morning, I bumped into Caroline and Jenna. Their eyes flashed with concern.

"Are you okay? We were worried sick about you!"

"You didn't reply to any messages! What has gotten into you?!"

"You should have texted to us!" Caroline crossed her arms in annoyance.

"I'm good guys. I fell asleep a little earlier yesterday." I muttered, mouthing an apology.

I explained to them the reason why I couldn't text them back and they seemed satisfied with my answer. It wasn't a complete lie. I switched off my cell phone, not wanting to converse with anyone before hitting the sack.

I flashed one of my rare grins, "I'm better than ever!"

For a person who had been cheated on, I was acting quite strong. I had already shed enough tears from him.

Jenna smiled meekly, "We are happy for you! That prick doesn't deserve you."

They were right! He didn't deserve me. He deserved someone far better than me!

Successfully, I had no encounter with Blake in the morning and Justin was nowhere to be seen, for which I was thankful. The history and chemistry lectures were boring as usual. It was another hectic day. The day was going well, excluding some of the hateful remarks from my class fellows.

Walking back home, I spotted Blake, leaning against the wall of the hallway, his hands tucked into his pocket. Suddenly his gaze flickered to my face and the usual smirk sliced its way back on his face. Terror began to settle in the pit of my stomach. My adrenaline soared through my body and my heart pounded against my chest, fast and faster.

Just as I was about to pass by him, he stepped forward, blocking my way. I had no doubt of his vicious intentions. At that moment I wished that the ground would swallow me.

I closed my eyes tightly, denying to meet his torturing stare.

"Tsk tsk tsk, poor girl! You couldn't even keep your boyfriend." he poked fun at me and a sensation of pain struck my heart.

He walked in circles around me, just like a predator entangles its prey, while I stood halted at my spot, begging for all this to go away. Why couldn't I just pass into a sense of serenity, where I could seek refuge from all the pains and heartaches.

I had to be strong! I couldn't allow him to hurt me anymore! I was done with being treated unfairly!

"Cat got your tongue?" he mocked, a sinister smile creeping on his lips.

"My personal life is none of your business!" I bit back at him, not letting my confident facade down.

His eyes bugged out in confusion. He didn't see it coming. It was probably the first time I had given him a taste of his own medicine. He wore a puzzled expression on his face, surprised by my audacity to fight back. At that moment, all I felt was pure hate! Hate for him! For making me weak! For making me live in a world of illusions where he would snap back and stop hurting me!

"Everything about you is my business, bitch!" he growled in a deep voice, causing shivers to run down my spine and I immediately regretted my words.

He brought his hands around my throat, giving it a gentle squeeze. At that moment, I completely panicked.

"Please let me go, " I stuttered painfully, tears threatening to fall.

He smirked in response, flaunting his dominance over me, "Good girl, " he sneered and loosened his grip and I released a heavy sigh, rubbing the area.

"You are nobody. You are so hideous. Always hiding behind your friends. No wonder Justin left you! Go and die!" he crushed my heart with each word and that's when everything came falling apart for me.

"You are so ugly!"

"You deserve to die!"

Die!

Die!

He wanted me to die!

All these haunting thoughts and the words that I had buried somewhere deep inside my heart, came accelerating in my mind like a never-ending movie. My heart was hammering against my chest, beating faster and faster and I couldn't breathe. My breath came in shallow gasps.

Concern settled in Blake's eyes as he realized that I was having a panic attack. I felt as if the entire world was spinning around me and my legs became weaker. I squatted on the floor, my chest heaving unevenly. My breathing was becoming shallow and shallower and barely came out in whimpers.

"Shit, Alissa!" Blake cursed under his breath, panicking and helped me stand up.

"I can't be..."I trailed.

"Sssh, you are okay," he cooed softly, his eyes sorrowful and his tone laced with care.

A moment ago, he was taunting me with his brutal remarks, and the very next, he was holding me as if I were a fragile doll. Before I could comprehend what was happening he wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close and gently rubbing my back.

My erratic breathing was somehow getting better. Not caring about anything else, I sunk into the warmth he offered. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I felt butterflies in my stomach, acknowledging the fact that he was embracing me. In his muscular arms, I felt safe. The scent of his perfume lingered on his T-shirt. His embrace was warm and I felt strange to find comfort in the arms of my tormentor.

The world halted around me, as I snuggled deeper into him, seeking comfort and not wanting the moment to end.

Dedicating this chapter to my new friend AkoOku Your support means a lot to me. :)