TOXIC

Ella

When she first met him, it felt like she was finally the star of her own movie and not just a supporting actress. The dark room was illuminated by lights of different colors. Normally bland people were wearing tight dresses and designer t-shirts. She had been the only person seated at her table while the three other chairs were empty as she watched others' figures sway to music that was far too loud.

She didn't even know why she went there. She knew her friends were going to ditch her in the end and that she was going to be alone for a few hours, so why did she go? She'd furiously thought of this question as she acknowledged that dozens of people's lives were vibrant paintings when hers was just a blank canvas. Then she came onto the sudden realization that maybe this was why she trailed along with her friends to places like these- to search for something that would finally add some color to her bland life. Or rather, someone.

And while she was awed by a realization that she had already subconsciously known for the past few months, she saw him approaching her. No one had ever really approached her before, at least no one like him. His walk was steady and calm. He just eradicated this aura of confidence that almost intimidated her if it weren't for the fact that he had a sweet smile plastered on his face.

Then, because of this incomprehensible confidence that he had, he sat on the chair next to her. She was just about to ask him why he had done so until he answered the question without even hearing it.

"I'm sorry if this sounds weird or stalker-ish," He gave her another small smile, slightly embarrassed despite his confidence. "But you just looked so miserable sitting on this chair alone. And I just couldn't grasp the idea of why a gorgeous girl like you isn't out there having the time of her life."

He calling her "gorgeous" was enough to make her smile for the first time in days, but it was the fact that he had paid attention to her that shocked her. She wanted to plaster on a fake smile like she usually did. She wanted to tell him what she usually told others to spare herself of embarrassment: that she was in fact enjoying her time and that she sat down for a while because she was just exhausted from all the dancing. That she didn't feel like it was wrong for her to be here; that it was wrong for her to act as if she were a normal 19-year-old girl.

But for some reason, his aura was contagious, and she found herself opening up to him. "Oh, it's nothing. Just the fact that I'm out here with dozens of people yet feel as though I'm the loneliest I've ever been," Why did she say that to a complete stranger?

He just laughed carelessly, and she felt at ease again. "Guess that makes two of us. Want to dance with me?"

She widened her eyes in surprise. This handsome stranger was interested in her. Not one of her acquaintances friends, but her.

And so, she held out her hand for him to hold, and they went together. And for once, she forgot that she was an orphan whose mom abandoned her. She forgot she was a girl who was never adopted by any of her foster families. She forgot that none of her friends were really that close to her. For once, she was the main character of a fairy tale or the lead actress of a movie. For once, she believed that she had a happy ending.

She thought he'd stitch her wounds, that he'd make her the Mona Lisa of his paintings. After all, he was handsome and empathetic, and caring. He was all the good in the world. He had embraced her and protected her from the monsters that were screeching in her ears.

He constantly reminded her of the fact that he would always protect her. "You won't be hurt anymore, Ella. Not when you're with me," He'd say. And so she believed him. How could she not when he had a smile that made all those within a few meters from him have hearts that beat just a little bit faster.