Chapter 8 - "Some Strange Stuff"

Even after we parted, the stupidly annoying smile was present on my face. Dang, I looked like a major fool. That girl made me a major fool for her. I like her so much.

If I wasn’t feeling good before, I definitely felt amazing when I entered my apartment. My apartment, mind you. I didn’t have to walk on eggshells, or to prepare to flee if I heard a raised voice. I didn’t have to wonder whether someone is going to break my nose today. I felt free.

I put my things on the bed and went into the bathroom to splash some water on my face, and take off my makeup. My reflection in the mirror surprised me. Although there were traces of black bags under my eyes, they began fading, bit by bit. I looked fresh. It’s difficult to recall when was I this… Content with myself and my life.

Bella definitely had a part in that too. It hasn’t even been a month since I met her, yet she became such an important part of me. Some strange stuff is happening to me when I’m around her. Like a gaping hole that has been present in my chest for years is beginning to fill up. I feel I can conquer the entire world. I wonder, is this what falling in love feels?

Of course, I wouldn’t allow myself to feel like this if I knew I was heading for a disaster. She has been giving me some positive feedback. It might be just her kindhearted nature, but I get a feeling it’s more than just that. It is a bit of a gamble, having feelings for her, but I jumped in willingly.

Either way, that doesn’t mean that I can just lay around all day, thinking about her! I am a serious woman who has two more hours before my work shift starts. And, what better way to spend that time than in a mind and body rehabilitation – sleep. It didn’t take me long to doze off, as my consciousness left the moment my back hit the soft mattress…

“No, please, stop!”

I couldn’t move. It wasn’t only due to the fact I had been tied up. My entire body throbbed in pain, the result of a beating that left me with a broken arm, and a few broken ribs.

There were numerous eerie shadows looming over me, tearing my clothes and roughly running their hands over my body. The sickness overcame me, and the desire to puke soon manifested itself. The acid mixed with food filled my mouth and spilled all over me and the bed I was tied to. The stench was disgusting, and only made more of the contents of my stomach find their way to my mouth.

I felt a hand over my lips, holding them shut, while other hand held my nose shut, forcing me to swallow the contents in my mouth.

Dad and his friends laughed. Why were they laughing? Why was my pain funny to you, dad? Why?