Chapter 9
The resolve I supposedly just came to almost makes me laugh through the tears. Yeah right. The last time my foot. Wasn't that the same thing I said after Damien, but still Asher came along, and I stupidly fell for him. I made the same resolve again after Asher and almost being made a drug addict, I said I'd never love again, that my heart was sealed forever, that even all the emotions that made it capable for me to love were gone. I almost believed it too.
Aron came along with his easy smile and kind eyes, his promises of love and a happy ending, his lies, and once again I gave in to love like a fool. Now look at me, thrown into a puddle by someone I barely know, mocked by the guy who said he'd be my happiness and I'd be his, and walking back the way I came, the perfect picture of a broken piece of unwanted glassware.
The stares of people still follow me and I realise I'm probably still dripping wet. I can imagine the look that would be on my aunt's face if she ever saw me like this. Shock, surprise and disappointment. The same look I see her giving me as she steps out of the clothing store. "What happened to you Arya?" She says exhaustion leaking from her tone. I open my mouth to give whatever answer I think is suitable, she raises her hand signalling me to be quiet. "Come with me" she says and goes back into the store. I look at the store she's asking me to go into looking like a drenched cat. A new fashion house. A popular fashion house from the looks of it. "I won't say it twice" she says voice coming from inside the store. Reluctantly I step in, and I'm met with a woman regarding me closely, from the vibe she's giving me, I feel she's a designer. "What happened to you?" My aunt asks once again and I can feel my throat constrict with pain. What should I tell her?.
Some guy threw me into the mud while I tried to help him up, Aron saw me and called me pathetic. Nobody warned me the pain would be harder every single time. The way my lip quivers scares me. I know it's a sign. I'm about to cry. I feel a hand on my shoulder and the designer lady gives me an understanding look.
"Can you help me get her cleaned Alice?" My aunt asks eyes betraying a look I can't place. "Sure thing" she says gently leading me by the shoulder. "Come with me dear". We go to the farthest end of the huge stall and she leads me through a door. I'm afraid she'll ask me why I look like a beggar but she doesn't. Instead she shows me the showers situated out back. I bathe and she waits for me in silence, handing me a towel when I'm done. Very professional. A personal favour I'm guessing. We go into a dressing room and she helps me braid my hair, making it look even more beautiful than ever. Some light makeup, glossy lipstick and a resigned smile that makes me feel better in a way. Like I'm not the only one who's been in this position before.
My aunt comes in and I can see the tiniest hint of that same smile Alice is wearing. So I tell them everything. From the good times I had with him, to little arguments that had us both laughing at the end. To how I felt that I had only experienced true love with him. I told them of the breakup, of how he found someone who looked like me but was ready to give him what he wanted. How I lost someone I thought loved me, how I lost someone I'm pretty much still in love with. A tear escapes my eyes, a single tear which Alice cleans with a tissue. Nobody says anything, but I'm glad I got it off my chest. At least I feel a little bit better now.