Damien was the kind of guy people noticed before he even spoke. He was tall, charismatic, and handsome with an easy smile that made girls believe he was looking at no one else but them.
At the party, Hazel pulled Jossy toward the dance floor, laughing and spinning her around. She was a shy girl from the countryside, so she protested because she was embarrassed. And then, strong arms slipped around her waist.
"Hi, Jossy," a deep voice murmured in her ear.
She froze, her heart pounding. Damien. He knew her name.
When she turned, his smile was wide and charming, his eyes on her and no one else. He wasn't looking at Hazel, or the dozen of classier girls in the room. And from that night on, he pursued her relentlessly. Waiting for her outside her classes and bringing her coffee before exams. For a simple girl who had never dated, being chosen by the most popular guy felt like winning something rare, something powerful. When he kissed her for the first time in the coffee house near campus, she felt like the whole world approved their relationship.
Back then, he loved her. Everyone knew it. And she.. she loved him back.
Jossy blinked against the tears in her eyes as Damien straightened, adjusting his shirt like nothing had happened. As usual, he left the room without a word.
She lay still, pulling her torn dress back into place, her cheek feeling heavy from the pain.
But instead of fear, she whispered to herself, "Today wasn't so bad."
It was only one slap. Just one round. Maybe, maybe he was getting better. Maybe the man she had fallen in love with was still somewhere in there.
Clinging to that little hope, she closed her eyes and let herself drift into light sleep.