2017 P.B. Panes

I was crying as I quickly dashed out of the lobby, ignoring the curious looks as I hailed a cab. Summer night touches my skin like enveloping in a warm hug yet I feel numb, I feel something I don't know but pain and humiliation.

The need to talk someone is what I needed right now. Sighing as I calm my nerves, I fished out my phone and dialed my best friend Jane.

I clutched my phone tightly in my hand as I stare outside the window of a cab and tell the driver to drive me anywhere. "Hello? Jane, you're right!" I spoke, just loud enough for her to hear me in between my sobs. I feel infuriated and being betrayed at the moment.

"What? I don't understand you Sammy. What happen and why are you crying?" She asked worriedly and I know she'll be furious of what I will tell her.

"He...he cheated on me..." I said in a small but audibly voice as I restrain my tears to come out again yet I couldn't. Jane had been my best friend since I was in college, the same age as mine but we treat each other like sisters because she hadn't because she was an only child.

She gasped on the other end of line, and I could tell she was fuming in rage. "That prick! I will beat him if I see him!" she said angrily but added, "It will be alright Sam. I'm so sorry, I should have insisted you since then to leave him." She said guiltily but I know she had done no wrong but to save me since I had met Jack but I am stubborn.

"It's not your fault Jane, it was me because I am a fool." I said to her blandly. Since from the start she had warned me but I didn't listen to her and no one should blame from this but me.

"It's not your fault Sam, it was Jack because he is a prick. Good thing he isn't right beside me because if I see his face? I will punch him in the groin for doing this to you." I laugh at her comments and sigh momentarily after a long pause.

"Where are you right now? I'm coming to get you."

"Oh, no Jane. I am ok, I just need some... some time to be alone for now." I said calmly to her to lessen her worry. I told her that I was going to my apartment and have some time in my tub and eats my favorite strawberry ice and thankfully she agreed reluctantly before I say my goodbye. Jane is with her mother and I don't want to disturb her by going after me since we shared the same apartment.

I sigh as I put my phone in my bag and instead of going to my apartment, I tell the taxi driver to drop me off at the nearest bar which I needed right now. A glass of champagne to lessen the tension I had in me, hoping tomorrow everything will be better. He nodded his head in response and maneuver his way to the highway.

I restrain my tears to come out the whole ride as I remember what Jack had done. My mind was clouded at the sudden change of events in my life and in just an hour everything turns into turmoil. I laugh bitterly to myself as I tell myself that everything is for the better.

How could he do this to me? Everything between us was a lie. Lies from the beginning because of sex! I feel humiliated and embarrassed because of it. If I only know men were like this, I should have been a nun if I had too.

Jack

I hate him! I hate everything about him.

Pool of tears rush down my cheeks, and my vision became blurry from them. I knew that my eyes were red and my nose was flaring. Is this all life could be, so unfair? I wanted to curse loudly, to shout loudly, anything to lessen this pain in my heart. But I couldn't; I couldn't form a curse. I was angry with myself for being weak, for being pathetic, for letting this happen.

I chuckled bitterly at myself for believing him. Ha! I'm such a fool for believing all those lies he told me. I glanced at my watch: 8PM. I got out of the taxi, paid the driver, and stop in front of a building but quickly entered the bar after.

I was crying as I entered the bar. I didn't even know the name of the place, but I didn't care much because my attention and my thoughts were scattered by what I'd seen. All my frustration and anger came rushing in as I remembered what Jack said to me. It was like a knife that stabbed me directly into my dignity.

I shook my head as I stop myself from thinking about him. I take in my surroundings and suddenly felt disgusted at the sights and smells. The whole place smelled of sweat, alcohol, and smoke. Girls were dancing, kissing, and even doing things on the side.

Gross!

The whole place was dim, and the walls were colored in red. There were many lightings and it added to the blurriness in my eyes. I was reluctant at first, but I ignored all my inhibitions. If he can enjoy his life, I can enjoy mine too!

I continue my path to the bar, ignoring men that approach me. This is my night and I will not let them ruin it but even I keep on declining their offers, they wouldn't bulge so I stop trying and just ignore them completely.

I perched on a stool at the bar and leaned against the wooden table. I ordered the strongest drink the bar offered as I catch the attention of the bartender. My throat seems burning as I drink my first of the night. The liquor makes me gag on its taste as it passes to my stomach but I restrained the feeling as I close my eyes, relishing the bitter taste.

I order again and drink it like water, resisting the urge to spurt the foul alcohol from my mouth. The bartender stared at me in disbelief but I kept on ignoring, not sparing him a second glance or anything.

The taxi came into stopped just outside Condo Height, where Jack's condominium was located. I paid the cab and quickly made my way into the elevator, pushing the button for the 40th floor. I smiled knowing Jack would be happy about my news; I had been keeping myself because I believed in no sex before marriage, and I was happy Jack understood.

The elevator came into a halt indicating I arrived at my destination, and the doors opened, which snapped me from my thoughts. The whole floor consisted of twenty rooms, and Jack's was room 578.

I knocked slowly but the door was already ajar. My curiosity kicked in at first, but I just shrugged it off. I entered quickly, but I didn't spot him on the living room. I made my way to his bedroom and I froze at what I heard.

I drink the last bottle and sigh silently. A manly scent invading my nostrils pulled me back from my reverie as a man sit down beside me and order. I didn't glancing at him but I could sense that he was staring at me. When he spoke, I slowly turned towards him and was shocked to see magnificent specimen staring at me intently.

"May I?"

Loving You 2017