When I awoke, strobe lights shone in my face. Sean was patting my face with a cold towel while Jessie stood near me, pacing. My dress had blood stains, as well as my chest. It hurt to sit. I did not ask what happened, because I knew too well. Sean and Jessie helped me stand up. I was still wearing 6 inch high-heels. My knees began to buckle, so they sat me back down. Jai came near me and my heart skipped a beat. I said something under my breath, although even I don't know what it was. Crowds of people spoke amongst themselves. I only made out a few phrases:
"Can you believe it?"
"She had it coming."
"He's awful."
"Poor girl."
I stood up, finally, and told Jessie I wanted to leave. Sean was talking to someone outside. She walked me outside and called me a cab. Jai walked out at the same time with Kylie. They stood right in front of me and kissed each other. They had their arms wrapped around each other.
"JAIIIIII NOOOOO"
I shouted. My knees buckled and I collapsed on the gray, cement sidewalk. I actually did a forward roll and landed on my skull. Everybody, once again, crowded around me. I blacked out for a minute. Sean was putting cold towels on my head again.
"Are you alright, Ari? I was talking to Ri when you fell and rolled like a tumbleweed."
"Well, I'm not okay. I blacked out twice tonight and was beat up by someone I thought loved me."
He nodded.
"Naya never got physical with me, but she was rude to me constantly."
I understood. I had known him as long as he had been with Naya. They broke up 6 months ago and she got a boyfriend after a week. He had been devastated. Sean asked if I need a ride home. I told him yes. His car pulled up and he brought me home.
"Hey Sean, do you want to watch a movie or something?"
"Sure, I'm not really that tired yet anyway."
We watched "Secret of the Kells" and I got changed into my sweats. He helped me hand wash my gown as well. I couldn't return it blood stained after all! He was surprisingly good at working with dresses. After that, he went back home. We had a lot of deep conversations and I learned a lot about him and his childhood.
"Ariana, you're really chill. Not like other girls."
"Thank you, and thanks for helping me tonight. I really appreciate that."
Then he looked at me, and I looked at him. Our eyes locked and he leaned in. At first, I winced. I was still shook up from what had happened. Then he just hugged me. Feeling like I trusted him, I leaned in and kissed him. I felt my heart soar. I was so happy when I was around him,
"I guess I'll see you soon?"
I smiled.
"Of course."
Then he went back home. We came from opposite upbringings, yet were so alike. I went to bed that night with my mind buzzing. Had we become something more than friends? I thought I felt our relationship growing stronger. I just knew, this was it.