March 10, 1991.
4:32 pm.
Even though my name change was solidified, I still felt guilty for letting down my family.
I remembered how much alcohol helped me forget. I started drinking again, trying my best to drown my pain.
Since I ran away from my dorm, I was staying with Lucinda at her house.
She came into the bathroom, seeing me sitting in the tub as usual, downing another bottle of wine.
“Are you still in here drunk?” She asked.
“Not drunk yet.” I said.
She rolled her eyes and turned around. “Get washed up. We’re going to the store.” She said.
March 10, 1991.
5:12 pm.
Inside of Malmart, I was walking around the cereal aisle.
My favorite brand was unfortunately on the highest shelf. I reached for it unsuccessfully, struggling.
“Ma’am? Do you need help?” I heard a voice behind me.
I turned around, recognizing the voice as male, immediately on high alert.
What I saw was a handsome stallion of a man with blonde locks and a rather cute gap in his teeth.
Little did I know, this man was gonna change my life forever.
He helped me with the cereal box, getting it for me.
“Thanks for your help.” I said, sort of hiding behind the cereal box. “Of course. My name is Aaron by the way.” He said.
“My name is M- Erica.” I said.
“I’ve seen you around town before, and I've actually wanted to speak to you for a while.” Aaron said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
I let my guard down, I felt no sense of danger from him.
I felt comfortable around him, and we began to actually talk. We talked about our lives, and just generally connected.
That is until we were interrupted by Lucinda.
“And what’s this? Meet a new friend?” She asked. “This is Aaron.” I said, introducing her. “Hm. I’m gonna go check out. See ya at the car.” She said, before pushing the cart to the checkout area.
Aaron seemed confused by the encounter, to which I said, “Ignore her, that’s just how she is.”
“Well. Anyway….here’s my number if you want to talk.” He handed me a small paper.
“See ya, Erica.” He said, pointing finger guns at me as he walked away. I clutched the number in my hands and pressed it to my chest.
I think…..
I think I was falling in love.
April 03, 1991.
9:12 pm.
Over the next month, I began to spend more time with Aaron. He was so compassionate and loving……
Silly….
And he always had something nice to say about me….
He made my days… something to look forward to.
During our relationship, I noticed a change in Lucinda. She became irritable and angry after seeing us together.
I think she was jealous.
Heh, I don’t blame her honestly. Tim was only using her for sex, while I was in a REAL relationship.
I’ll never forget the little stunts she pulled, though. Something evil was in her that night.
I came back to her house after a wonderful date. “Luci!! I’m back!”
“Have a fun date?” Lucinda asked sarcastically.
“We had a wonderful time at the lake. He actually caught a fish this time!” I giggled, remembering him almost falling in the water last time.
“Mmhmm. Has he tried to get with you yet?” Lucinda said, immediately switching the energy of the room.
I stood in shock and confusion.
“Um? No? What the fuck, Luci?” I said.
Lucinda began to explain. “I hate to bring this up, but you need to make sure he’s actually into you and not just leading you on. Cuz once he has sex with you I’m sure he’s gonna-“
“Let me stop you right there. Aaron has not talked to me once about sex. He’s different from any man I’ve met before. He actually wants to get to know me, Lu.” I said, defending myself.
Lucinda was now in silence.
“This won’t last. I’m just trying to tell you as a friend.” She said.
“Are you just jealous? I’ve noticed that Tim doesn't call you unless he wants a piece of your ass.” I shot back at her.
Lucinda’s face turned red.
“Ugh, WHATEVER. Don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart.” She scoffed at me, walking out of the kitchen.
A small smile grew on my face as she left, but I wasn’t sure why.
April 7, 1991.
7:31 pm.
I sat at the table, waiting for Aaron to arrive.
He said he got caught up in traffic, so I expected him to arrive a bit late.
I pulled out my compact, applying some powder. I looked closer in the corner of the mirror, and saw a figure coming towards me.
I turned around and immediately felt unsafe.
I saw Tim coming towards me.
Ugh. I immediately turned around, hopefully the bastard didn't recognize me. I looked down at the menu, trying not to drive attention to myself.
“Damn, she wasn't kidding when she said you had a makeover. Sup’ Mary? Miss me?” Tim said behind me.
“Creo que tienes a la mujer equivocada.” I said, trying to cover my face with my hair.
He moved the locks out of my face, exposing me.
“D-dont touch me!” I said, swatting away his hand. “Pssh. What’s this about? Lucinda said you wanted to meet me here. I thought you wanted to talk….you bitches are confusing as fuck….” Tim said, annoyed.
Lucinda knew that I was on a date. So she…
Oh that bitch….
“Listen. Lucinda told you to come here so you’d ruin my date. She’s been doing a lot of weird shit lately. I don't know what she told you, but I want NOTHING to do with you.” I said, angered.
“You sure? The way I had you screaming my name makes me feel otherwise.” He said, laughing at his joke. I tensed up.
“Oh FUCK you, Tim. All you did was use me, you pretended to love and care about me. And now you're doing it to Lucinda. Karma definitely has got a kiss for you.” I spat out.
Tim smirked. “Hey, what can I say? Using people is fun. I love doing it. Hey…speaking of which…”
He leaned in closer.
“Nice black eye you gave my friend. I'm sure he wouldn't have had to drug you to get with you, though. Girl like you hands it out to everyone.”
He laughed in my face, knowing what he said hurt me.
Tears pricked in my eyes.
I looked over at my glass of water. I grabbed it and splashed the whole thing in his face.
The entire restaurant went silent, and everyone’s eyes were on just the two of us.
“Erica? What the hell is going on?” I heard Aaron’s voice.
I turned to see him standing with a bouquet of roses.
“And who’s this? New dick of the week Mary?” Tim said, wiping his face.
“I'm afraid you're mistaken, young man. This is MY girlfriend, Erica. She has nothing to do with you. I suggest you leave.” Aaron said, standing in front of me.
“Erica? That’s supposed to be what, a new name? Nah bro, her name is Mary. She's been with me and a bunch of other guys down at that porn studio. I hate to break it to you, but your girlfriend’s a total slut, and a liar.” Tim said.
I was mortified. Everyone in the restaurant was shocked.
Aaron dropped the roses.
And immediately punched Tim in the face, breaking his jaw.
He fell to the floor, blood spurting out of his mouth. He moaned and gargled in pain.
“Get the FUCK out of here. And I highly suggest you stay away from my girl.” Aaron said, towering over him.
Tim grabbed his jaw and ran out of the restaurant, scared for his life. Almost everyone in the restaurant cheered and clapped.
I, however, broke down into tears and ran out of the restaurant too.
“Erica, wait!” Aaron yelled behind me.
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