Page 135 of Wild Thing
A faint, broken smile tugged at my lips, grateful for the attempt to make light of the fucked up situation I was in.
“C’mon,” she said softly. “I’ll walk you back to your table.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, shaking my head. “I’m going to the bathroom.”
“Are you sure? I’ll come with you.”
“No, it’s fine. I just need a moment. You go back. I’ll message you if I need you.”
Taylor nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Okay then. I’ll see you soon.”
She pulled me into one last hug, holding on tightly before sliding the curtain open and disappearing back into the gala.
I stayed where I was. The photobooth screen lit up, reflecting my face back at me.
I barely recognized the cheating whore staring back.
***
I hurriedly made my way through the double doors and into the foyer, searching for the bathroom.
I walked quickly, the soft swish of my dress providing a rhythm I tried to match my breathing to.
Inhale, step, exhale, step.
Over and over, but it didn’t work.
By the time I pushed open the bathroom door, I was on the edge of losing control.
I stepped inside, letting the door swing shut behind me, and made my way to the vanity. Placing both hands on the cool surface, I leaned heavily against it. I couldn’t bring myself to look in the mirror.
I already knew what I’d see. The face of a cheater trying and failing to hold herself together.
I wanted to scream.
Cry.
Collapse.
Die.
I stumbled toward a stall and shoved the door open. I slid the lock into place and then, finally, I broke.
Silent sobs wracked my body as I slid down the back of the stall door, folding in on myself.
My vision blurred and I let the tears fall freely, praying I would drown in them.
Minutes passed.
Ten, maybe more.
I sat there, motionless. Almost catatonic. My gaze fixed blankly on the toilet in front of me, unblinking except when my body forced me to.
The sobs faded, leaving me hollow and numb.
It was a cruel kind of reprieve… the absence of pain replaced by nothingness.
I cursed myself for getting into this situation.
