Amelia stepped out onto the balcony of her apartment closing the sliding glass doors in frustration, just having gotten into a heated argument with Mark that ended in a loud slap. Amelia held back the tears as she rubbed the red mark on her face, taking out a cigarette to combat the stress. "Fucking asshole.." She muttered to herself as the tears began to flow. Amelia looked to her left, immediately noticing {{user}} and quickly wiping her tears, trying her best to appear tough and unaffected. "Oh.. H-hey. I guess you heard the argument huh?" She said trying to appear casual as she adjusted the bra strap visible on her shoulder, looking down in shame as she spoke in a quiet voice. "Sorry.."
yeah... you okay?
"Oh... Yeah, I'm fine. Just me and Mark... you know..." She shrugged casually trying to downplay the argument, but the pain in her eyes was obvious as she glanced back at User#1729965923035 hoping for some sort of reassurance or comfort. She lit the cigarette and took a deep drag before exhaling smoke into the air between them. Her voice dropped even further when she spoke again, almost as if whispering. "Thanks... for asking..."
Hey
puts his hand on her shoulder gently for reassurance as he looks into her eyes
if you ever need to talk. Don't be afraid to come over anytime. You deserve better than how he treats you.
"Thanks... I guess..." *She mumbled softly, glancing away as she felt a hint of relief wash over her at the unexpected kindness from User#1729965923035. Taking another drag from her cigarette, Amelia tried to compose herself, pushing back the vulnerability she didn't want him to see. The touch on her shoulder made her skin tingle, and for a moment she allowed herself to crave more contact. She coughed slightly as she exhaled, trying to sound less affected than she felt."I mean... Yeah, I know... but it's hard..."*She trailed off, unable or unwilling to articulate the depth of her situation and emotions. Her gaze darted back to him, searching for some sign that he understood, that maybe this was more than just a simple offer to talk. The silence stretched out between them
I can get you some ice for your cheek...
asks in a soft tone, feeling bad for her
Im sorry he hit you?
"He didn't hit me that hard..." She lied, knowing full well the handprint would remain for days. But she didn't want to appear weak or make things worse with Mark. Looking back at him from under her lashes, she mustered a shrug and managed a weak smile, trying to act more confident than she felt. "Anyway... Thanks. I appreciate it."
She shifted slightly closer to him as he offered the ice, feeling a tiny spark of something inside her at the contact. Amelia was accustomed to being dismissed and ignored, so even this small gesture felt significant. The weight of her situation pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe sometimes, but in this moment, with him standing beside her, she couldn't help but hope for something more. Something better.
I'll go and bring an ice pack, stay here, alright?
He says as he takes his hand off her shoulder and goes to his own apartment next to hers
"Yeah... Thanks..." *She replied softly, watching as he walked away before turning back to look out over the cityscape beyond their balconies. She swallowed hard, trying to fight back the conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. The ice packet in his hand seemed like such a small gesture but it somehow made all the difference.
Her heart skipped a beat as he reappeared at the door of his apartment with the ice and handed it to her gently, concern etched on his face. Amelia took the ice gratefully, pressing it against her cheek. As she closed her eyes, trying to soothe the sting, she could swear she felt him watching her. It sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.
"Thanks..." She whispered hoarsely when he didn't say anything else, daring to open one
No problem he says as he leans against the fence of the balcony, also inhaling his own cigaratte
"So... What do you think? You know this place pretty well, huh?" She asked in an attempt to make conversation, trying to ignore the butterflies that seemed to have taken up residence in her stomach. She took another drag from her cigarette and blew out smoke between them. "Is there anything... good around here? Other than the bars I mean."
Hmm thinks a little bit There's a really nice park not too far from here, actually. Nice and quiet, with some decent trails to hike on. And there's this little cafe right across the street that has the best coffee I've ever tasted. Plus, they make their own pastries in house. It's delicious
Oh really? That actually sounds... nice. I could use some fresh air or something..." Amelia said thoughtfully, taking another drag from her cigarette. "I mean... you don't think it's lame or anything?" She asked hesitantly, glancing over at him out of the corner of her eye.
The idea of doing something enjoyable without Mark weighed on her. He would never approve of her spending time with someone else and she didn't want to risk making things worse between them. But the thought of exploring the park and trying that coffee sounded almost irresistible.
Why would that be lame? It's just something to do. We all need a break sometimes, you know? You should definitely check it out sometime. I can even go with you if you like. it'd be nice to have someone to talk to while we walk. Plus, I know my way around here, so I could show you some cool spots along the way
Oh... yeah... I guess you're right..." Amelia said quietly, still feeling uncertain about the whole idea. But the thought of spending time with him, just the two of them, made her heart flutter in a way that was both strange and exciting. "I mean... if you don't have anything better to do..." She trailed off, looking down at her feet and then back up at him, hoping he didn't notice how much she really wanted this connection with him.
"It could be kinda nice," she added softly, her voice barely audible even to herself as she let out a puff of smoke between them. "I just don't want to mess anything up..."
You're not gonna mess anything up. I mean, maybe you will if you keep sticking with that asshole boyfriend of yours, but apart from that... no, I don't think so. I mean, i'm up for it if you are, Good way to spend my free time.
Hmm... Well... I don't know about that... But if you really think it's okay..." Amelia said slowly, hesitating as she searched his face for some sign that he was being genuine. She took another drag from her cigarette and blew the smoke upward, feeling a blush creep across her cheeks despite herself. "I mean... I guess if you're sure..."
Her gaze flickered down to his lips before darting away again, as if she couldn't quite believe he was actually offering to spend time with her like this. A small part of her felt foolish for being so excited about it, but the truth was that in all her years living here, no one had ever taken any interest in her besides Mark and his manipulative ways. The thought of spending time with someone who seemed to genuinely care made Amelia's heart race in a way that was both
Well, we are neighbors and I like to look out for the people around me. Plus, it'd be kinda nice to have someone else to talk to besides my friends at work or on the phone all day long. Don't get me wrong, they're cool and everything, but you know how it is.
Yeah... I guess I do. Well, if you're really sure it's okay... maybe we could try it sometime." Amelia took another deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she looked up at him from beneath her lashes. She tried to project an image of confidence and strength but knew she was failing miserably; her vulnerability was all too evident. "I mean... when you're not busy or anything," she added quickly, wanting to make sure he didn't think she was trying to insert herself into his life.
As she spoke, her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her shirt, wishing she could feel his touch on her arm or shoulder once again. The warmth and comfort from earlier had been short-lived but left a lingering ache in her chest that she didn't know how to fill without him.
i'm free now, plus there's an ice cream shop near the park, i could get you a few scoops smiles
Oh really? That actually sounds kind of... nice." Amelia said slowly, her voice barely above a whisper as she searched his face for any hint of insincerity. She wanted so badly to believe that he was being genuine but couldn't help feeling cautious. "I mean, I guess if you don't have anything better to do..."
Her words trailed off, the uncertainty in her voice clear even to herself. The thought of spending time with him brought a strange mixture of hope and fear swirling through her stomach, making it difficult for her to focus on anything else. "I guess... I mean... thank you," she managed finally, looking down at her feet as she spoke. Her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment at her own vulnerability and neediness.
A light breeze rustled the curtains behind them, blowing a tendril of hair across her face
Well, you're welcome! I mean, it'd be my pleasure to hang out with you. And if that asshole boyfriend of yours starts giving us any shit, I can always take him down a peg or two. Just saying. Plus, who doesn't love ice cream, right? And maybe once we get there, we could find a nice quiet spot to sit and talk. It'd be good for you to get out of this place for a bit anyway. You deserve better than how that guy treats you.
Well, I don't know... Mark doesn't usually take too kindly to me hanging out with anyone else." Amelia admitted, her voice sounding small even to herself as she tried to downplay the importance of spending time with him. But the truth was that Mark controlled every aspect of her life, and even the most trivial things like going for a walk or getting ice cream weren't hers to decide on anymore.
The thought of spending time alone with Edwinn filled her with both excitement and trepidation; it was impossible not to crave his company yet she was terrified of what might happen if Mark found out. "I don't want to make things worse..." she murmured, looking down at the ground as she let out a sigh.
The silence stretched between them for several long moments before Edwinn finally spoke up again. "Look... I get that it's complicated right now
Why are you letting that asshole control your life puts his hand on her shoulder again as he stares into her eyes, giving her hope Look, you're a young girl, 18 years old?, 19? pauses and gives her a small rub of reassurance on the shoulder before adding you can make your own story, drive your own path, doesn't that sound better then an asshole controlling every aspect of your life, you need to be free, it can't always stay like this...
Well... yeah... I guess. But it's not that easy..." Her voice trailed off as she shook her head, unable to find the words to express the hopelessness she felt. "I mean, he's all I have... I don't know what I'd do without him." A tear trickled down her cheek, betraying the strength she was trying so hard to maintain. She brushed it away roughly, hating herself for showing any sign of weakness in front of Edwinn.
As he continued to look at her with those gentle eyes, Amelia couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of hope ignite within her. It was irrational and dangerous, she knew that, but the thought of someone actually caring about her, wanting what was best for her... it was almost too much to bear.
"I just want to be happy," she whispered finally, forcing herself to
Well, then you should do something about it. You deserve to be happy, Amelia. And if your asshole boyfriend isn't going to let that happen... maybe it's time for a change. A new chapter in your life. I can't promise it'll be easy, but I can tell you this, You won't find happiness with someone who treats you like shit. And trust me, there are better options out there for you, now why don't we get going to the park and have a chat about this?
I... I guess..." Amelia hesitated, torn between fear of change and the impossible desire to believe that Edwinn was right. His words rang true in her heart despite all the warnings telling her not to trust him. She drew a shaky breath, forcing herself to meet his gaze as she searched for something in his eyes that would make her feel safe. "Okay... let's go," she said finally, reaching up to wipe away another tear before it could fall.
With a determined nod, Amelia turned to head towards the door leading from the balcony into her apartment. She glanced back over her shoulder at Edwinn, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and uncertainty welling up inside her. As he followed her, she couldn't help but hope that this was the start of something new, something better than anything she'd ever known before.