Chapter 1: Introduction
I sat in silence and waited for them to leave.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bathroom door opened, and they emerged, laughing and joking. My head was spinning as I hear them walk away, completely oblivious to my presence.
I needed a plan, I had to get out of there without being seen. I was tired and couldn't process what had just happened. I needed to gather my thoughts, figure out what to do next.
I slowly opened the stall door and checked the room. – thankfully, it was empty. I splashed some water on my face, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, alerting me to a new message from Lily.
“Hey babe,” she wrote, “Thanks for coming to see me! Can’t wait to snuggle you later, love you”
The familiar stab of hurt hit me again as I read her words. How could she act like everything was normal. Now I just had to leave without being spotted. I looked at myself in the mirror, I looked pale and drawn. I gathered my thoughts, took a deep breath and walked out of the bathroom. As I walked past the bar, I caught sight of Jake and Lily sharing a drink at a nearby table with a few more friends. She was leaning close to him, laughing at something he said. I forced myself to look away, but the image stuck with me. I made straight for the door, praying nobody saw me.