The Revenge

Let me ask you something. How would you react if you found yourself compelled to distance yourself from the person you cherished the most, someone you held deep affection for? Would it send shivers down your spine? Fill you with trepidation about the uncertain future? Perhaps leave you with a lump in your throat? Hello, my name is Jasmine Herrera, and today, I want to open up and share my story with you. I reside in New York, a city where, two years ago, an event occurred that completely upended my life. What had once been the typical struggles of a student started to evolve into something far weightier and distressing. It was two years ago when I faced a decision that came at a high cost. A decision that meant bidding farewell to the life I had known up until that point and, most painfully, severing ties with the person who meant the world to me, my dearest friend. • When it all started • The day began like any other in the life of an 18-year-old college senior. My friend, Riley, stood waiting for me outside my house, and from a distance, it appeared to be just another ordinary day. However, for me, it was far from normal. Not with Alex's involvement. I couldn't shake Alex's last words from my mind: "I will avenge you for what you did, and I will not stop until I do." Hearing those words from someone who had been an inseparable part of my life since birth was excruciating. No matter your age, such words from a friend cut deep. Today was the day Alex was due to be released from prison after serving a two-year sentence, a sentence for which I bore guilt. I had wanted to visit him countless times during that time, but I knew he wouldn't even look at me. I had stood at the prison door numerous times, just waiting. And the few times I mustered the courage to inquire about him, he had adamantly refused to speak with me. I didn't blame him. He was my closest friend. He has saved me so many times from problems I have gotten myself into. Ever since we were kids and I have been constantly kicking the ball into the neighbor's yard with the rabid dog. He was the one who was going to pick it up. He was brave. And then in high school, when the disgusting Richard was trying to treat me like a string doll. But now he hated me more than anyone else. I took 2 whole years of his life. They could have been even more. I would never forgive myself for what I had to do. It was our last year in college. I wanted him to celebrate with us. It was meant to be like that. Luckily, I had friends I could rely on… like Riley. As we stepped through the school doors, it felt like all eyes were on me. I could practically hear the unspoken question on everyone's mind: "Does she even realize what day it is?" "He was genuinely furious when he said that; you know he wouldn't actually harm you," Mark, one of my dearest friends, reassured me. "I suggest you don't dwell on it. He may not even return to this city, considering what happened to his mother and you.. with the police involved," Chloe, another close friend, chimed in. Chloe and Mark had been a couple for nearly a year and a half, radiating love and understanding. Mark was a tall, handsome man with dark hair, while Chloe was the epitome of perfection. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down to her breasts, and her captivating blue eyes gave her the appearance of a real-life Barbie doll. "Let's grab some food; I'm absolutely starving," Riley said, giving me a pleading look with those puppy-dog eyes of hers. Riley was a striking girl with shoulder-length brown hair, the life of our group. She radiated humor and positivity, even in the most unlikely situations. "I wonder why Lucas is running so late, leaving me alone with you girls," Mark teased, steering the conversation in a different direction. Lucas was another facet of this intricate story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman, someone who always claimed to be at the top of his field. However, Lucas had different aspirations; he wanted no part in his father's questionable business dealings. He had dark hair and intense gray eyes that perfectly matched his enigmatic gaze. His athletic physique wasn't the result of obsessive fitness routines but rather reminiscent of a tennis player's build, a feature that drove many girls crazy. A year ago, something happened between us. During a school trip to Santa Monica, halfway through our vacation, we got drunk and went for a walk on the beach. Just the two of us. We were talking and laughing. I honestly don't know how things turned into something more, but the moment we shared was beautiful and will remain in my mind. I think we both wanted it to happen. I still wonder if it was just s*x or something more. Unfortunately, even I don't know the answer to this question. Anyway, we've stopped contact since then. He had changed, insisting it was for my own good, and we should remain friends. Although the term "friends" was a generous description of our current relationship. Instead, we were merely acquaintances who shared mutual friends. • The cafeteria • Jasmine's p.o.v. I loved staying in this place. There were huge windows overlooking the park opposite the college. A truly beautiful sight. "Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. How was your summer break?" Richard laughed, accompanied by another wealthy, glamorous girl he had slept with this time. I despised him, a rich fool who seemed to believe he was a deity. Before taking his seat at his table, he strolled over to me and smirked. "Hey, gorgeous. I'm sure you know what day it is. The day your friend gets out of jail. Are you scared? If you want, I can keep you safe," he winked at me, laughing. "Get out of here, Richard. And he was my best friend, not my boyfriend," I retorted, glaring at him. "Come on, Rich, don't bother with her," one of his friends called out. He chuckled and leaned closer to me, whispering in my ear: "Alex is coming for you, darling." His words felt like a sharp, piercing blade. Partly because, maybe, they held some truth. I had no idea what awaited Alex upon his release from prison, and despite my friends' attempts to reassure me, I knew he wouldn't simply let things slide and walk away. That thought filled me with dread. "Hey, are you okay, Jas?" Riley gave me a comforting hug. "Don't pay any attention to him. I'm sure Alex wouldn't hurt you!" It was kind of her to reassure me once more, but unfortunately, no one knew Alex better than I did. I understood that, given what had happened, he would come for me when he got out. Our encounter was inevitable, and it made my stomach knot up with anxiety. A little while later, Richard stood up at his table and announced that he was throwing a party at his house tonight. "We should definitely go!" Chloe said enthusiastically, hugging Mark. "I'm going to pass," I declared. "Excuse me, what?" Riley looked at me, puzzled. "You're coming with us, and that's final, okay? Come on, it'll be fun. You can't stay home alone every night, dwelling on what might come next or what happened two years ago." I sighed. "Fine, I'll come. But only because of you guys." • The night of the party • • Richard's family house • The thumping music was audible from the neighboring street. Chloe, Riley, and I occupied the back seat of Mark's black Nissan, while he and Lucas were in the front. As we pulled up to the party, it was immediately apparent that Richard was near the front door, welcoming his guests with a glass of champagne - very much in line with his usual style. He spotted us from a distance and made his way over. "I'm glad you came," he said, his smile showcasing his impeccably perfect and whitened teeth. I offered him a forced smile and attempted to walk past, but he took hold of my hand. "You look stunning tonight, Jas," he said with a sly grin. "Can I get you a drink?" "Listen, I didn't come here to endure your taunts all night," I snapped. "Taunts? Actually, I thought you and I should put our animosity aside and just have fun. We don't need to be so mean to each other. This is our last year in college. I know I didn't treat you well today by reminding you of Alexander, but I assure you it won't happen again. What do you say?" Richard said, extending his hand in a truce. I didn't know what to say or whether to believe him. That was classic Richard, and I shouldn't be falling into his traps. "Alright, I also have no desire to argue with you," I replied, taking one of the drinks from the tray. "Tequila? I like your choice," he remarked with a smirk. I responded with a smile. "Well, I'll see you later at the party," he said, looking directly at me. "Cheers, Richard," I said, raising my glass. As I stepped inside, the scent of alcohol immediately overwhelmed me. It seemed like there was alcohol everywhere, and where there's alcohol, there were plenty of drunk students too. The music pounded in my ears. I have decided to let go of my worries tonight and focus on the present. I scanned the room for my friends. Chloe and Mark were already seated on the sofa, locked in a passionate kiss, each with a drink in hand. Lucas had yet to arrive, and I wasn't sure if he had any intention of showing up. Then I spotted Riley. She was by the bar, wearing a red backless dress that exuded sexiness. She was a true wild spirit, and that's one of the reasons I loved her. "Hey, do you need some company?" "Of course. Hey, sexy," Riley turned to the bartender. "Bring me and my friend two cocktails." "What cocktails do you want?" the tall, attractive blonde bartender inquired. "Surprise us," Riley winked at him. He made us two cosmopolitans. These were followed by two more, and then two more after that, until we found ourselves laughing at our own absurd jokes. Soon after, Riley left me and wandered off, seemingly following the charismatic bartender, Aiden. I was left alone with yet another cosmopolitan that Aiden had thoughtfully prepared for me before he disappeared with my friend. After a while, I noticed Richard approaching me. "Hey, sunshine, why are you sitting here all alone?" he asked. "My friend went off with one of your bartenders and left me hanging," I replied, chuckling under the influence of alcohol. "Well, I can keep you company if you want. But you hardly want to be seen with Richard Coleman, your sworn enemy," he said, his playful smile persisting. "Well, Richie, I'm here to enjoy a few cocktails tonight and let people talk as they please." "I've never cared about what people say," he whispered in my ear. In my inebriated state, I wasn't entirely sure what I was talking about. Alone and drunk in the presence of this man, I felt strangely out of character. After another hour of drinking, I inexplicably found myself in Richard's bedroom. He wanted to show me the paintings he had collected from various renowned artists, and given my passion for art, I accepted his invitation. "Do you like them?" he asked, turning to me. "Yes, each of these paintings is incredible in its own way." "Which one is your favorite?" he inquired, his eyes filled with genuine interest. "This one," I said, pointing to a black-and-white portrait of a man in a hat and suit, smoking a cigarette. "There's something intriguing about him." "Honestly, I bought it because it reminds me of myself," he chuckled. "Oh, yes, it certainly captures your masculine features," I laughed back. "Is that so, sunshine?" he smirked and moved closer to me. A tangible tension filled the air. Richard evidently had intentions for the evening, perhaps fueled by the alcohol. I desired to excuse myself and return downstairs to my friends, but my inebriated state left me indecisive and unsure of how to proceed. "Richard... I think I want to head downstairs. I'm not feeling well," I mumbled. "And I think you look absolutely stunning tonight, and there's no need to feel bad. That short white dress suits you perfectly. Relax, there's nothing to worry about," he said, advancing toward me and pinning me against the wall. I started breathing faster, sensing what was coming. He would kiss me passionately on the lips, then trail down my neck and lower and lower. "Richard, please... I... I need to go." I struggled to break free from his grip and the alcohol was betraying me more and more with each passing moment. I felt utterly powerless in his presence. He drew nearer and finally kissed me slowly, passionately, with an undeniable skill that I couldn't deny was enjoyable. He was an attractive man, but he was also a notorious womanizer and a terrible person. I couldn't fathom what had come over me that night, why I'd gone to his bedroom in the first place. I didn't want this, but I found myself kissing him back. "Wasn't this the moment you were supposed to... hit me, sunshine?" he asked, his hand caressing my thighs. "Please... stop... I... I don't know what's gotten into me." "So, if I... kiss you again... you're going to hit me?" he whispered in my ear. Yes, I should hit him, right? I despised that man. My mind urged me to strike him, but I was trapped in an alcoholic haze, standing there without uttering a word as he explored my body through my dress. "Do we need to find out?" he murmured as his hand ventured towards my chest. "No need to..." I couldn't finish the sentence because he grabbed me and kissed me passionately again and threw me on the bed. Then he then climbed on top of me and proceeded to kiss me.. all over. "Richard, please, let me go," I whispered, summoning the last of my strength. What was happening to me? Had I consumed so much alcohol that it led me to behave this way? I couldn't even move. "Oh, sunshine, it's just a party, and we're just two people looking to have some fun, right? What's the problem?" he said, continuing to touch me. "Sunshine... I know you want it," he claimed, then proceeded to kiss me all over. "No... no, I don't want it. I... I don't want any of this." "Why don't you quit pretending to be so innocent? Relax," he said before kissing me once more and starting to remove my dress. I felt like a fool, utterly disgusted, unable to believe how naive I had been, thinking he had merely wanted to show me his art collection. "Please, Richard, stop this," I implored, attempting to break free from his grip, but my efforts were in vain. "I hate you." "Oh, those are harsh words from your lovely mouth. My heart is shattered now," he laughed. As I struggled, I noticed something unusual. The door had opened. I distinctly remembered closing it. Had someone entered? Had anyone seen us or been watching us this whole time? Then I saw him. He was there, standing by the door. Oh God. Alex's silhouette stood there. Alex... this couldn't be happening.