TILL MY LAST BREATH

CHAPTER 3: REJECTION

RAIN

I was awoken by a harsh tap on the shoulder. I opened my eyes and was greeted with a deadly look. I jumped in fright forgetting I was naked beneath the sheets. It hadn't registered in my mind that I was exposing my upper body until he grabbed my dress and threw it at me. With that he spoke the words I dreaded most. "Get your slutty ass out of my house now." "Oh and thank you I really enjoyed your services last night" he said in a disgusted tone.

His words pricked my heart to the very core. It took every ounce of strength in me to hold back my tears but I guess nothing ever goes in my favour. My own tears betrayed me and rolled down my cheeks freely showing the hurt I was feeling. "You don't mean that. I don't believe you" I said with tears rolling down continuously. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Listen I didn't order for a cry baby. Now leave! I mean how naive can you be? We just f****d and it's over, what do you expect me to do? Stay cuddled in bed all day with you? I don't even know you and you're a fool to just jump in my bed like you have some rights on me. You're nothing but a loose whor*re. At least I have you crossed out of my fucklist. He ended. "You're my first...". I said trying not to sound desperate or affected by his words. "Am I supposed to care?" he replied with a chuckle. "I'm going to take a shower, make sure you're gone by the time I'm done else you're gonna regret every coming here". He warned moving towards the bathroom.

I felt like my life was sucked right out of me. I felt used, like a dirty rag. How could I let this happen. I was always careful to avoid boys but now I not only chased after this one, but I ended up having s*x with him as well. God I don't even know his name. Way to go Rain. I mentally slapped myself.

I lifted myself off the bed and dressed up to leave. I didn't want another batch of insults coming from him because even though I try to be strong, his words always find a way to break my defenses.

I stepped out of the room and found the whole place a mess. I turned on my phone and was almost knocked out by the number of messages and calls I had received from Sarah. At least someone cared my thoughts replied. I shrugged and made my way towards the exit. I called Sarah as soon as I left his house. I just hope I can be myself from now on. I thought to myself.

After a few rings Sarah picked up and yelled from the other side of the line. "What the hell Rain? How can you just ditch me like that? I called you like forty times" "Erm actually it's thirty-five" I replied back. "Yeah whatever it's still close". She answered back. "I was so damn worried about you Rain. Why didn't you tell me you wanted to leave—". "Actually Sarah I never left the party. I was there till the very end and beyond". I cut in. "What do you mean till the end and beyond?" She asked and I could detect a hint of confusion in her voice. I sighed and replied, "I'll tell you about it later. I'll see you soon". I ended. "No wai—" her voice came through again but I already tapped on end call. I hailed a taxi and headed home.

Upon reaching my humble abode, please note the sarcasm, I whispered to myself, "Welcome to the real world now Rain".

Immediately I entered the house, a hand connected with my cheek making me fall to the ground hitting my head in the process. Fresh tears stung my eyes but I won't let them fall. My head remained down still shocked from the slap I just received. "Raise your head you little ungrateful b***h. I want to see your face as I inflict pain on you. I never thought you'd finally grow such huge wings to the point you'd steal my daughter's boyfriend away. But don't worry I'm gonna clip those wings beautifully for you". My aunt shouted. I frowned in confusion. Which boyfriend is she talking about?. Last time I checked, I don't even talk to boys because of her. I'm practically invisible in that school thanks to Brittany.

I didn't realize my aunt had left where she was standing and returned with something in her hand. She grabbed my hair roughly and brought the hot iron close to my face. "Oh I'm really gonna enjoy this. I'm gonna teach you a lesson you will never forget all the days of your miserable life. Fear crept through my entire body and I began to tremble and shake my head because I knew better than to talk. She dropped the iron on my thigh and I let out a piercing scream. "Oops it just slipped" She said. Taking the hot iron of my thigh roughly and I didn't miss the amusement her words held. My breath became uneven as I tried so much not to focus on the excruciating pain. The smell of burnt skin filled my nose. The tears flowed freely as I could no longer hold back them back for the pain was so unbearable.

"Mum I've got the belt". My cousin's voice sounded in the living room. "P-ple-please", I pleaded with unsteady breath. "Now you're sorry? You weren't so sorry when you made Dale send you to his room". Brittany yelled. My brows knitted together in confusion until it hit me, that guy I chased after is the Dale she's talking about. How pathetic of me, I didn't even know the name of the guy I had s*x with. I guess I truly I'm what he thinks of me. Nothing but a wh*re. Fresh tears trickled down my cheeks as I thought of my current situation and how Dale just threw me out like I was worth nothing. Am I that pathetic? I thought showing a sad smile.

"Just look at her, she isn't even remorseful. Just give me the belt Brittany, I'll give her something to be sorry about", my aunt said and just like that the air was knocked right out of my lungs when the belt came in contact with my skin. I knew it wouldn't make a difference if I screamed but I couldn't help it. The pain was just too much. It felt like I was put into a blazing furnace. Her hysteric laughter filled my head as the hits kept coming.

It went on for what felt like hours or even more. I lost track of the number of strokes that landed on my body. My body felt so weak that I could barely move at the time she stopped. "Stay the hell away from him. I won't tell you a second time for there won't be a second. You'll be dead before that and maybe I might repeat it to your corpse". Brittany's voice came through. I stayed immobile thinking when I was gonna draw my last breath and hopefully get to see my parents again because it was like I wasn't wanted in the world. Dying now might just save me another beating. I thought in distress. Dale. A lone tear escaped my eye. I felt so warm at the thought of his name. I didn't know why I thought of him even in this situation. It's a shame I'll never get to see him again. I thought as I closed my eyes—letting the darkness envelope me— hopefully forever.