The Man We Both Loved

Chapter 4: Breaking Point

For some strange reason, I wished it were Damien who had come.

Then her voice broke the silent room.

“Elo, are you…” Tari screamed as she ran toward me, her shoes clattering against the floor. I was curled up near the tall fridge, folding myself into the smallest shape possible.

My eyes welled up as I saw a tear glinting on the corner of hers.

“Elo, what have you done!” She snatched the blue lighter from my hand. Her gaze fell on the raw, angry red mark on my thigh. “You promised me you’d never do this again. If I hadn’t come in now, you would have done worse!”

“Promised?” I whispered, tears streaming freely. She nodded, taking my hands in hers.

“Days after your father’s burial, you promised me you’d never harm yourself again, and you begged me to keep it a secret, which I did.”

My chest tightened, heat rising to my face as shame and regret slammed into me.

“I’m sorry, Tari. I couldn’t… it was too hard,” I sobbed, my body giving out as I leaned against her, shaking.

“It’s okay. I know you’ve been pushed to your limit,” she murmured, stroking my back. “Cry as much as you need. I’m here.”

We sat like that for a few moments, the silence thick, heavy with things left unsaid.

Finally, I lifted my head, my voice trembling. “Do you… Do you think I’m not sexy?”

She let out a deep sigh, her gaze softening. For some reason, that question felt like the only thing I needed to hear. The only thing my heart could focus on.

She brought my face to hers, her thumb brushing my cheek. “How could you even think that?” she said softly. “You are one of the prettiest girls I know. Curves in all the right places, hair that could make anyone jealous… all the things every girl wishes for.”

I looked into her eyes and kissed her cheek impulsively. She gently pressed her hand over mine, stopping me from saying more.

“Don’t ever think badly of yourself because of what one jerk said.”

“Right. I… I won’t,” I whispered, managing a shaky smile.

She smiled back, and for a brief moment, the world felt lighter.

“You know,” she said, brushing through my hair, “you looked stunning in that red dress. Did anyone tell you that?”

I’d almost forgotten, the red dress Dad had ordered for today, my twenty-first birthday, the one he had been on his way to pick up before the accident five months ago. Tari had always adored my hair, had even joked about dyeing hers blond someday to match it.

“You just did. That’s all that matters. Thank you,” I said softly.

“You’re welcome,” she replied, standing. “Now wipe those tears and stop being a p***y over what that asshole said. This is the real Tari. Commanding. Always a vibe.”

I laughed, a small, shaky sound. “Did I really behave like a mess? I barely played the game and just ran off.”

She shook her head, pulling me to my feet. “Not really. Caspain was the real jerk. And everyone else? His little yes-men.”

I laughed harder, the tension in my chest easing slightly. But as our laughter died down, we were again swallowed by silence, just staring at each other. I would always be grateful for her: blunt, bossy, yet impossibly kind underneath it all.

“Okay,” she finally said, breaking the quiet. “If you’re good now, we can leave. Better if you sleep at my place. It's late.” She held out her hand.

“Sure. We…”

A familiar, irritating voice sliced through the tense air.

“There you are.”

Tari stepped aside, and there he stood, Caspain, perfectly calm, as if nothing had happened.

“What are you doing here, you scumbag?” I snapped, stepping forward. “What do you mean? You walked away from the game. I got worried. Are you okay?”

“What exactly do you need?” I asked, my patience gone.

“To know if you’re okay,” he said plainly.

“Caspain, you humiliated me in front of everyone! And here you are, acting like it's nothing,” I yelled.

“Elo, calm down. I was just protecting you,” he said, reaching toward me.

“Protecting me?” I repeated, my voice sharp. “From what? From them? Or from them knowing people dating can do worse?”

“I was protecting your dignity,” he said firmly.

“To hell with your dignity!” I shot back. “Just leave me alone, Caspain. Go home.” I turned to Tari, signaling her to take me away.

“To yours or mine?” she asked.

“To mine. I don’t want to see anyone tonight,” I replied, shoving past Caspain.

“Elo, please… hear me out. I didn’t mean it the way you took it, I can't sleep,” he said, trying that fake sweet tone.

“Then don’t sleep,” I snorted.

“Frank told me to come apologize… that I didn’t handle it right,” he mumbled, scratching his head. That was all. He didn’t come because he wanted to. He came because Frank told him to. And that’s when it struck me — he’s completely ruthless.

“Caspain… do you even love me?” I asked, tears blurring my vision.

He hesitated. That was enough to answer.

“Take care of yourself,” I said, stepping into Tari’s car.

“I’ll always be here if you need me,” he called as the car pulled away.

“Tell that to Frank, sulker. He needs it,” I screamed back, flipping him the middle finger.

~

I walked to our gate and noticed it was locked. My fingers trembled slightly as I pulled out my phone and tried calling Mom several times, but there was no answer. Finally, I sent her a message.

TO MOM

ME: Where are you? Is everything okay? The gate is locked, and I’ll be sleeping over at Tari’s. Take care.

I watched the little “Delivered” appear on the screen and sighed. She must have been swamped at work, or maybe she had fallen asleep. Either way, I wasn’t going to wait any longer.

The drive to Tari’s house was quiet, city lights streaking past the window. I pressed my forehead to the glass, staring at the polished streets and manicured lawns, feeling a familiar pang. Tari's parents had given her everything: comfort, space, ease. Mom and I had worked our asses off just to keep the lights on. Nights like this made the difference ache in my chest.

As soon as we got inside, I went straight to Tari’s room. Without even removing my dress or cleaning my makeup, I collapsed onto her huge, inviting bed. The soft sheets swallowed me instantly, and for the first time all evening, I felt a little relief.

Cuddling against Tari’s warmth, listening to her calm, even breathing, I felt safer than I had in hours. And yet, deep down, a tiny ache remained. I wished it were his strong hands cuddling me.