pulled me tight and hugged me.
“I'm sorry, sweetie,” she said.
“He cheated on me Chels,” I sobbed. “I can't believe that he was having sex with other women.”
“He's scum. He doesn't deserve you.”
“That’s what hurts the most,” I said as I pulled back and wiped my face, “I don't think he is scum, Chels. I saw something more in him. There is something deeper. More emotional and intimate.”
“It must not run very deep,” Chelsea said with an edge in her voice.
She was pissed at Brandon for hurting me. I knew she wouldn't want to hear anything good about him. She wanted less for me to say anything good about him.
“I broke up with him. I ended it because he cheated. I know that. Despite that – ”
“No. No. No. Don't even think it, Ashley.”
“Chelsea, you know me. You know I can't let go so easily.”
“Exactly my point. I know you can't let go easily. But it is what you need to do.”
“It's to final,” I sighed.
“Ashley, I love you. You're the sister I never had. That's why it makes me crazy to hear you talk like this.”
“He screwed around. He broke my heart. I don't know if I can ever get over that. But I had an undeniable attraction to him. I don't know if I can ever get over that either.”
“Ashley, right now he doesn't deserve that type of consideration. He fucked, who knows how many, other chicks behind your back. He doesn't get a free pass for that. Not now. Not ever.”
“I know. I was clear with him. I told him that it was over.”
“Now, you just need to convince yourself of that,” said Chelsea.
I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Chelsea was trying to give me some of her steel resolve. I wasn't there yet.
“I'm going to take my shower now. Maybe that will help me feel better,” I said.
“Good idea. There's a new carton of ice cream in the freezer. I'll meet you at the kitchen table with two spoons,” replied Chelsea.
I nodded my approval. I went into my bathroom and closed the door. I stripped and stepped into the shower. I let the hot water wash over me and loosen my tense muscles.
After my shower I put on a pair of pajamas and joined Chelsea at the kitchen table.
“What flavor?” I asked.
“Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough,” answered Chelsea.
“Great. Hand me a spoon.”
“A first step in moving on,” said Chelsea as she dug her spoon into the ice cream.
I followed her lead. Ice cream wouldn't fix everything, but it wouldn't hurt either.
My emotions were still raw. I knew that it would take time for the hurt and anger to go away. I also knew that Chelsea was right. I had no choice but to move on with my life.
Chapter 2
I had a restless night, but managed to get a few hours of sleep. When I woke I noticed that I had a text message from Brandon.
Brandon: Ashley, No words can express how sorry I am. Please give me a chance to explain...to make it up to you. Let's get away. We can go to the Hamptons like we planned. We can go anywhere you want. Just please call.
I was tempted to call. Then I thought better of it. I was afraid he would talk me into going away with him. I needed more time.
Chelsea knocked on my door.
“You up?” she called through the door.
“Come on in,” I answered.
I held up my phone.
“Text from Brandon,” I said.
“What did he say?” Chelsea asked.
I handed her my phone. She read his message.
“Tell him to go to Hell,” she said as she handed my phone back to me.
“Should I even respond?”
“No. You told him it was over. It's over. If I were you I'd delete him from my contacts and block his number.”
“I'm not sure...”
“I know you won't do that. I'm just saying what I would do. For now, at least, don't respond. Maybe he will get the hint.”
“Thanks for being here for me last night,” I said.
“No problem...Listen, I was thinking that you need a fun night out. No moping around allowed this weekend. And, before you say 'no', here me out.”
“Okay,” I said.
“Wes
Robert Ellis
Matthew S. Cox
M.T. Anderson
Quintin Jardine
Landon Parham
Liliana Hart
Fran Rizer
Howard Linskey
Mandy Magro
Allan Krummenacker