More than a memory

Chapter 10

House of memories

Roxanne

I didn't really know how I got here... I agreed on dating Damon because I hoped he could help me with my flaws and career. Slowly but steadily he managed to destroy my self-esteem lime no one ever managed before. I became self conscious, I hated myself for not being like the other dancers and did everything possible to look more like them. Damon was my boyfriend in theory... But until I didn't start to lose weight he always flirted with others in front of me and whenever I wanted to end our relationship he laughed in my face saying.

- Who would want you? After they'll figure it out that we dated you won't be more than a chewed and spit out bone. Not to mention your career. So shut your pretty mouth or use it for something else. - he destroyed me. All that I loved he took away and I didn't know why I couldn't just slap him and leave. I've done worse things for myself, yet there were days when he was so sweet and caring that he made me believe that we were fine... Until the next storm. Our biggest fight was on the day of the biggest storm. The clouds were only gathering when it started. Damon rushed into my apartment without saying a word and threw the newspaper on the table.

- What's wrong? - I asked and hated that my voice sounded so lost and helpless.

- Read! - he shouted and grabbed my head from behind pushing it closer to the newspaper. There was a picture of me laughing with one of the male dancers and the headline said "Love behind the curtains?"

- This is a lie and you know it. - I said and he yanked my head forcing me to look into his eyes.

- Really? Is it?

- Yes. - this was when I received the first punch. It made my head dizzy and I couldn't open my eyes for a couple of minutes.

- All my friends are laughing at me! They say that I was so blind that you could cheat me in front of my nose! They were right, I never should have trust a Latina woman! - he shouted but I didn't care anymore. I felt a smile appearing on my face.

- Leave me then. - I said and that was when he hit me the second time. This time he hit my side and I gasped for air.

- GET IT INTO YOUR STUBBORN HEAD... YOU ARE MINE! - Damon screamed and I couldn't held back a chuckle. I knew he might kill me at thia rate bit I didn't care anymore. One way, or another, but I wanted this to end. While he basically snarled at me, his nostrils got wider and all the veins on his neck filled with his rushing blood.

- Let. Me. Go. - I said and he laughed before he kissed me. I didn't kiss him back which caused me to receive the third hit. This time he hit my face with such force that my lip cur and the taste of my own blood filled my mouth. Something took over me. I grabbed Damon's hand and twisted it until he groaned with pain. His furious expression changed into a frightened one while he slowly released my hair. I wanted to rip his head off. At that moment I felt like I was able to do it. After he released me I grabbed my bag and ran out of my own apartment into the raging storm. The wind blew so strongly that it almost knocked me off of my feet, but at least it helped for my lungs to get filled again. I looked at my phone but there was no signal. I had nowhere to go but I didn't dare to go back home. It popped into my head that Jerry lived nearby and I headed to his apartment. He was so sweet and caring. After he left the bathroom I looked into my beaten up reflection. I hated that I couldn't stop him. I was just a f*****g shadow of my real self. How could I let Damon to destroy me? How could I allow this? How could I be so naive to think he loved me? I took a bath and got changed into the clothes Jerry lent me. Only then I realized that I was wearing a woman's PJ pants. A sudden sense of guilt hit me... I never thought of the possibility that Jerry had a girlfriend. Why wouldn't he? He is sweet, caring, and kind. How could a man like him be single? There was no way back. I'll clear the air with his girlfriend tomorrow somehow but I need a shelter today and I know this sounds selfish but I needed his company tonight.

Jerry placed the pizza in front of me and my stomach grumbled loudly at the sight of its dear friend.. Carbs! I haven't eaten much since I started dating Damon and this single pizza meant the paradise for me at that moment. Jerry didn't ask again what happened, he just sat on the couch and told me to join him for a film. The lights went out and that moment something wonderful happened in front of my eyes. Jerry got up and with the help of his flash light started to bring pillows and blankets. He quickly built something similar to a tent. He filled the inside with something that I couldn't see well and after ten minutes he said with a large smile.

- Let me introduce you the plan C! - Jerry said and switched a light. The tent illuminated with tiny light bulbs. Inside he made a huge pail of pillows and filled the tent with snack and soft drinks. He opened the "door" for me and I took a seat. Shortly after Jerry put his laptop between us and turned to me.

- What would you like to watch? Something funny? Scary? Romantic? - I smiled at him and this was the first time he looked into my eyes. Due to the dull lights I still couldn't tell his eye color but I was happy to be with him.

- Chose something. - I said out of reflex. I've got used to let everything for Damon to decide. Jerry lifted his eyebrow and grinned.

- I've a great special ability to ruin situations like this. - he said and I chuckled, after that his voice turned a little more serious while he said.

- Since I've decided not to ask anything tonight, I don't want to chose something that might upset you. So please, be my guest. - I smiled at him and checked out the movies he downloaded. I got super excited because he had many movies I loved.

- Let's watch this! - I said and noticed that my voice sounded exactly like an excited teenage girl's. Jerry smiled.

- Great choice, but we need something else for that. - he said and got out of the tent. For a second I got afraid being alone in the dark. I heard him opening the fridge. Jerry climbed back and handed me a spoon.

- I ate the half of it but the other half we can share. - he said while he offered me my favorite ice-cream.

- Such a shame we aren't stuck in my apartment. - I said.

- Yeah. We could clean a crime scene now instead of watching 50 First dates and eating ice-cream. There is always a next time! - he said and I saw that his spoon blended a bit in his hand. I couldn't hold back my laughter this was too perfect. We watched movies until his laptop and portable battery gave up the fight. The storm was still raging and at that moment I wished it would last forever. Jerry made the bed in the guest room for me and before leaving me alone he said from the door.

- Call me if you need anything. Seriously

- Thank you Jerry!

- Sweet dreams Tiny dancer... - he said and a familiar feeling warmed up my tortured heart. I didn't want to close my eyes because I wanted this feeling to last just a little more...