Hazel sat on her bed, her laptop open in front of her, and her heart heavy with regret. The scene from the lecture hall played over and over in her mind. The way she had slapped Ace, the stunned look on his face, and the whispers that had followed them out of the room. She had tried to focus on her studies, but the guilt was overwhelming. She knew she had to make things right with Ace, but he had been ignoring all her attempts to reach out.
She had sent him numerous messages, each one more heartfelt and apologetic than the last:
*Ace, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was frustrated and I took it out on you. Please, can we talk?*
*Ace, I miss you. I can't stop thinking about what happened. Please forgive me.*
*I know I messed up, Ace. You didn't deserve that. I care about you
