Melissa was stuck on the floor, with tears flowing from her eyes. She just couldn't get herself off the floor. It was as if gravity was pinning her to the ground. While she was on the floor, she went through the photos she took with her then boyfriend (now ex), Nathan, on her phone.
She came across one photo which they took together on her 25th birthday and her mind went back to that moment. It was one of the happiest days of her life. That fateful day, she woke up to the sweetest romantic text she had ever gotten. Next, she got a delivery which came from Nathan. It was a brand new smartphone followed by a heart-melting letter. Melissa kept receiving gifts almost every hour from Nathan. He really outdid himself, but he wasn't done yet. That evening, he threw a party for Melissa.
He bought out an entire classy restaurant just to use it as the venue for Melissa's birthday party. A few friends were invited to the party, and they had a lot of fun. Nathan made her feel extra special that day. He made her feel she was the center of his world. Midway into the party, Nathan presented to Melissa the keys to the brand new car he bought for her. She was so excited. Her joy at that moment was immeasurable.
"You have no idea how much I love you" Melissa said as she gave Nathan a hug.
"You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. You deserve this and more, my love", Nathan replied.
Melissa sobbed more as she reminisced about that moment.
She swiped to another photo. It reminded her of the time they spent together on vacation in the Maldives. They lodged in a five-star hotel. They spent quality time by the beach, cuddling and enjoying the beautiful night view of the ocean and its waves. They had a whole week to themselves, enjoying each other's company. She remembered how they played like children all over their hotel room. They also visited cool tourism sites, taking cool pictures. At this point, Melissa's tears were all over her phone screen. Her heart was already broken, but it broke even more.
As Melissa kept looking at more photos of her and Nathan, she remembered how she took the risk of missing work for three days just so that she could take care of Nathan who was sick during that period. She cooked, cleaned, fed him. She basically took care of him until he got better. Melissa put so much into that relationship.
While Melissa looked back at those moments, she was so engrossed that she didn't hear her mum calling her until she was tapped on the shoulder by her mum.
"Melissa, I've been calling your name for quite some time now" her mom said.
"Sorry mom. I didn't hear you" Melissa relied.
"You have been crying again. My dear, you can't keep crying over Nathan. He doesn't deserve you. Now come and have your meal. If I leave you alone, you will stay here crying your eyes out on an empty stomach", her mom said as she left the room.
Melissa reluctantly managed to get herself off the floor of her room and made her way to the dining room where her mother was waiting for her. As she ate, she found it difficult to accept the fact that Nathan really cheated on her and a relationship sacrificed so much for had ended. What hurt her the most was the fact that Nathan cheated on her with her best friend, Chloe. It was like a dream for Melissa. Chloe has been her best friend since childhood. They practically grew up together. She just couldn't understand why or how Chloe could do this to her. Her world was shattered when she found out about their affair.
She remembered the confrontation she had with Nathan.
"How could you do this to me, Nathan? I trusted and loved you with everything in me", Melissa said in tears.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I loved you but somehow I fell out of love. I'm in love with Chloe now, and she's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with", Nathan replied.
As Melissa remembered those words Nathan said, it was as if she had been stabbed in the heart. Melissa felt like a fool for not seeing the signs. Nathan and Chloe had always been good friends, but Melissa never suspected that there could be something more to it.
Melissa wondered what she did wrong. She began questioning and doubting herself.
"Was I a bad girlfriend? Was I a terrible friend?" Melissa wondered to herself.
As she ate her meal, Melissa resolved within her to move on with her life and forget about Nathan and Chloe. She didn't want to be stagnant while they enjoyed their lives. She was going to pick up the pieces of her life. She also vowed never to trust anyone blindly, because she knew that she could not afford to go through such a heart-break ever again.