***

That night I felt down. My eyes were swollen and my mouth seemed bitter. I couldn't believe he'd done this to me. Keisha joined me in my room.

"Sha, you might be angry with me but we need to talk."

"I'm not angry with you."

"Okay girl, tell me something."

I looked at her.

"After what happened, do you think Josh loves you?"

I shook my head no.

"Good. Thank goodness you've finally admitted it. I know you knew it a long time ago but you chose to believe otherwise."

I felt tears roll down my cheeks again.

"Josh is– He is a bastard!" I sniffed, "A wicked bastard!"...