I walked down the streets into the cold evenings. I was confused, it was cold but I was sweating. Thinking of how Ruth would sit me down, shout at me and then slap me for going back to Ace for the 8th time and resulting to him breaking me into unfixable pieces this time.

I walked till the end of the street which seemed completely devoid of any human trace. The estate was quite except the alcoholic boys who muttered incoherently to themselves as they sat by the basketball pitch.

I cried some more and wiped my tears then entered our house through the back door. I walked straight into my room with Ruth and met her pacing to and fro each time, pumping her fist on the walls.

"Cleo, Cleo, Cleo, Cleo, how many times did I call your name?" Ruth stated in a very serious mood and tone.

"Ruth, please, not this time again. I'm so stupid! I'm foolish! I found out that Ace is taking advantage of me again, but I am really sorry, I-I can't control myself. My love for Ace has taken over me and my heart. Ruth, I am sure that he made a mistake but I've learnt from that. I will not be stupid about it, I promise you that he's going to come back and apologize. I am helplessly in love with him. I don't know how to get rid of this feeling, Ruth. I've tried getting rid of this but it's as if he has picked me in something. Ruth, please help me, I really don't know what to do. I can't keep killing myself over someone who won't die for me but a part of me still has faith that Ace would change for me. Call me stupid but I can't help it!" I exclaimed crying my whole heart out.

I was broken but a part of me still needed to be broken before I would finally let go of the pain I am holding in. Ruth slapped me and then I fell on the bed with a bright red rash on the cheeks. She wanted to cry for me, because Ace didn't deserve her baby sister. He destroyed me to the highest level that I no longer think well again.

"Ruth, I'm sorry." I kept on repeating remorsefully as if it would take the pain away. I am breaking too much this time but I didn't care. I needed it out of me. I was sobbing on the floor, cold, and shivering but I couldn't care less. All that was bothering me was that I am helplessly in love with the wrong person, Ace.

My sister picked me up and dumped me in the bathroom like the unwanted trash I felt like. Even though I knew it was just my over exaggeration, a small part of me felt like Ruth is slowly beginning to get tired of me and my stupid problems.

"Have your shower, you would feel better, then you can come down for dinner or I could just bring your food up here." she said and left without waiting for a reply. I don't blame her. How do I expect her to want me when I, myself, don't even want me.

I stood up contemplating on the shower on jacuzzi but I ended up foing for the shower would be the perfect way of releasing and venting my emotions.

I slowly took off my clothes as if each layer of clothing I had on were significant. "These are the only things probably protecting me from further damage." I thought as I peeled off the clothes from my sweaty body. I released my long black and over curly hair down my back and a wave of relief washed over me.

I turned on the shower and stood under it, letting the cold water flow down from my hair to my butt cheeks. Every drop that fell from my shoulders, fell with a percent of pain. Just not enough. I felt a little relieved once I was done. At least I could see better and I felt better.

I picked a towel from the rack, holding it in my arms as I seethed at horrible art displayed in front of me. Looking in the mirror caused me pain but it also gave me the strength and courage that I needed to leave Ace for good. The scars and burns on my arms and neck were tormenting but I had no choice. It was my fault anyways.

I quickly wrapped the towel around me and sauntered out of the bedroom that suddenly felt caged. I saw Ruth sitting on the bed, thinking deeply. I knew she was concerned about me but she also had to understand that I loved Ace to the point where it hurt badly. I really can't live without him but I have to learn how to, because since he entered my life, the only thing I can describe him as is toxic.

"Ruth, it is really hard to let him go but teach me how to stop loving him! Please!"

"It's okay, but I need you to stop this madness first, hmm." She ordered or rather advised.

"Your food is on the bed side drawer." She added in a softer and soothing voice.

"Thank you for everything, Ruth. You've been here for me even when I didn't even want myself." I admitted for the umpteenth time.

"Hmm, it's fine." She replied.

•••

Cleo Davino is a 19 year old University student, studying Mass Communication. She lives in Cebu City, living with her Mother and Father, and then her elder sister, Ruth and younger sister, Lucy.

Ruth Davino, Cleo's sister, is a 21 year old student, who is also studying Mass Communication in their city.

Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Davino work in the same place. Mr. Davino being the boss, while his wife being his personal assistant. Chick, right?

•••

I was about to sleep when my phone vibrated and I turned it on to see Ace's message:

"Cleo, I am really sorry for what I did. It wasn't what it looked like. We were just kidding. You are the only one, baby. And I love you so much. Please, forgive me. I know you may not respond to me this night but please find a place in your heart to forgive me and give us a chance again."

After reading his message the images of what happened that afternoon came flowing in my head. I am really tired. Tired of pretending that everything is okay. Tired of loving the one person that made my life a living hell.

[FLASHBACK]

I was sitting with my sisters in the living room when the door bell rang. I stood up to open the door and I saw the Guard standing there.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am." the old but lovely man said.

"Good afternoon!" I replied with a smile.

"Someone wants to talk to you, Ma'am. He's waiting outside." he said.

"He's waiting outside...?" I said yet more like a question.

"Yes, Ma'am" he replied.

"Okay, kindly tell him to wait for a minute." I said and he left.

I thought of who it was as I walked to my room and wore my brown leather jacket on top of my white shirt. I grabbed my things and walked outside.

"I will be back in a jiffy!" I said to my sisters as I walked out.

I went outside and saw Ace sitting inside the car. He kissed my forehead as I entered the car and then he drove off.

"Hey, baby, where are we going?" I asked.

"I am taking my girlfriend out and I don't need her to ask so many questions." he said with a smile on his face.

I chuckled and took my phone to tell Ruth that I am with Ace and that I would be back in an hour. Of course she hissed, because she hates Ace.

We went to a restaurant and sat on a table. After placing our orders, he accidentally spilled the soup. So he excused himself to clean up. And that was when his friend Steve was calling. He called about 6 times so the next time he called, I decided to pick it up. Because after all, I am his girlfriend so I had the right to pick up his calls, I thought. But had I known what I was going to hear, I wouldn't have picked it.

Before I could speak, Steve spoke, "Hey, bro, I know you are together with that Cleo girl. Remember to play her well because we need the money. And oh! You must stop yourself from falling in love with her. Keep in mind that you are only in the relationship with that girl because of her father's money. And most importantly, you have a real girlfriend which is Natalie. She's waiting for you to come home, by the way."

"Well, Steve, you are speaking to Cleo girl. Goodbye." I said and without waiting for his reply, I ended the call, devastated.

I sat there annoyed, trying not to cry as I waited for Ace to come back in the mean time I called my uber.

"Baby, I'm so sorry for--"

"Baby my foot! When you're done playing with me because of my father's money, you can go back to your actual girlfriend. And help me tell Natalie that kudos for being such a jerk!" with that being said, I walked out of the restaurant. My uber was already there so I hopped on and he dropped me at the estate.

[FLASHBACK ENDS]

With the memory of what Ace did to me, I hissed and turned to my right. I prayed and then slept off.