Won't Get Fooled Again

Lily Thompson's boyfriend was still hollering as we left the precinct, while my boyfriend Paul Gibson had an arm around Lily's shoulder, as if asserting dominance.In a matter of minutes—with Lily siding with Paul too, her boyfriend bellowed, "I'm done! I'm breaking up with you!"As he stormed off, I wasn't bothered to watch Paul and Lily pretending to comfort each other, and got in the car.I was riding shotgun, but Lily suddenly caught my hand before I could put on the seatbelt, looking past me at Paul who got in the driver's seat, "I'm scared of sitting at the back alone…"As she spoke, her tears welled up in her eyes, at once bright and innocent.And as she finished, her tears quietly rolled down her cheeks.But it just so happened that delicate appearance was what Paul loved.Still, I snapped at Lily impatiently, "Then walk home yourself."The ensuing silence was cold and forbidding, and Paul soon snapped coldly, "How could you be so vile, Jessica?! It's so cold out here,

Paul froze in shock, and it took a while for him to stammer, "It's all just a misunderstanding. It's just photos from Lily's birthday.""You know that she doesn't have a family—I was just taking photos with her as her brother."As he spoke, he was afraid to look me in the eye.It left me snickering—he actually had a conscience?Lily's parents and Paul's parents were friends for years, and they grew up together.But one day, Lily's parents got into an accident on the way to pick up Paul, and with their dying breath, they entrusted Lily in his care.That was why Paul felt guilt, and was really doting on Lily.At first, there was proper distance between them. However, they were virtually glued to each other now.As such, his explanations were absolutely feeble to me.Still, I fought back tears and said quietly, "I'm fine. Don't worry. If you marry her—"Even before I finished, Paul slapped me across the face, knocking me to the floor, leaving a clear red palm print that soon swe

I never apologized even as Paul carried Lily away.I watched them being ever so sweet to each other, but I could no longer stop my stomach, and threw up into a sink.I vomited so hard that I was getting dizzy, and after some hesitation, I ended up calling a cab to the hospital—one that was far from my house to avoid those two.But somehow, I ran into them anyway.Paul was princess-carrying Lily, while she affectionately wiped the sweat off his brow."Oh, that's so sweet!"Many of the ladies watched with envy, while others grumbled at their men, "There's him, and there's you! Tch!"Lily was left embarrassed, and pouted at Paul to let her down.Paul refused, however, until he spotted me sitting down the hallway.He paused for a moment, but kept carrying Lily."What are you doing here?" He asked, and then chuckled as he remembered. "It's too late even if you want to apologize now."Before he could gloat further, he saw the box of pills I was holding."You're sick?" He exclaime

Neil had a pained look as he watched me from the rearview mirror.Still, the blind date was held in a rush, and I didn't bring much luggage with me.However, Neil had me sent to a makeup artist and other salons to make a good impression.When it was done, I stared at my pretty reflection in the mirror, spacing out.I had no idea when I became so obsessed with Paul in heart and mind, that I became a fishwife who hollered just like him, and became a servant at his beck and call.My youth would have been a golden period in my life, but I had lived just like a hag.Neil's tears welled up in his eyes, but he forced a smile and teased me, "Ah, my sister's so beautiful. Mr. Jones would fall head over heels for you!"Then, clapping me on the shoulder, he assured me, "I've checked. He's a good kid."I nodded, my eyes could well be dead—it didn't matter now.And no matter how bad Tim might be, he wouldn't be all that bad.-Tim was different from how I had remembered him when he arriv

Things went well for myself and Tim—we were soon discussing marriage, a fulfilling end to a blind date that had been postponed for five years.While I used to dream of wearing a gown I designed myself to walk down the aisle, I had to give up before as Paul called it plain and forbade me from using it at all.Now, I was marrying someone else instead, so I resumed the design that was left half done.When I went out to buy the many adornments that were needed, Tim was insistent on coming with me as he said, "Getting married is a matter for two. How could I leave everything to you?"It was certainly a stark contrast to Paul's apathetic attitude before, and Tim's words left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.Still, I was conservative and dislike trying new things, so I stuck with the outlets that I frequented.The retailer was especially enthusiastic today as well, insisting on promoting new products even when I tried to leave.I didn't think much of it, and bought more stuff as I tho