The table was filled with sounds of chatter and dishes being scraped with forks and knifes. The headache increasingly pounded in Michelle's head and she felt the acidy bile rising up her throat. She took a deep breath and excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Michelle pushed the swing door and entered the small cramped bathroom, leaning against the cool tile sink. She gazed at the reflection of the mirror and was shocked to see a whole new different person staring back. She didn't look like herself; she didn't even FEEL comfortable in her own skin. Wanting to scratch off her flesh and begin a new phase.

But no, she felt dirty, used and disgusted with herself. The touches of Matt still left a burning sensation on her skin, even after she scrubbed her body raw. A one-night stand that had left a scar on her. Instead of never seeing him again, he was right there in front of her, eating with her sister and laughing.

He never once acknowledged her presence, but gave unwelcome sexual vibes. Almost taunting her with their lewd secret that they shared. She prayed that he didn't tell anyone, but she was kidding herself. She could hear the whispering behind her back about how good she was and the lust-full stares that Matt and Tony gave.

She wasn't like that. No, she wasn't used to the one-night stands or even having a boyfriend. But this, this left a mark. Telling everyone how easy she was. Just a few winks here and there, give a little touch and in your bed.

This wasn't her, but it was becoming of her.

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Jeremiah watched Michelle excuse herself to go to the bathroom. She had been quiet throughout lunch, occasionally giving one-worded answers. He didn't blame her. The gazes and vibrations, Tony and Matt gave when they thought no one was looking. The way she acted had all changed from what he had saw last night, before Matt whisked her off.

Her sense of innocence was gone and in replace was emptiness. She was probably changing into something she didn't want.

She was reaching out for someone to help her, but no one noticed. They were too busy, too busy to aware that she was drowning.

He noticed and he wanted to save her before she was completely gone. He wanted to know more about her. Why she was always so sad, so broken? He didn't know the voids in her heart, but he wanted. . .no, needed to know. He needed to know why her eyes were so distant, why there were so many signs of misery written all over her face? He needed to know.

Because his heart needed to know.