Love’s Slap
Chapter 1
We were arguing, Jason and I, when he
suddenly slapped me across the face, right in
front of everyone.
That same day, I deleted his contact info.
Everything.
Everyone was shocked. Jason and I had
grown up together. I’d had a crush on him
since forever, practically chased after him for
nine years.
“Why, Ashley? Just because of a slap?”
He looked bewildered.
“Yes. Just because of a slap.”
I said it with absolute conviction.
- 1.
When Jason’s hand connected with my cheek,
I didn’t even register what had happened at
first.
A dull “smack” echoed and I stumbled my
<
nead ringing.
My left cheek flared, hot, then burning.
I covered my face, staring at him in disbelief.
My childhood friend, Jason, had just slapped
me, in front of the entire class, all because of
an argument with the new girl.
Jason’s face stiffened as the reality of what
he’d done hit him. But the look was quickly
replaced by anger and impatience.
“Can you just stop causing a scene, Ashley!
Go back to your seat!”
A few snickers rippled through the classroom,
but most just watched the drama unfold in
silence.
Brianna, the new girl, stood beside Jason,
twirling a strand of her perfect auburn curls.
“Geez, Jason, what was that? Didn’t you see
your little princess is about to cry?”
Jason’s voice turned icy.
“Ashley, if you’re going to cry, go home and
<
cry! This is school, not your personal pity
party.”
Humiliation,, and anger welled up inside
me, and tears spilled down my cheeks.
As the boys‘ laughter intensified, I bolted
from the classroom.
I didn’t know where I was going, but I couldn’t
stay in that room. I couldn’t face them.
Jason had never been particularly patient with
me, but this was the first time he’d ever hit
- me.
More than that, it was the first time anyone
had ever slapped me.
