"Aria, I totally get it. You have every right to feel the way you do," said Evelyn, Aria's childhood friend. "On one end, David worships the ground you walk on, and on the other end, he's so controlling over you. So it's just this dichotomous back and forth, and I get that it's too much to handle."
Aria signed as Evelyn poured wine in hers and Aria's wine glasses. They were sitting at Evelyn's home in their pajamas with some wine and popcorn. Evelyn was making sure Aria was doing okay after the break up.
"I love David, and I don't wish him any harm. He always took care of me and made sure I was wanting for nothing. He always made me feel safe and cherished me. But he always wants to know exactly where I am, telling me where I can't go, fighting with guys who even breathe in my direction, and I feel like he wants to keep me all to himself. I feel like I've lost myself in this relationship," Aria said.
"And it's so strange," Evelyn added, "that he's such a stoic, quiet person that does not show emotions. And to think that when he's with you, he's so enamored and controlling."
"Why is he like that?" Aria said.
"I've known David for many years. He has never been in love before. You are the only person he has been in love with in his life and I think because he is such a stoic person, he does not know how to handle it, so he ends up being possessive over you."
Aria sighed and put her face back in her hands.
"Honey, don't worry." Evelyn said, patting her on the shoulder. "It's not like you didn't try to work it out with him. You told him of this problem multiple times, and each time he was not able to change."
Aria paused, then asked "...How is he? Have you seen him?"
Evelyn sighed - "Hon, I'm not going to lie to you. He looks like a hot mess. Disheveled, dark circles under his eyes, this blank expression on his face..."
"Oh my God" Aria whimpered into her hands.
"Look, he's a big boy. He will deal. Now, how about we watch a fun movie to get your mind off of this? I know this breakup has been killing you. Everything will be fine, I promise."
——
Months past by. David would call once in a while, but, then stopped completely. Aria was not picking them up. Her heart would jolt when she saw his name flashing on her phone, but she knew the constant communication would make this harder. David had come by the house a couple times with flowers, but she asked her parents to tell him she was not home. Aria moved back in with her parents, who were also heart broken by the break up - they really loved David. David was very open about wanting to marry her and wanted her parent's approval, but Aria had asked him that they take more time getting to know each other. Aria's parents understood though that his jealous behavior had gone too far on several occasions.
——
It was time for the annual University Alumni Gala. The alumni community was getting ready for the gala to raise money for the charity cause.
Aria wore a tight off-shoulder dark red dress. She wanted to look sexy tonight... She had been single and in suit for work all the time, so she wanted to let loose.
She was worried that David might be there, since this is all the same group of friends and family that go to this event. She was hoping he could sit this out so she can just relax and have a good time. Maybe find a handsome guy to dance with?
——
David loosened his tie in the outside balcony of the banquet hall for the Gala. He was smoking a cigarette and leaning against the balcony fence.
"Hey David!" Gary called from inside the hall. David looked back at his best friend. "Come on in!" Gary ushered. He was with his wife Evelyn.
David put on a smile and put out his cigarette in the ash tray. He walked back into the hall and caught up with Gary and Evelyn.
"Good to see ya, man." Gary said, shaking David's hand. "Lookin' sharp."
David smiled and thanked him.
"Yeah David, you look good." Evelyn said sympathetically.
David smiled politely, but hated their pitiful smiles. He knew they were very well aware he has been a mess for the past few months.
"Thank you Evelyn," David said with another polite smile.
"Let's raise some money for our cause," Gary cheered. "But first, drinks. M'lady.." Gary held out his arm for Evelyn. Evelyn chuckled and held on. "We'll see in you inside, man."
"Sure, sure." David said. He watched his friends walk over to the bar and waved at a few people he knew. A couple more people came to shake his hand. As he greeted one of his friends, he looked up over at the door and froze.
There she was. She was walking into the hall, elegantly as ever. Her long hair cascaded down her back, over her bare shoulders. Her dress was tight and clung to her curves. Aria walked over to her friends at the registration table. She laughed at something they said. He felt his mouth dry up and something caught in his throat.
"David?"
"Hm..?" he snapped out of it and focused back on his friend. "Yeah, so sorry. Great to see you." he recovered himself quickly.
He walked directly to the bar inside the hall for a drink, or two....
——
Aria was having a great time. All of her friends were there and so were her cousins and family. Everyone liked her dress, the food was good, and the music was great. She did see that David was here, but he seemed to be keeping a distance, and so was she. The event was so big that they did not cross paths much at all. She happened to see that he was sitting by himself a lot, drinking, sinking into his chair and slouching over the table. She caught him eyeing her more than a few times. She was worried, but she tried to block it all out. It's like her body wanted to go and comfort him and take care of him, but her brain knew to stay away.
Aria was talking to a man sitting at her table. He was a lawyer, very charming, great conversationalist. He asked to dance with her to a slow song that had come on.
David sipped on his scotch at his table. His friends were out and about talking, some dancing. It really wasn't in him. He questioned why he even came here. He thought this would be a good change, but was really starting to regret it. Especially with Aria there, looking so beautiful and sexy. Watching her talk to that asshole was getting under his skin. Anger was boiling inside of him, but he knew acting on it would just make Aria upset. She was right about him - his jealousy would turn to aggression, and he expressed his anger in all the wrong ways.
He bitterly watched her walk over to the dance floor with that asshole. She put her hands on his shoulders and they began to dance to the slow song. David gripped onto his glass tighter.
"Hey, man. Buck up." David heard Gary say in a low voice "You're staring."
"Huh? Yeah, you're right." He looked up at Gary, who had come back to the table, and fixed his posture.
"Come on," Gary urged, looking at David's scotch glass. He noticed he had been drinking a lot. "The guys are all outside. Let's go smoke a cigar or something" Gary said.
