Helena and Shane looked at my crestfallen face and then turned to look at the quickly receding back of their friend and simultaneously called out, “Wait! Wait! Aerin! Aerin!” They ran after her as she’d managed to disappear quickly into the tunnel that led to the exit out of the club.

Annie, Katy, and Rachel rushed to my side and held me up by my arms because my knees had buckled and my legs had given way.

“That was cold.”

“Who does she think she is?”

“Harley, you’re better off with Jack.”

I was too confused and stricken to react to anything they were saying, and I’m sure my shell-shocked state showed in my face. I’d suddenly grown cold and clammy all over, and my chest felt constricted. The ground underneath my feet suddenly felt unsteady, and tilted. The world felt like it was spiraling out of control.

I wasn’t sure if everything that had just happened was real, but the sudden pain in my heart felt real enough. Is this what it feels like when your heart starts to break?

I muttered, “I need air. Take me outside. Get me outta here. I need air.” I repeated over and over again.

My friends half dragged me down the tunnel, all loudly offering supportive statements. As we neared the door, I saw Veronica and Suzy step through the door, walking in the opposite direction, in the midst of conversation. They stopped talking and walked quickly to our little group, their faces reflecting concern.

“Harley, what happened? Are you alright?” Suzy asked solicitously.

“Oh my goodness! Sweetie, you look like death warmed over!” Veronica exclaimed at the same time. She’d grabbed my hand as she talked to me. “And your hands are so cold!”

“Aerin just dumped her,” Annie said. All their voices had sounded disjointed but hers seemed to carry a mix of venom and pleasure. In my confused state I thought I imagined it.

“In front of everyone!” Katy added with unbridled anger.

“Aerin dumped her?! No way!” Suzy exclaimed.

“I don’t believe it!” Veronica added she carefully laid my hand down.

I needed to get away from everyone. I had no idea where Aerin had gone to, and I needed to regroup. Thank goodness Katy had brought my bag.