writing_shadows

2008

Isabelle's hand tingles from where she slapped Jonah. She's never hit someone in anger in her entire life. Her whole body is flooded with heat and shame as she tries to read the brief. She recognises that it's over now, that it should never have started in the first place. The next time they have a moment to themselves, they split amicably. It doesn't take long for her hard feelings to dissipate and leave just friendship.

2005

Isabelle stops mid-sentence. Too aggressive, the little voice says. Move back. And she does. She always does. Isabelle learns other people's lessons, and they serve her well.

Ian moves back too, the growl dying in his throat. He slams the door as he leaves, and he'll never come back. Not to her. No goodbyes are given or received. When she meets him years later, she's not sure if she's forgiven him for that, but all the other bad feelings have faded into the background.

2000

Isabelle feels guilty about the relief she feels when Gavin breaks up with her. He's got a high powered job and is full of self-importance, and no longer wants to be seen with a poor girl like her, taking Open University classes. She almost laughs when he walks out of the restaurant and leaves her with the bill. That's the last she sees of him, and she's glad. They went together for two months, and it was still her longest relationship since

1996

Isabelle is walking along darkened streets, half blind with tears and paying no attention to her surroundings. Raphael's words echo in her ears. He doesn't think she loves her, and there's nothing else she can do to convince him now. It was all a game. She's destroyed.

2009

Isabelle sits in her car, her hands shaking as she stares at herself in the rearview mirror. She moves her gaze to the steering wheel as she slides the key into the ignition. He's mistaken, and it's better for both of you he realises that now, the little voice says, and she listens again. She is more confident now that she won't be losing herself in her emotions again. Love may be a battlefield, but the war won't be hers anymore. There are other battles, and some of them she can win.