When He Slapped Me for Her, I Erased Him Forever

Synopsis

During a heated argument with my childhood friend, he snapped and slapped me across the face—right in front of everyone. That was the day I deleted every trace of him from my life. Everyone was stunned. Brian and I had been inseparable since we were kids. For as long as I could remember, I’d looked up to him, following him like a shadow for nine years. 'Why, Gabrielle? Really? Just because of that one slap?' He sounded so confused, like he couldn’t wrap his head around it. 'Yes. That slap was enough,' I replied firmly, without hesitation. ===================== When Brian’s hand connected with my face, it took a second for my brain to process what had just happened. The crack of the slap echoed in the air, and I stumbled back, my head spinning from the impact. At first, my left cheek just felt warm, but then the searing pain set in, spreading like wildfire. I cradled my face, staring at him in utter disbelief. Brian Robinson, the boy I’d known since we were toddlers, had just hit me—during a stupid argument with some transfer student—in front of the entire class. For a split second, he looked as shocked as I was, but then his expression hardened again, anger and frustration twisting his features. 'Can you stop causing drama, Gabrielle? Sit down!' he barked. A few kids stifled laughs, but most just watched in silence, waiting to see how this would play out. Mae Parker, standing next to Brian, casually twirled a strand of her perfect chestnut hair and let out a bored sigh. 'Oh, Brian, come on. Can’t you see your little princess