How to Be a Heartbreaker

She stares at herself in the bathroom mirror, eyes focused on the deep purple bruise forming around her cheekbone. Her fingers trace over it, feeling the puffiness of her own flesh. It hurts, but she grits her teeth and deals with it.

She starts applying cover-up in an attempt to make the bruise less visible. Charlie’s suddenly in the doorway, eyes moving over the bruise and Willa stills for only a moment.

“I love you,” he says quietly. She doesn’t say anything, but continues applying the makeup. Charlie’s still there.

“I know you do,” she finally says. Her eyes meet his and he smiles. He leaves and she is alone again.

Quietly she closes the door to the bathroom, and returns to the mirror. Her skin looks washed out in the fluorescent lights and she can still see the bruise. She was wearing their love on her cheek.

She didn’t know when she started crying, but when she stopped, she carefully dried her face, clearing it of ruined make up before starting over.