Seven Minutes in Hell

Luca couldn't get away fast enough. Watching his retreating back, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by a cold hand.

I followed him stealthily, hiding behind a shipping container. I watched as Luca and Fiona crashed into each other’s arms.

Fiona pulled out a skimpy swimsuit, but Luca told her he wanted to "put it on her" himself. They laughed like teenagers, their hands all over each other, before things got graphic.

Fiona was breathless, complaining that the container was too rough against her skin.

Luca just nipped her ear. "There’s a first time for everything, babe. Doesn't the adrenaline make it better?"

"You’re terrible!"

"Hahaha! That idiot has no clue we’re doing this right behind her back while she ‘guards’ the boat for us."

"You’re so bad! If Angelina’s father ever found out, he’d have your head on a platter."

"Psh. You wouldn't let him. You’d miss this too much."

I stood behind the cold steel of the container, my nails drawing blood from my palms. Tears finally broke through. Every word felt like a jagged needle to the heart.

"Alright, we gotta make this quick. Angelina’s waiting."

"No... I’m not done with you yet."

I had never seen Luca like this—reckless, vulgar, like a completely different person.

I turned to leave, but my foot slipped on the slick wood of the pier. Before I could catch myself, I tumbled into the freezing water.

The shock hit me like a physical blow. The water closed over my head. I surfaced, gasping, and grabbed the edge of the dock.

"Luca! Luca, help me!"

I screamed until my throat was raw, but nobody answered. I clung to the dock with one hand and managed to pull my phone out with the other. I dialed Luca’s number. Over and over.

No answer. He was too busy in his own world.

Finally, on the twentieth try, he picked up. He sounded annoyed. "Angelina, I’m still checking the engine! Stop calling me, you’re stressing me out. If the engine blows, we're stuck here."

"Luca... I fell in," I sobbed, my voice shaking with cold. "Please, help me... I can't get up..."

Luca just scoffed. "God, stop being so dramatic. The water at the dock isn't even deep. Just climb out yourself. You Boston girls are so high-maintenance."

My hand slipped. I went under again, the salt water burning my throat. I thrashed blindly until my fingers brushed against a floating wooden plank.

The call was still active. I could hear Fiona’s giggles and Luca’s heavy breathing in the background. They heard me drowning, and they didn't care.

Given the choice between love and lust, he chose lust every single time.

I clung to that plank, my tears disappearing into the ocean. In that moment, the last bit of love I had for him died.