When Paul brought his girlfriend over to the flat, his dad stared at him in disbelief, a cold sweat spreading across his face. That was the first time Paul felt truly betrayed a lesson that stuck with him forever.
Paul had always been insecure about his height. As a little kid in a nursery in Manchester, he was the smallest one there even the girls seemed taller than he was. He never had mates, spent his playtime alone, and whenever other kids swiped his toys he just swallowed his anger, never complaining to his parents.
School didnt change much. He was nicknamed Shorty, got teased, and the only thing he could do was clench his fists tighter. When the bullying got unbearable, he begged his folks to sign him up for a sports club.
A few years later, nobody would have recognised him. Hed bulked up, his body turned muscular and fit. By the time he reached Year 9, the girls started to notice him, but Paul still clung to the hurts from his childhood and kept everyone at arms length.
First romance, first heartbreak
University turned his life around. He grew more confident, clicked with people easily, and the girls seemed to like him a lot.
Thats how he met Alice a student who rented a flat in Leeds. At first he just walked her to the lift, but one evening she invited him up. Their relationship kicked off from there.
Still, it didnt bring him real happiness. One night, listening to his gut, he said, Lets get married.
Alice laughed. Paul, youve got your whole life ahead of you! Youre goodlooking, sporty, and trust me, youll have plenty of girls. You can date whoever you want and then pick the best one.
Are you serious? Pauls voice went cold.
Of course! she shrugged. Ive got a fiancé. Hes the most handsome and welloff bloke in the neighbourhood, sends me money so I dont have to stay in the dorm. We only see each other during holidays, and I spend nights with you.
Her words cut him right through.
So Im just a temporary option? he asked, bitterness creeping in.
Paul, I actually like you! But you know the drill
Paul stood up and started gathering his things.
You mad? Alice teased, watching him. Good thing you found out the truth now. Just dont trust girls straight away. Get to know them before you hand over your heart.
He walked out feeling used.
Home comfort after shattered dreams
Back at his flat, he tossed his suitcase by the door.
Mum, whats wrong? his mother asked, worry in her voice. No wedding then?
Yeah, a bust, Paul replied briefly, pulling a ring out of his pocket. Here, youll need this more than I do.
His mum looked at the ring, a soft sigh escaping her. Its a lovely ring. Ill wear it myself, she said. Come into the kitchen, Ive baked your favourite scones and brewed some mint tea. Lets sit, have a chat.
The warmth and care she gave him filled the gap that had been growing these past few weeks.
Another blow to his pride
At university Paul tried to stay away from Alice, but she acted as if nothing had happened. After lectures shed stroll arminarm with Konstantin, whispering, then disappear down a side corridor.
Paul realised her words were just an excuse. Hed been a shortterm fling, a standin until a better option came along. That thought left a sour taste in his mouth.
A few days later another test popped up.
Paul, come to my birthday! Tamara, one of the prettiest students in his year, said out of the blue.
Was this a genuine chance at something real or just another trap?
