Second Hand Embarrassment Artinya Novels & Stories

I try speaking but my throats remain sore for some reason, I turn red from embarrassment. I would never have been so insecure, I had masturbated knowing well a man was in the room right next to me, The highest level of insecurity, I wish there is something I could do to make it all go away. Somehow I feel like the painting has got something to do with it, the awkward manner in which the painting stared back at me while I did what I did. I soak myself deep into the tub covering myself well wanting nothing but to wash off if possible the memory of what had just happened.

“Oh, wait a second, you didn’t!” Everyone else in the room were suffering from second-hand embarrassment and were uncomfortable to the point that they didn’t want to interfere. Or maybe they just didn’t want the extra burden already embroidered the lining of their heartstrings. They just let the skirmish rage on like a bongo circle fouring to the floor of their eardrums while the two dance around the sombrero bonfire. But whether they liked it or not, the adversaries will rack the rest of the ranks to their ridiculous ridicules. “If you appreciated everything I did for you even half as your level of disrespect, then your mother still would probably be alive today.”

Jai said. “What’s a second hand embarrassment? I get the embarrassment part,” Darrion asked, seemingly looking confused. “It’s when someone is doing something embarrassing, but you also feel the embarrassment even though it doesn’t have to do anything with you,” Jai explained. “Oh that kind of humiliation, I get it. We don’t call it like that here, just, well, embarrassed,” Darrion told him. He then smiled at Jai. “Aww~ Your memories returning bit by bit. You did good this time remembering that one.”

I am reminded of how strange and awkward that request of mine was, and now that it is directly from his lips, it even becomes even more strange, and if someone hears it without context, they will immediately make a wrong idea. “Can you not say it like that?” I couldn’t help but interject. He is clearly enjoying this. He only smiled sheepishly as he shook his head. “I don't know what you mean. I only agree that I should take respo—” “Stop!” I cut in before he finished what he was saying since it made me cringe so hard. Is this what secondhand embarrassment feels like? He raises his brow as if asking me and with his clueless expression. I roll my eyes.

That was so embarrassing! ***

Their expressions betray a mix of curiosity and anticipation. “I’m happy that you haven’t lost touch on art and glad that you’re at my exhibition.” His compliments make me want to hide. A mix of embarrassment and self-consciousness washes over me, leaving me feeling exposed. I appreciate his kind words, but they bring a rush of emotions—guilt for not staying in touch and a longing for the connection we once had. The intensity of the moment makes me wish I could find a corner to retreat to, away from the gazes of those around us.

They were interested to know about me. “ No art gallery wants to showcase her paintings!" He chuckled out stomping on my pride, my hope, my one and only dream and my self respect. There it was, the wave of embarassment that heated up my cheeks, turning them bright red as my lips unconsciously quivered. There was nothing worse than someone letting other's know that you were not capable of fulfilling your one and only dream; that you were not able. I avoided eye contact with Cole and Daniel, who were looking at my embarrased face. I was embarassed at the fact that they must be sneering at me in their heart. They must be thinking how big of a failure I was!

Emily is pacing in leggings and a bralette, already whispering that maybe she should just cancel the whole thing and flee the country. Honestly? Same. Not because I’m debuting a collection of heartbreaking, soul-baring art in front of an elite crowd of critics, exes, and trust fund demons. But because my brain won’t shut up. Like no matter how many times I remind myself that today is not about me, my thoughts keep circling back to one thing. One stupid, haunting picture. “Where’s the double-sided tape?” Emily yells, panic-crying into her vanity. “I swear I bought a whole pack. Charlotte, did you eat it? You eat weird things when you're nervous.”