Nobody Likes You When You're 23

A new day

"Why didn't you tell me about him being abusive?"

"It's not something I'm particularly proud of. And, I don't like gaining sympathy from the story. So please don't feel sorry for me, if I tell you. Because I was the one who stayed."

I sighed searching through my thoughts to try to find the exact place to start when telling someone who isn't my mother about the past.

"Well, I did love him. He was perfect, the sweetest most hilarious person I've ever met. At first.." I trailed off, I stared the floor. This brought back so much.

I felt his hand touch my shoulder, chills went down my spine. "Things started small, we started to fight. I honestly thought we'd make it through it. He pushed me down, for the first time. But snapped out of it, as soon as he saw a tear roll down my cheek. He seemed to completely ignore the fact that he was the one who caused the pain. He got down to my level, looked me right in the eyes and said he loved me. He helped me up, and we went to bed. I was in shock, I never talked about it again. His personality did that whole 360 turn within seconds. I shook it off, until the next time. Long story short, his personality switches got worse and worse. The abuse turned into something greater. I want people to understand. This is not just something you see in the movies, it's not just something you see on TV or in books. The struggle people-both guys and girls face in abusive relationships is real. Instead of pushes he started to hit me, with solid punches. And kicking and just things that I was stupid enough to buy make up to cover it. And, the night he beat me so bad that I had to sleep on the bathroom floor is when I decided to talk to someone." I stopped there, that was all I felt like saying. And reviewing my past made me realize, I wasn't ready for a relationship yet. I instantly felt the guilt wash over my stupid ass for making Mark think I was with that kiss.

"Emberly?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry, that you had to go through that. And, I want you to know you didn't deserve to be treated like a freaking punching bag." He chuckled, looking over at me.

"Thanks Mark, it means a lot." The light hit his eyes perfectly. They sort of shined.

"Tell me more. What happened after?"

I continued, "Well, I told mom and she wanted me home. But I was scared for her and my sister. So, I thought about going with my friend. She had an apartment. A loooong ways away from all the shit happening and, I just left. Him and I have only come across each other a few times since. But anyway, I moved to Los Angeles with Ashley, my friend. Out there, I had a fresh start. That's the first time, I picked up a microphone and seriously sang when we went to this party so I could make some other friends in the area and, I sang I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. Which looking back was ironic. But, I felt alive and empowered. Singing was something I picked up and ran with. I was in a band out in Los Angeles, but my mom called one day. I, ignored it actually. But, she called a second time and I knew something must be wrong. So, I answered and she told me that-my nana had passed away in her sleep. After that, I decided how vital it was to be close to the family. I packed it all back up and headed back. Now, I'm here."

"SING FOR MEEEE." He said as if he needed it right now or he'd drop over dead.

I chuckled, "what do you wanna hear?" I asked, actually sorta nervous to be singing for the first time in a while.

"Anything you'd like, I seriously am not much of a music person."

I couldn't believe what he just said. EVERYONE LIKES MUSIC. I still proceeded to pick the first song that came to mind at the moment.

"I don't know where you're going but do you got room for one more troubled soul? I don't know where I'm going but I don't think I'm coming home. And, I said I'll check in tomorrow if I don't wake up dead." I sang softly. He looked at me with this weird look. "Your voice is nice. But, you can't wake up dead." We just laughed together. I leaned onto his soldier. "I've had one of the best days today." He said, looking down at me while I looked up to him. "Ditto" I said softly, I was actually really comfortable. Then I sat up slapping his thigh. "HEY!" I yelled he looked scared. "I told you about me, tell me about you." I smirked. He just blushed and looked down.