Abused And Broken

Chapter Twenty Back When We Were Younger

Samantha and Bryan met when they were just seven years old. They lived in the same neighborhood and their families were good friends. They spent countless hours playing together, exploring their surroundings, and sharing secrets.

As they grew older, their friendship blossomed into something more. By the time they were ten, they had become each other's first love. They spent every moment they could together, and when they were apart, they would write each other letters.

But when Bryan's family moved to New York, Samantha's heart shattered into a million pieces. She felt like she had lost a part of herself, and it took her years to fully come to terms with it. Although they promised to keep in touch, the distance proved too much for two children.

Years later, Samantha's life was turned upside down when her parents died in a tragic accident. She was alone and lost, trying to find her way in the world. It was during this time that she met Augustus, a man who promised to take care of her and love her unconditionally.

But that promise was quickly broken. Augustus was a cruel and abusive man, who only brought Samantha pain and suffering. She longed for the comfort and safety of her childhood, where Bryan's gentle presence and loving embrace could make everything feel okay.

Despite the passing of time and distance, Samantha never forgot about Bryan. She would often think about him and wonder where life had taken him. When she moved to New York to start a new life, she hoped that she might run into him one day.

But life had a way of keeping them apart, and it wasn't until they met in the hospital years later that their paths finally crossed again. The memories flooded back, and Samantha realized just how much she had missed her childhood friend and first love.

In that moment, she knew that nothing would ever compare to the pure and innocent love that she shared with Bryan. As they sat and reminisced, Samantha couldn't help but wonder what could have been if they hadn't been separated all those years ago.

As they caught up, Bryan couldn't help but notice the scars and bruises on Samantha's body. He knew that something wasn't right. "Samantha, you know you can tell me anything, right?" he said gently.

Samantha hesitated, but then she finally opened up to him about the abuse she had been suffering from her husband. Bryan listened intently, anger and sadness filling him at the same time. He couldn't believe that his childhood friend had to go through such a terrible experience.

He encouraged her to leave her husband, and promised to help her in any way he could. "You don't deserve this, Samantha. You deserve so much better," he said firmly, holding her hand tightly.

Samantha looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Bryan. I don't know what I would do without you," she said, feeling grateful that she had someone she could trust.

As they talked more, Samantha felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe there was a way out of this nightmare after all. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but with Bryan by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

Samantha hesitated at first, but then she started telling him about her life with Augustus. She told him everything, from the time they met until the recent events that happened to her. Samantha couldn't believe that she's sharing these things to someone again.

Bryan listened intently, trying his best to suppress the anger that he's feeling towards Augustus. The way he treated Samantha was unacceptable, and he couldn't believe that his childhood friend went through all of this.

"I'm sorry, Sam. I had no idea that this was happening to you. If I had known, I would have come to your rescue a long time ago," Bryan said, his voice filled with regret.

"It's okay, Bry. You don't have to be sorry. I'm just happy that I have someone to talk to," Samantha replied, giving him a small smile.

Bryan couldn't help but notice the bruises and scars on her body. "Is he hurting you, Sam?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Samantha nodded, tears starting to fall down her face once again. "He's been doing this to me for years, Bry. I don't know what to do anymore. Maybe it's my fault to choose him", she admitted.