When I Met You

Chapter 11 - Nick's POV

I checked my watch for the trillionth time that day. I sighed with disappointment. It's been 8 hours since I called Chelsea and still no response. God, what did that fucker do to her?

The next few days were solemn and gloomy. The clouds were quite literally taking away what little sunshine I had left. They took away my hope that Chelsea was okay. Why hasn't she messaged or called?

I walked down the hallways with my hood up and face nuzzled into a book. Books were my escape from the world. Whenever life was treating me like shit, I sought comfort in books. Every single time I read, I tuned out all surrounding sounds and it was peaceful. I really should stop reading and walking, because I could run into someone or something. However, that thought never crossed my mind until I collided with her. I immediately snapped out of my relaxation, realizing what had just occurred. I squatted down next to the brunette with long wavy locks to help clean up the mess I had made. She was silent and continued looking down the whole time, never making eye contact. I could have sworn that I recognized her, but it couldn't be. Could it?

After apologizing multiple times with no reaction, I knew she wouldn't budge. She purposely wore clothes that covered her entire body as if she didn't want to be recognized. Was she hiding from me?

My heart overpowered my brain the moment I reached out, placing my hand under her chin. I gently tilted her head up to meet my gaze. "Chelsea?" Her face was covered in bruises that she half-hazardly covered up with makeup. My heart ached for her. Why? Why would he do this to you?

Her eyes started watering and I knew she needed to cry every tear she held back for the last few days. I gently tugged her body closer to me as my arms squeezed her into a comforting hug. We sat there in the hallway on the floor embracing while she sobbed. I don't know how long we were sitting there, but I knew I'd sit there for days if she needed me to.

* * *

We were sitting on the couch in my apartment, because she needed a friend. Yes, she actually called me her friend. Ouch.

She was holding her knees to her chest, using my shoulder as a headrest. My arm was snaked around her upper back, resting my hand on her shoulder. We sat there in silence for a long time. Until she finally asked, "Nick?"

"Yes, Chelsea." I started to smile even though she couldn't see it.

"I'm sorry." She shook her head a few times.

"For?"

"I never responded to your call." I couldn't sleep at night, because I was worried sick about her. I had my phone on me at all times, just in case she needed help. I would never tell her those things though. Instead, I simply nodded my head. "He's gotten worse. I just don't know what to do. I love him so much and he claims to feel the same, but all he ever does is hurt me. I just..." She fell silent contemplating her next words carefully. "I just can't leave him. He's all I've known for over 2 years of my life. I can't let those 2 years mean nothing. They'd go to waste. Right?"

I think she was waiting for an answer, but I couldn't think of anything appropriate to say at that moment. She continued, "He's good too though. He takes care of me. He buys me lavish gifts. He respects my boundaries for the most part. He isn't a bad person. He just has his moments. I shouldn't judge his entire behavior based on the bad, right? He loves me."

Everything in me wanted to scream, HE IS A BAD PERSON! But instead I sat there soaking in her emotions, putting myself in her shoes. I wasn't sure what to say that wouldn't come off as rude or judgemental. I sighed softly, "Chelsea." Shaking my head with my eyes closed thinking, I wish she could see what I see. "I know all you need is for someone to listen to you, but I can't bear to watch you suffer like this. He's killing you, Chelsea. If he truly loved you, he would never think twice about hitting you. And yes, he might be good sometimes, but you will continue to get hurt over and over again." She started to sniffle. "But in the end, it's your decision. You need to choose what you think is best for you. If you need a place to stay when he hurts you, I have an extra room. If you want to go to the authorities, I'll be by your side every step of the way. Okay?" She nodded.

"I think I'm ready to head home now. I have some homework to catch up on." I just nodded along.

When we arrived outside of her apartment complex, she started stepping out of the car saying thank you. But before she could shut the door, I reminded her that she had my number and to be safe. She just nodded in agreement.

As I watched her walk away, I could help but worry. What if this was one of the last times I saw her?