I'll Be There For You

Chapter 1 - Time

María's POV

As I was finishing up my work, I turned behind me to the clock on the wall, it was almost 1am. I took out my phone and noticed 23 missed calls and messages from Armando.

Oh dear...

I quickly packed up my things and rushed right out of my office. I impatiently wait for the elevator to open, and then nervously step inside. I'm shaking as I press the button to go down to the lobby.

I take my phone from my laptop bag, and scroll through all the missed messages that I have of Armando.

I don't want to respond back. I'm afraid of what he's going to say after he realizes that I've finally seen all his messages.

Why am I still living in this situation? Why am living with this fear, the fear of my boyfriend turning into the monster he becomes every time he starts drinking?

Three out of the five years that we've been together, it's been nothing but arguments, insults, jealousy, and abuse. Why did I stay this long? Why didn't I listen to my father? To my brother?

I wipe away the tears as the elevator doors open. I walk out and rush out to the parking lot to my car and get inside. I sit in silence, as I lean my head, listening to the engine rumbling.

I let out a sigh as I squint my eyes shut, to not let the tears flow down, and then get ready to drive off home.

A few minutes later, as I got to the entrance of the apartment complex, I parked the car but didn't get out just yet. I sit in silence for a beat, I just need a moment to breathe and prepare myself for what I'm about to witness tonight.

As I finally get out the car, I grab my laptop bag and put it over my shoulder and walk towards the front entrance. I walked up the stairs to the second floor, and once I was close to our apartment. I unlocked the door, and as I stepped inside, it was completely dark and as I turned on the light, the place was a mess. Bottles everywhere, broken glass on the floor, and the furniture was flipped over. Armando was standing by the window with this back facing me and his hands behind his back.

"Well, look who decided to show up", he finally said, without turning around.
"Umm.. I just -", I started to say.
"I know...", he said interrupting me, as he slowly turned around, "You had to work late..", he added as he started to walk closer to me.
"Well, you can believe me or not. I'm telling the truth", I said, with a shrug.
He didn't say a word. He just kept walking towards me, picking up a broken bottle from the floor but without breaking eye contact. I was about to get away until he got in front of me and pinned me to the door.
"I don't have to believe you..", he whispered, his breath smelling of alcohol, "I know you're lying.."
"But.. I'm not", I said, as I turned my head away and squinted my eyes shut.
"Don't you lie to me", he said, and forcibly turned my head to look at him, as I opened my eyes again.
"I'm not lying! Why would I lie about that?", I said, raising my voice.

His expression became more intense, and before I could react, he slapped me and I fell to the floor.

"Don't ever raise your voice at me", he said.

I slowly looked up at him and he's looking down at me, raising his broken bottle, getting ready to throw it at me. Before I could even think, I managed to kick him in the shin and forced myself up and ran to our room, locking the door behind me. I slide down and sit with my back against the wall and started to break down.

I can't take this anymore. I can't keep living this life.

I manage to get up and walk over to the bed. I take off my bag and set it down. I walk over to the closet and take out my duffel bag, and take it back to the bed. I go over to my dresser and start to pack up all my clothes.

I take my laptop out and start to search available apartments. I can't stay here any longer.