Something I'll never forget

A new beginning

**Chapter One**

**Anna's POV**

My name is Anna Parish, born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. Out here, you learn fast that life isn't easy. 

If you don't face your reality, you'll never stand on your own two feet. I learned that the hard way, starting when I was 16—four years ago, I fell for someone I thought was the love of my life. It turned out to be anything but that.

Today's my first day of college, and nerves twist in my stomach like I'm about to throw up. I'm putting on my outfit, trying to distract myself. 

High-waisted ripped shorts, fishnets, black and white Vans, and a white crop top. I swipe on some mascara and give my reflection a final look. Not bad.

Checking the time, I realize I'd better get going. I shoot my mom a quick text, asking her to pick up Ellie, my three-year-old daughter. 

Once my mom confirms, I slip on my Vans, grab my backpack, and head out the door. Ten minutes later, my mom arrives. I give her a quick hug, hand her Ellie's bag, and head for the car.

The drive to campus is a mix of excitement and anxiety. "You can do this," I tell myself, taking a deep breath as I pull into the parking lot. 

After parking, I make my way to the front office to pick up my schedule. Just as I turn to leave, I slam into a wall of muscle and stumble back, landing hard on the floor.

I look up to see a guy staring down at me, his face etched with concern."Watch where you're going!" I snap, already annoyed that I haven't even started my day and things are going wrong.

"My bad, miss. I didn't see you there," he says, and I stammer as I realize he's incredibly attractive—tall, tattooed, and with a look that's half-apology, half-something else.

Not wanting to linger, I pick myself up, brush myself off, and head to my first class. But all through the lecture, my mind keeps drifting back to Ellie's upcoming birthday and what I should get her. 

As I'm brainstorming ideas, a wave of melancholy hits me, memories creeping in despite my best efforts.

**Flashback**"

Stop it, baby!" I giggle, gasping for breath as he tickles me. "You know I can't handle it!" My laughter fills the room, his own chuckles joining mine.

"Alright, alright," he grins. "I'll take a quick shower, and then we'll go meet your parents for dinner." He heads to the bathroom, leaving his phone on the bed as I catch my breath.

His phone buzzes, and absentmindedly, I pick it up. "Hey, babe, your phone's vibrating.""Can you check it for me?" he calls from the shower.

"Yeah, sure," I say. But my smile fades when I read the message: **(Missy): Had fun last night. We should do that again 🤪.**

My heart sinks. Tears prick my eyes. He promised he wouldn't do this again. My hands shake as I march into the bathroom, pulling back the shower curtain.

"What the hell is this, huh? You promised me, Jake!"

"Babe, what are you talking about?" He looks shocked, but I see the guilt in his eyes.

"Then why is this girl texting you about last night?" My voice trembles, betrayal burning my throat.

Before I can say anything more, he grabs my arm, hard. My heart pounds, dread pooling in my stomach.

Without warning, he hits me, the slap stinging my cheek. I stumble back, staring at him in disbelief as tears run down my face.