Him.

Chapter 15

*Cierra's POV*

Spring break started 2 days ago. I have two weeks to do whatever I want. I still have bruises as an everyday reminder of the pain and suffering Nash caused me, but I think he really does love me. That is no excuse for abuse, and that is not going to get him out of this situation.

Last night, I had a dream that he beat me and then threw me into a ditch, leaving me there to die. I did die, and that's when I woke up.

The pounding in my head is so severe that I'm not hungry for breakfast, so I decide to spend the morning in bed. I guess I dozed off because when I woke up it was 2:30. The pounding in my head lessened and the house was silent. I guess I was home alone.

I got out of bed and went into the kitchen to grab a banana. I heard the pantry door open. "Mom?" I called out, expecting her to have made me lunch. By now I was downstairs, and almost to the kitchen. I looked into the open pantry, seeing nothing but food. Creeped out, I made my way to the bananas, on the top shelf of the pantry. I never was tall enough to reach up there, so I had to climb. I stepped on the self and reached for the bananas, but I still couldn't reach them. I climbed to the second shelf, but slipped on a can of beans. I started falling, but two hands grabbed my waist and caught me. The person slung me over their shoulder and carried me to the couch, laying me down. I was still breathing hard, and I was surprised that somebody had caught me.

My eyes met Nash's, and they were no longer glazed over. They were bright blue again, and they were filled with worry. His eyes were red and puffy around that bright blue, as if he was crying. I started tearing up, happy to have Nash back. I didn't care about the pain anymore, I was just so happy to have him back.

"Don't cry," he said, cupping my face. I winced from the pain of him touching my jaw, turning away. "Oh my gosh," he said, tilting my face upward, examining the bruising. "Look what I've done..." he said, a tear slipping out of his eye. "Cierra, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I've done this..."

I began crying, and then cried harder because it hurt to breathe in. Nash scooted closer, putting his face into my neck. "I'm so sorry," he murmured into my neck. His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, and he hugged me tightly, not letting go. "I love you so much, please believe me."

"I believe you." I said, hugging him back, careful not to hurt my ribs or jaw. Nash kissed my neck, making his way toward my lips. He was careful when he got to my jaw, placing light kisses in the bruised areas. With each kiss, he smiled, sending chills through my body. "Nash," I said, just before he got to my lips.

"Yeah?" He said, stopping his trail of kisses.

"I love you too." I said, and then kissed his lips,  letting his touch take me away to a place with no pain.