After I left

XIII

Callie's P.O.V.

The lights were shining brighter than the endless starlight as Nathan drove down the unfamiliar road.

Only earlier today we had the guts to admit that we like each other, even if it was with a kiss.

Now, as we sped down the back roads listening to old country songs, I realized just how much I did like him.

It wasn't something I had felt before, not like when I just met Colton, not even like boyfriends before Colton.

I really like Nathan.

The way he took care of me, the way his smile lit up the room, even the way he acted like he needed me.

He smiles when I smile, even when I don't. He never tries to bring me down.

I even like the fact that instead of laughing at my terrible singing, he sings with me.

"What are you thinking about?" Nathan asked, turning the radio down a bit.

I glanced at him, noticing his bright smile.

"Nothing," I said, biting on my bottom lip.

It's a habit that I've noticed I do when I'm nervous or anxious. I don't know why, but when I talk to Nathan it happens a lot. Even if we are just regularly talking, I find myself chewing on my bottom lip like it's candy.

"If you say so," He mumbled, pulling onto another back road.

We've been driving around for about an hour now, filling up the tank before we hit the road.

He's basically been putting off taking me home, which I didn't mind. I love being around Nathan.

"It's getting kinda late, Nate."

He glanced at me now, wondering what he should say.

"Yeah, I guess I should get you home," He mumbled, turning the radio down a bit.

A silence fell between us, the night sky bringing a certain peace to the drive.

The silence didn't leave until we were pulling into my driveway. He cleared his throat, glancing at me as he parked behind my old blue jeep.

"Do you wanna come inside for a bit?" I asked, opening my door.

I looked back at him, smiling as he turned the car off.

He hopped out of his truck with me, walking in sync to my front door.

When we reached the door I wasn't expecting him to catch my wrist and stop me.

"What is it?" I asked, facing him.

He smiled, stepping closer to me.

"I should probably go, I just wanted to walk you to your door," He said quietly.

My smile lessened, but the happiness stayed.

"Okay, well I really enjoyed getting away with you for a few hours. I really like you, so it meant a lot," I mumbled, holding his hand in mine.

He pulled his hand from mine, placing his large palm on my cheek.

I tilted my head up a bit as his lips lowered to mine.

His kiss was soft, sending chills down my spine.

We both pulled away, he laid his forehead against mine, replacing it with his lips.

I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around him tightly. His hugs were therapeutic for me, they always brought comfort and serenity.

"I really like you, too."

I smiled into his chest after hearing his words. He rested his chin on top of my head, which really wasn't hard considering how much taller than me he was.

As we pulled away from each other, finally greeting the end of the night, calm surrounded me.

"Goodnight, Callie."

I smiled, "Goodnight, Nathan."

He walked back to his truck slowly, stopping halfway and glancing back at me. I waved at him, blowing a kiss as I stepped into the house.

I shut the door behind me, locking it and slipping out of my shoes.

Today has been such a long day, between Colton being locked away and everything else, it isn't hard for me to accept the idea of sleep.

I walk slowly through the house, grabbing a cup from the kitchen cabinet. I made my way through the kitchen, grabbing an apple and fixing myself a water.

I grabbed the apple in one hand and water in the other as I walked to my room.

I through the apple on the bed, setting the water down after taking a sip.

My face feels gross and oily, so I make my way to my bathroom to wash my face.

It didn't take long for the water to warm up. I let my hand rest under the hot water, feeling it burn my skin.

I tied my hair up in a messy bun in an attempt to keep it out of the water.

The mirror fogged up a bit before I splashed my face. I took a rag and soaked it in the water, exfoliating my face before rinsing it in the sink. I grabbed my moisturizer and massaged it into my face.

I pulled the bun down, letting my hair fall in a mess around my face.

I didn't bother brushing my hair, considering the fact that it probably wouldn't help.

I flipped the bathroom lights off, shutting the door behind me. I made sure all of my windows were locked and turned on my lamp before switching off my bedroom lights and climbing into bed.

My sheets were soft, it's been a while since I was this tired.

I feel like Colton really messed up my life. He put me on every edge there is, pushing me to my limits and terrifying me beyond measure, and for what?

What makes someone so sadistic as to beat another human for fun?

Why does one simply hit the person they supposedly "love?"

My mind never can grasp these questions, they always leave me baffled.

Colton had no right to mess with my life the way he did. If he wasn't happy he should have left, I should have left.

I should have.

Why didn't I leave him sooner?

Maybe it was because I was scared, maybe because I didn't want to be alone, or maybe because deep down I thought he still loved me.

Even if I loved him once, he never really loved me, I know that now.

I learned so much from Colton, so much that I could've learned from being loved the right way. I could've been so much happier during those years of pain and hate toward Colton.

It never crossed my mind that maybe he was never gonna change.

It all seemed so distant now, so far away. I still winced every now and then over my ribs, I still had scars from tantrums that Colton threw.

I would always have the mental abuse along with the physical abuse, I just have to learn to live with it.

Nathan will help me live with it.

He already has.

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A//N

I hope you guys enjoyed.

Please vote and comment if you did, even if you didn't, let me know.

I hope that if some of you guys have dealt with this problem you did deal with it.

If you are currently dealing with any kind of abuse please call a hotline or get help, your safety is so important.

Please keep safe,

Much love,

Me.