Promise.

Chapter 2 | I need you.

~ Annabelle's P.O.V ~

I sat up.

My breathing was fast and my heart was pounding. I bent my knees up and placed both my hands on the sides of my face, resting my elbows on my knees. Tears sprang into my eyes.

As upset as I am over the dream, I can't help but cry. He was my best friend for years. The hurt I've felt over the years built up and is deciding to show itself.

He helped me with a lot.

He saved me from myself.

///////////////////////

"You little bitch! That was a brand new bottle of tequila!"

My heart stopped.

The broken glass glittering on the tile floor, the tequila diffusing on the tiles underneath the glass. My eyes stayed on the shattered pieces.

"You know what happens when you cross me..." said my drunken father.

A large hand pushed me to the ground from behind. My body falling onto the broken pieces of the bottle, the sharp pieces opening my skin up.

I didn't make a sound. If I showed any ounce of pain, he would just hurt me harder.

I sucked back the tears and the gasp.

His fingers threaded themselves through my hair, pulling me up. My body was just like a rag doll, being thrown up into the air, my back against his front.

"You're in for it" was whispered in my ear.

He pulled me over to the stairs, and threw me against them. My head made contact first, a big gash opening on my forehead. I felt the blood trickling down the side of my face.

A hand wrapped itself around the hem of my shirt and I was pulled down the five steps my body covered. My body collapsed onto the floor and a heavy boot crushed itself on my side.

I groaned softly.

He kicked my stomach full force and my body convulsed on itself. A fist came down onto the side of my face, my head pounded and my cheek swelled immediately.

My chest heaved, trying to get air in my lungs.

Heavy footsteps walked away from my frail body and out the door.

*****

My body stayed on the floor for twenty minutes after he left.

I struggled to get off the floor, but eventually I got up.

"I have to get out of this house"

I went as fast as I could up to the stairs, struggled up them and dashed quickly into my room. I grabbed my bag, threw a few clothes and the necessary into it and threw it on my back.

I took a deep breath and walked out of my room.

I limped quickly out of the house.

I passed the park I spent my childhood at, then my middle school I attend, then a few streets later, I came to the street leading to the highway.

I turned down the street and walked along the cars.

My limping body had no more energy left.

I couldn't continue going back to my father and receiving his beatings.

I pulled the hood up on the sweatshirt, covering my face.

I dropped my bag at my feet, and slowly turned to the side.

"This will all be over soon"

I moved into the street and faced the oncoming car. It honked, signaling me to get out of the way, but I didn't move.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact.

But the car never came.

Instead, a body slammed into mine, pushing me out of the way. I was tackled to the ground, tears spilling down my cheeks.

Warm breath spread across the side of my face.

The stranger got off of me, and crouched on his feet, lifting me up to a seated position. My breathing was all over, and the tears were running down my cheeks so quickly.

"Hey, I've got you, you're ok." the stranger whispered.

I peered my head over to look at him and my eyes met the most stunning greenish-blue eyes I had ever seen.

"I don't know what you've been through, and I'm not going to pretend, but it's not worth it to give up like that." His eyes were pleading.

I tackled the stranger into a hug, my arms around his neck and my face was in his shoulder. He lost his balance and fell backwards, but he just wrapped his arms around my back, embracing me.

"T-thank you." I whispered.

///////////////

He saved me.

That was the day I met my best friend.

If he didn't come that night, I would be gone.

I sighed and grabbed my journal from the bedside table next to me and began to write.

Dear Ethan,

You saved me once, why won't you come and save me again?

10-12-15

I shut the book and placed it back on the table. I pushed the covers off me.

I pushed myself out of bed and walked into the kitchen of my small apartment. I passed through the small living room and shivered.

"Why the hell is it so cold?" I whispered to myself.

I walked over to the thermostat above the sink and sighed.

I didn't pay it on time.

"Dammnit" I sighed softly.

I walked back into the living room and grabbed the sweatshirt laid against the back of the couch. I shrugged it on and and sat on the cushions, bringing my legs up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them, putting my chin on top of my knees.

My eyes peered over to the picture framed by the TV.

Taken 7 years ago, 12 year old me and 13 year old Ethan were sitting up against a tree. His left arm draped around my shoulders with my head laid against his chest. We both were smiling so big, we both looked so happy.

I sighed.

Where are you Ethan? I need you.