Pictures Last Forever

Chapter 11

-Ella's P.O.V-

**flashback**

I walked into the store to grab a few things that Riley and I needed. I was by myself again since Riley was still locked in his room grieving about loosing his mom. I decided to just leave him alone today because knowing Riley he will talk to me when he's ready. I grabbed a few fruits and veggies and then headed down to the junk food aisle to get some of the good stuff for a movie night. Trying to decide between Doritos and regular chips I was caught off guard when I heard someone call my name.

"Hey Ella" I turned around to see his sly grin and dirty eyes staring at me.

"Leave me alone Nick." I said going back to my chip decisions.

"I don't think so princess. You're not going to get away this time." he said forcefully grabbing my shoulder.

"Nick stop" I tried to say but the pain from his grip was too much

He just laughed. Next thing I knew he was pulling me towards the exit. How is nobody seeing this? It's like everyone is in their own world in this store right now. Nick picked me up roughly and brought me to the back of the building.

"That night I drove you and that idiot you call a boyfriend to the hospital, you really shouldn't have yelled at me like that. I bet you're regretting it now huh?" he said slapping me across the face. I gripped my cheek hoping that the throbbing would stop but it didn't.

"Nick....please....stop" I cried.

"What a silly, silly girl you are Ella." He kicked me in the stomach. "You deserve every bit of this"

After that he left. I sat against the wall of the building with my head in my hands crying, before I got up and drove home...I can't let Riley see these bruises. 'Looks like it'll be long sleeves and leggings for a while' I thought.

**end of flashback**

"Ella tell me what happened" Riley said

"Ry...just...just don't worry about it" I sighed

"No. Tell me what happened!" he screamed furiously

"Riley... st-stop" I tried to hold back the tears "You-you're scaring m-me"

In all the years I've known Riley, I've never seen him this mad.

"Ella...baby" he said calmly stepping towards me "please please tell me what happened" he touched my arm sending pain shooting through me from what had happened with Nick. I flinched and pulled my arm back. "Wh- Ella babe I didn't mean to-"

"Riley, he did that to me" I said rolling up my sleeve to show him the bruises, his eyes widened when I showed him my stomach. All the bruises and cuts that were caused by Nick made him angry and I knew it would.

"I'm gonna kill him" he whispered, anger evident in his voice "who in their right mind would do this!" he sat down and put his head in his hands for a minute then looked at me "El, baby I'm so sorry I wasn't with you"

I didn't say anything.

I don't know what to say.

It wasn't his fault.

I have never been this lost for words.

What's wrong with me?

"Ella? Are you okay baby?" I heard Riley say. Why does it sound like he's so far away? "Ella?"

"you shouldn't have told him"

"you're going to regret that"

"I'll get you back for it"