Happy

Chapter 3

"Jesus Christ" I sighed releasing a breath I didn't know I had been holding. "What are you doing here?".

Chace stood at my door looking confused. "You'd think I came to murder you. I did knock. What's got you so jumpy?" he questioned.

"Nothing. You surprised me that's all. What are you doing here anyway, I thought you left?" I questioned back raising a suspicious brow.

"Well Ali I came back to confess my undying love for you" he stated with a straight face.

I just stared. I mean the look on his face had me questioning both of our sanity anyway. After what felt like an eternity he finally broke the silence.

"Lighten up Ali, I'm only joking." he stated with a smirk. I only came back because you left this" Chace held up my brown satchel that Cam had gotten me for our birthday a few years ago. I must have left it in his car. Suddenly my entire face grew hot. Did I really think he came here to tell me he loved me. How naive and pathetic can I be. We literally just met. I'm 99% sure my face is as red as a tomato right now.

"Thanks but you need to leave now. My brother and boyfriend won't be happy you came back." I said in all seriousness turning around to put my purse away. And of course Chace followed me.

"Your brother's the one who let me in and as for your boyfriend, he must have left because he wasn't here when I got back." he said matter of factly. "And what's his deal anyway? He looked mad as a bull when you came back".

"He's just really overprotective. He doesn't want any harm to come to me." That he didn't cause, I added silently.

Chace stared at me for a minute. It was almost like he was searching for something. Something that I needed desperately to hide. So I broke eye contact and said what I know was best for us both.

"You should leave now, thanks for my purse. My dad will be home any minute and he probably won't be too thrilled to find you in here." I said opening the door a little wider so that he'd get the hint.

"Oh, yeah sure thing" he mumbled back to his cold self. I must admit it kinda hurt that I did that but I had to. We can't be friends. I already know what would happen and I wasn't worth the trouble he'd be put through.

After Chace left, Cam came upstairs and told me that there was pizza left over downstairs if I was hungry. I wasn't. I just wanted this shitty day to end already. Zach had already made it very clear that he was not happy about my newly acquired friend. He wasn't even my friend. If anything he should hate me for kicking him out after he was only trying to be kind. God I can't wait to graduate and get away from this hell hole. My dad is never home anymore since my mother left. Cam is only around a little bit more than Dad is during soccer, baseball, and basketball season. Mom made it clear how she felt about us and to top it all off my boyfriend beats the living shit out of me for breathing in the direction of a male or doing anything else he considers disobedient or slutty. Only a few more months until I can leave East River for good. I haven't told anyone about my scholarship to NYU which is a long ways from here. That's exactly what I need. A fresh start. Zach will probably try and drag me to whatever college gives him the best scholarship, but I won't let him. It has to end. I can wait it out. I have been for almost 2 years. Just a little bit longer and it will all be over. The only thing I'll really miss besides my brother is Ashleigh. She's been my best friend since the 5th grade. She hates Zach. She's one of the few people who see through his facade. She doesn't know exactly what goes on between us but I know she suspects something. Which is why I have to keep her as far away from that part of my life. Zach would never hit me in front of her but that doesn't mean he wouldn't slip up when he doesn't know she's around. Ash is the definition of crazy. She told me that if Zach was giving me any problems to say the word and she'd, and I quote "squeeze his balls with a pair of rusty pliers."
Cringey I know. She's the closest thing I've ever had to a sister and lately I feel like I've failed her. This morning at school wasn't the first time I was forced to choose Zach over her. I never wanted to. It was only to protect her. Zach was unpredictable when he lost his temper. I also didn't want to make it any worse on myself. I have to make it up to her soon. I don't know what I'd do without her or Camden. They're my rocks. Even though Cam isn't around as much I know he regrets not being able to be. He'd do anything for me. Sports were just a really important factor in him going to a good college. I got the brains and he got the looks. Well technically we both got the looks since we're twins but they look a lot better on him.

I finally break away from my thoughts and take a long, hot, well needed shower. When I step out I catch a glimpse of my shoulder, which is now an angry purple. Zach sure doesn't let his football strength go to waste.

I brush my teeth and hair and sink into my bed. The day's events replay in my head making me even more tired. I finally drift off into a fitful sleep. I'd no doubt wake in a couple hours in a cold sweat shaking from some nightmare. They were normal ever since the beatings started. One thing was for sure. It would all be over soon, hopefully.

Okay so don't kill me for updating so late. Sorry for the short chapter. I've been super busy but I promise  to update at least once a week from now on.

Anyway, how are you guys liking the book. Chace? Still hate Zach🙋. I am truly so greatful for everybody who reads my book, it means the world to me. I love and appreciate you beauties so much. ❤

-Jaz💕