Tough Love

Chapter 2

Riley's POV

•Flashback•

"Josh, I really think we should break up." I said quietly. He looked up at me, a scowl on his face.

"I told you before! I'm the one who decides if we break up, and we're not breaking up!" He yelled as he grabbed me and shook me.

It wouldn't be the first time that I had tried to leave him. He was a couple years older than me, school drop out, and lived in a small dingy apartment. He smoked, did drugs, and drank. He also had a wicked temper. Needless to say, I was terrified of him.

"Don't you ever say we're breaking up!" He slapped me across the face, and I started to cry. He started throwing punches at me, and shoved me. I fell, hitting my forehead off of the sharp corner of the table.

"You know what? We are done! Get out!" He screamed at me. I quickly got up before he changed he mind, and left.

•End of Flaskback•

"It's a long story. " I told him. I tried not to cry again, but I couldn't help it. I looked down, as the tears began to fall. James hand moved to my face as he tried to get me to face him. He gasped.

"God Riley! What happened?!" He said. He wiped a bit of blood off of my lip with his thumb. Tears continued to fall from my good eye, and from the black one almost swollen shut.

"James, it wouldn't be the first time." I whispered, as I choked back sobs.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" He asks. "Why didn't you tell me?" I shrug.

"I was scared."

"I'll drive you home."

"No! My parents kicked me out and haven't talked to me in weeks! I don't think I'm ready to see them yet." I put my head in my hands. "Just drop me off at Chloe's or Michelle's or something."

"I'm home alone tonight. You'll stay with me." He announces.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I ask him. After all, we are broken up, and we haven't exactly been alone or hung out since.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He flashes me a smile. How I missed the way he looks at me like that.

"Okay than." I smile back.