The Bond Between Us

Chapter One

Amelia cried out in pain as she was kicked over and over again. The pain was unbearable. You think she'd be used to it by now but the fact of the matter was that no matter how often it happened, Amelia would still be in shock over the fact that her soulmate could raise a hand to her. She'd always grown up being told that your soulmate would never hurt you. That they were your other half but this feels an awful lot like hurting and Karl is most definitely not her other half. How did she get so unlucky? How was this fair?

Eventually, Karl got tired and left her there. She didn't know where he was going and didn't particularly care to find out. Amelia picked herself off the floor and took care of her cuts. Her whole body hurt. She needed a shower but the very thought of the water hitting her sensitive skin made her wince. She grabbed a towel and ran it through lukewarm water then ran it gently over her skin to wipe the blood off.

She had received a message from Nathan, letting her know he was already at the coffee shop down the block so she got ready as quickly as she could and silently walked out the door. Walking into the coffee shop, Nathan's smile quickly turned into a frown upon seeing her battered body. He rushed forward and quickly helped her into her seat. Her heart constricted. Why couldn't he be her soulmate? Instead she got stuck with abusive Karl.

"Why don't you leave him?" Nathan asked her as soon as they both sat down. Amelia fiddled with the corner of a napkin as she figured out what to say.

"It's not that simple. He's my soulmate. If he's not right for me then who is?" She whispered.

Nathan scoffed, "Soulmates aren't everything. Soulmarks shouldn't tell you who to love. Soulmates aren't always right for you.

"But then why would we have them? Why else would we be tied to these people for life?"

"I don't know? Maybe the Universe screwed up with a few of us? But can you honestly tell me Karl makes you happy?" Amelia remained silent. Nathan nodded, "That's what I thought. You deserve better than him. You shouldn't tie yourself to a man who doesn't appreciate you. Soulmarks aren't everything. They might nudge you in the right direction but they are not always true. I know plenty of soulmates that are together simply because their wrists tell them to be and they are so miserable all of the time. I don't want that for you. Please leave him."

Amelia didn't know how to respond but she knew he was right. He always was. She knew it wasn't safe for her with Karl. Maybe one day he'd get so mad that he would end up killing her. Nathan remained silent as he knew she needed to think. Eventually she came upon a decision.

"Okay. I'll leave him." Amelia said. Nathan smiled and hugged her.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Nathan offered.

"No. I'll be fine. I'll meet you back here?"

"Wait, you plan to do this now?" Nathan was surprised. He figured it'd take her longer to get to this point. Also, he didn't like not having a plan. What if something happened to her?

"Yes. He's not home right now. This is as good a time as any." Nathan opened his mouth but Amelia continued, "I know you wanna come with me, but I'll be fine. I need to do this by myself."

"Okay. Just know I will be worried the entire time."

"I know." Amelia walked away after giving Nathan one last smile. Her heart was in her throat but she knew she had to do this. She had lied about Karl not being at home, she just didn't want Nathan to worry. She couldn't leave without knowing why Karl did this. She had to know the reason for all of her pain.

She finally reached her house and she just stood there in front of the door. She took a deep breath and walked in.