Abused

How it began

I woke up to the the sound of violent wind and rain pounding on the window. My eyelids flutter open, and I tugged the covers to my chin. What time is it? I turned on my side looking over at the clock on my nightstand. It was only 2 am. I sighed, and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My fingertips carefully scanned over the hanging clothing in the closet until I came across my favorite Navy Blue sweatshirt, so large on me that it touched my knees. I slipped on some socks and dragged my feet the bathroom. There was a small vanilla candle, fire waning on the melted wax. I smiled at the memory of last night. It was our one year anniversary and I came home to a path of rose petals leading to our bed, and candles beautifully cascaded all over the room.

I placed my foot delicately on each step of the stairs attempting to be soundless, but each one creaked obnoxiously. I stalked into the kitchen yawning and switched on the light.
"Why are you up so early?" A voice said coldly. I jumped and put my hand over my mouth. It was only my boyfriend.
"Jesus. Kyle, you scared me," I gasped. He grinned, getting up from the chair he sat in. "Why are you sitting in the dark?"
"No reason," he replied coming up from behind, kissing my neck. I lightly smiled as his lips slowly touched down to my shoulder. I kissed the side of his head softly, and he walked me back to his spot on the couch. I curled up against his warm body, head burying in his chest.

"Did the rain wake you up too?" I muffled into his shirt.

"Yeah," he sighed. "I hate winter."
I giggled and nodded my head in agreement. His messy brown hair fell over his eyelids and his smile softened. The sound of rain smacking the windows outside was somehow soothing. It wasn't long until I drifted to sleep with his arms wrapped around my body.

I woke up the next morning with my head resting on a pillow and a blanked wrapped around me. I yawned spreading my arms and legs out. My face was freezing, but luckily the warmth inside my sweatshirt heated the rest of my body. It was still dark outside, but it was probably morning already. Kyle was probably awake and moving at this hour. I checked the time on the stove that read 10 o'clock. My legs trembled as I stood up and walked upstairs to grab my stuff. I quickly slipped on torn jeans and a new jacket taking one last look back before shutting the door.

I walked into town, one strap loosely hanging off my shoulder. The sky was still gray, but the rain had subsided. It wasn't very usual for it to rain in LA, but lately the days seem dark and gloomy. I weaved through the busy crowds of people, anxious to get to their jobs or to get shelter before the upcoming storm. It was all over news about the heavy rain lately, but ever since I was young, I've always admired it. I mean, as long as it didn't get in the way of my sleeping. I finally got to the beach and got everything set up. I slid off my backpack and grabbed the small canvas inside. I propped it up on my stand and fished out the brushes and paints still in the pocket. I looked over the ocean and smiled to myself. Then I started painting.

I finished about an hour later. I looked it over and added any final details I think it needed. It was perfect. The gray sky brought out all the beautiful colors in the Ferris wheel and all the blues and reds and bright colors popped against the backdrop.

When it dried, I gathered all my stuff and delicately put the canvas in my bag. My stomach growled, and reminded me I forgot to eat breakfast this morning. I decided to made my way to the pier to get something to eat for the way home. Naturally, I went to my favorite stand to get a muffin and a cup of coffee. I came here every week after I painted. I got my wallet from my bag and looked up to order. My eyes narrowed in confusion when I saw someone new working the stand. He was tall and had dark blonde hair and green eyes. He was tan and he wore a nice shirt, different from the uniform everyone else wore. He stared at me from behind the counter with a look of curiosity.
"Um, what would you like to order?" He smiled.
I blinked at him, forgetting what I was going to say. I stuttered and cleared my voice before saying "I'll just have a small coffee please." After I spoke I realized I forgot to order the muffin. I was so used to ordering the same thing I was shocked I forgot to include it. He put my order into the cash register and gave me change. I said thank you and turned away to leave.
"Hey, wait!" He yelled. I raised my eyebrows towards him, thinking I left something behind. "Do I know you?" He continued.
I thought about it for a minute, looking at him and responded. "No, I don't think we've met."
He smiled and extended his hand out. "I'm Jason."
I paused before realizing he wanted me to shake his hand. "Oh, I'm Kelly."
He nodded. "Nice to meet you Kelly."
I smiled and walked away confused by what just happened. I'm not sure if he was flirting or genuinely thought he knew me. Something about him made me nervous, but then again most guys do. I sighed and made my way back to the house, still starving.

I got home and unpacked all my things from my bag. I took the painting out and put it in the shelf of the closet where all the rest are.

"I'm home!" I heard as the front door shut. I smiled and jogged downstairs to greet him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
"Where were you?" I asked, half curious. His smile softened.
"Grabbed some lunch," he said opening the fridge.
My smile faded. He was gone before I left and it's already 1. His story seemed strange but I trusted him, and shook it off. I cut myself an apple and moved to the couch where he sat. He smelled different then usual. "Is that new cologne?" I sniffed turning to look at him. He paused and focused off the TV and onto me.
"What?"
I sighed and repeated myself.
"Oh. Yeah is it. I'm surprised you noticed." He said. He cleared his throat and turned back to the TV. I nodded and put my head on his shoulder, ignoring the uneasy feeling in my stomach.