Chapter 1

Life-ward bound

February 14th 1995

Kate pushed the doors of the university open and walked out into the awaiting storm. Rain was coming down in sheets, the wind howling around her as darkness enclosed the city. Sighing, she tucked her purse inside her jacket and pulled it tight around her. She was about to make a run for her car when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning suddenly she bumped into the man behind her. He was taller than she was with dark brown hair and piecing blue eyes. Dressed casually, it didn't look like he went to the uni. An amused smile played on his lips as he held up and umbrella and shook it slightly.

"Need some help?" Kate smiled up at him as he continued shaking the umbrella.

"Yes thanks." He put up the umbrella and stood close to Kate.

"Which car?" Kate pointed to her car and they set off.

When they reached her car, Kate thanked the man and jumped into her car.

She was halfway home before she realised she hadn't even gotten his name. Mentally kicking herself, she pushed it out of her mind as she pulled into the grocery story.

Juggling packages of food in one hand and attempting to find her keys in the other turned out to be harder than expected, so after many failed attempts Kate resorted to trying to knock on the door with her foot.

"Hello?"

Kate cringed and turned around to face the little old lady.

"Mrs Richards. I'm so sorry to have disturbed you. I'm just trying to get into my apartment, I don't think Luke's home." She gave her a warm smile, which was instantly returned.

"Why didn't you say so love. Here allow me." Mrs Richards took Kate's bag, and to Kates' amazement instantly pulled out her keys. In one swift move she unlocked the door and pushed it open.

"Thanks."

"No problem dear, did you need anything else?" Kate shook her head and expressed her gratitude again as she entered her apartment. Placing the groceries down on the bench she could feel her fiancés eyes burning holes in the back of her head. The smell of alcohol over took the room with every breath he released.

"Why were you so late?" At his question Kate turned to face him.

He was stilled dressed in the clothes he had slept in, Kate was sure he hadn't showered since the day before last and his eyes were all blood shot, there was no doubt he was drunk. Leaning against the doorframe he brought his beer to his lips and took a long sip.

"I had to stop and pick up some groceries plus I got us some dinner. The roads are terrible at the moment because of the rain. When do you want to eat Luke?"

"Now." Was all she got as Luke turned and walked towards the lounge-room.

Kate quickly dished up the dinner and headed for the dining room.

"We're eating in front of the TV tonight Caitlin."

"I was actually hoping we could discuss the wedding."

"Tomorrow. I'm watching the footy tonight."

Kate nodded and took the meals to the lounge room, her heart sinking as she did so.

Kate woke up aching all over. Luke was never gentle with her when he was drunk. He would climb into bed with her, placing kisses on her chest, touching her, demanding sex and whether she wanted it or not they would have it. It wouldn't be pleasant either. What he wanted he got and because he was so much bigger than Kate, she would usually end up bruised and sore the next morning.

Dragging herself out of bed she stumbled into the shower, welcoming the relief the hot water offered her. Turning the water off and wrapping a towel around her she opened the door to the smell of cooked food. Luke appeared from the kitchen wearing nothing but the floral apron Kate had received as a gift from her mother.

"Breakfast is ready. Do you want tea or coffee honey?"

"Coffee please." Kate smiled weakly. This routine was their life. One day he was a drunken bastard, the next we was the most loving partner. Unfortunately for Kate the majority of the time he was the drunken bastard.

Saying she had to quickly get ready before breakfast, Kate quickly threw on some clothes, making sure her shirt hid the bruises on her arms and her make-up was thick enough to cover the ones around her face and neck.

When she was happy with the result she went and had her breakfast.

A new story. I'm excited. This one hopefully will be a quick one as all the chapters are already written. I wrote this about 2years ago. I was devastated when I thought I lost it but I found it yesterday and I'm very excited to be posting it now.

Please review on you way out!

L