Chapter 2

Gabriella's POV

A relieved sigh escaped my mouth when I heard the front door close, meaning Aaron was gone. Of course I knew he would be back in an hour, with friends. But I enjoyed every single second home-alone, even though I really loved Aaron. I thought.

I walked upstairs and into the bathroom. Carefully I undressed, trying not to brush against the bruises. When I had finally removed my clothes, I put on the shower, and the second adventure began. I winced in pain as the hot water hit the bruises but after a few minutes it disappeared and I closed my eyes.

There was only one thing I could think of, Troy. I never thought about the consequences of having a neighbor. The house next door was empty since Aaron and I came here, probably because it was too expensive.

But now that Troy was living there, I began thinking. What if he heard our fights, my screams, or what if he discovered what Aaron and his friends do to me? I couldn't even think about what would happen then.

Lost in thoughts, I didn't hear Aaron and his friends coming home. Suddenly I snapped out of my thoughts because of lout banging on the door and Aaron's angry voice.

''Gabriella! Hurry up! I told you to be fucking ready before I would be home! Hurry the fuck up!''

''Coming!'' I said back before stepping out of the shower and quickly putting sexy clothes on, as Aaron told me to do.

After I did my hair and make up I walked downstairs, to be greeted by 5 smirking faces, Aaron and his friends. ''Finally'' Aaron said while he got up and walked over to me.

He put his hands on my hips and immediately the others stood up too and before I knew it I was surrounded by 5 men.

Troy's POV

I stared at the cars in front of Gabriella's house. They were there since he got up this morning, and I didn't have a good feeling about it. I had seen them for the past few days, why did they had company so often?

Maybe it was Aaron's or Gabriella's birthday, but normal people invited family at the same day, not for 4 days, and if I wasn't wrong, it were the same cars every day.

I shook my head, where was I worrying about? I have better things to worry about. I got up and grabbed my jacket and car keys. When I walked out I couldn't help but took a glance at the house next door. Nothing strange. I got in my car and drove to East High to start with my 3rd day of a gym teacher.

Gabriella's POV

When Aaron's friends were gone I quickly took a shower because I felt dirty. When I got out of the bathroom Aaron called for me to come downstairs. I found him standing in the doorway of the front door, ready to go. I walked over to him and he immediately grabbed my arm, like I was going to walk outside or something.

''Listen, I'm going to the cafe with friends, you are going to clean up the house since it's all dirty and then you can get ready for tonight 'cause we are going to have some fun'' Aaron said, smirking.

I felt him tightening his hold on my wrist and I winced in pain. ''I'm going to Taylor's'' I said silently, afraid for his reaction.

''You're not! I tell you, you're going to clean up the house!'' Aaron said angry in my face. Geez, why could he get so angry so quickly?

At that moment I saw Troy's car pulling up next door. ''HEY, look at me!'' I jumped as he slapped my cheek and I quickly looked back at Aaron.

''Okay, I will clean up, let go of my arm please'' I said scared.

Troy's POV

I frowned when I got out of my car that afternoon and noticed a man slapping Gabriella. Then I noticed it was Aaron, and I grew even more angrier.

''You should do what she says'' I said while I closed the door and put my car keys in my jacket.

Aaron turned to me, searching for the guy who interrupted his and Gabriella's talk. When he saw me, I noticed his face getting angrier, but he did let go of her arm. ''You have nothing to do with this, so fuck up'' he growled.

''Nope, I'm in my own garden so I don't have to'' I said calmly while I looked at Gabriella who rubbed her bruised wrist and was looking at me. ''Please go Troy'' she said, I could see the hurt and fear in her eyes, and that broke my heart.

I bit my lip and nodded before glancing angrily at Aaron and walking into my house. I sighed and looked out of the window as Aaron drove away in his expensive car. I immediately got out of my house again and walked over at Gabriella who was still standing in the doorway, staring at the road where Aaron's car just disappeared.

''Hey, are you ok?'' I asked worriedly. Gabriella's eyes snapped up and she looked at me with those sad eyes. ''I would be more okay if you just didn't say anything and just got into your house'' she snapped at me, trying to close the front door, but I stopped it with my arm.

''What do you want?'' Gabriella asked and she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. ''Gabriella, I don't want you to get hurt. I know I just met you, but I can see you're getting hurt by that guy'' I said calmly.

''That guy is my boyfriend and I love him!'' she shouted at me, while more tears started to roll down her face, but she didn't care.

''Are you sure?'' I asked with a soft voice. Gabriella looked confused at me. ''Are you sure you love him?'' I asked again.

Se bit her lip and looked at the ground. Suddenly she busted out in crying and I put my arms around her, pulling her close to my chest. I didn't know how, but it felt so right. I just met her a few days ago, but this felt so good. She cried into my chest and I felt my shirt getting wetter and wetter. I pulled her into the house, closing the door.

We sat down on the couch, with her head still in my chest. We sat for a few minutes and then she stopped crying a little. she sat up straight and just looked at my her which were in her lap.

It was clear to me that Aaron must have hurt her many times, otherwise she wouldn't have broken down like this. I looked at her, thinking of how someone could hurt such a beautiful girl. Even though there were strains of make up at her cheeks because of the crying, she looked absolutely gorgeous.

My thoughts didn't really scare me, I already knew I did had some feelings for her. Even though I had met her a few days ago, I really, like really really liked her.

''I don't love him'' Gabriella's soft, broken voice interrupted my thoughts and she looked at me. ''Why are you with him then?''

Gabriella's POV

At that question I had to think for a few seconds, why was I still with Aaron?

''I think.. Because if I leave him he would kill me'' I said, not looking at Troy. I really didn't know why I was telling him this, but he was like the only one who was here for me right now.

''You can't stay with him, you do know that right?'' Troy asked. At that I looked up in his eyes, his bright blue, beautiful eyes. ''You can't tell me what to do. You've no idea what I'm dealing with. If I leave, he wouldn't let me'' I said.

''Well, I can tell you what is best for you, but I understand you don't let me tell you what to do. I just know you deserve much better than this. So please don't let him ruin your life'' With that Troy stood up and let him out himself.

I stared at the door which had just closed and tears started to fall again.

I didn't have much time alone, Aaron got inside the house drunk, and walked over to me. ''What was that dude doing here? You know you can't have sex with people without asking them money'' he said angry.

''Aaron, that dude was Troy, our neighbor remember'' I said, trying to stay calm, but inside I was terrified. ''We just talked'' I said silently.

''And I have to believe that?! I am not crazy Gabriella!'' he shouted before he slapped my cheek.

I cupped my burning cheek in my right hand while I received another punch, this time with his fist against my other cheek. I started crying and I tried to get away, but Aaron grabbed my arm tightly and I winced in pain. ''You stay here bitch! You fucking had sex with the neighbor! Without giving me the fucking money! Give me the money!'' he shouted.

''I don't have money, we didn't have sex, we just talked'' I said with a croaky voice while tears were streaming down my cheeks. Aaron didn't listen, and after a few more punches he stormed upstairs, leaving me on the ground crying.

I didn't know how long I had been laying there, but I know that it was long. Then Aaron came downstairs again, taking me upstairs and doing one of the most painfullest things to me.

Still Gabriella's POV

I knew I really had to get away, far away from Aaron. It couldn't happen again, he couldn't beat me again, he had done that enough for the past few months. But where could I go? I really didn't know, but I didn't worry about it, the only thing I wanted was to get away.

So I got up very early, like 4 in the morning, and got out of bed silently, trying not to wake up Aaron. I tip-toed to my closet and pulled out sweat pants and a sweater. I quickly grabbed my bag and put some clothes and my purse in it. Then I walked downstairs and put some food in it and I then sat down on the chair.

I looked around, I was ready to leave this house and I was ready to leave Albuquerque. I was ready to leave the place where all the bad happened, leaving all the bad memories and hoping to start a new life. Without Aaron.

I grabbed 2 pieces of paper and a pen, and started writing 2 letters.

Dear Aaron,

You may have noticed already, but I'm gone. You know why? Because you have hurt me all this time, and I didn't even notice. I thought it was normal for a couple to fight, and I thought it was normal for a man to abuse his girlfriend and force to have sex with his friends. Maybe I did know it wasn't normal, but I loved you. I thought. I can't believe I have ever loved you, and I can't believe I have moved in with you, just to get beaten up by you, have sex with you, and play your little games. I am so happy I realized you don't deserve me. Even though I had to realize that a lot earlier. Don't come and search me, and please don't go search another girl who will have to go through the same I went trough. You have no idea how much you hurt me. I'm so done with you. Have a nice life and goodbye.

Gabriella.

Tears were falling down on the paper, I couldn't believe I still had those tears in me, I've cried so much for the past few days. Actually, for the past few months. I grabbed the other paper and started writing again.

Dear Troy,

I left. I did what you told me to do. I left this morning. I wrote a letter to Aaron, now I have to hope he isn't going to search for me, because then I'm dead. I just want to thank you for letting me realize I had to end this shit. I know you don't know what have happened exactly, but I'really love you for realizing it wasn't going well in this house. If you weren't there, Aaron was probably beating me right now. Like he did yesterday. And the day before yesterday. And the day therefor. Well, you get the idea. Don't come and search for me, I did tell Aaron the same. I am done with this whole thing, done with Albuquerque and done with this life. I'm starting all over again, like I've born for the second time. I know I just met you, but you are a good guy Troy, please don't get yourself in trouble, and don't let me ruin your life. Act like I've never been here. You don't have to worry about me, I'm alright.

xGabriella.

More tears were rolling down my cheeks, and I got up slowly. I left the letter for Aaron at the table and with my bag and the letter I walked out of the house. I put the letter for Troy in the mailbox next door and looked up at Aaron's house. I sighed and turned around, walking down the road, not knowing where to go.

PLEASE REVEIW!