Chapter 1: Not When we first met but when we took the first step

We were two silly teenagers who couldn't look away from each other for one second. Our heartbeats were combined and with every word I knew you were the only one.

Driving to school with my mother was always awkward. But on the days after arguments with my father it was always worse. This time however she wasn't just silent, she was sobbing but trying to make it to where I wouldn't notice. But I did. So I spoke up.

"Mom, what happened with you and dad last night."

"Nothing Mija, just another bad night." 

She frantically started wiping away her tears. I knew there was more she wasn't saying.

"Mom, please tell me what's wrong. I'm worried and I don't want to go to school like this."

At this point she was in full blown tears as she pulled up to the front entrance.

"Your father treats me like s**t every damn night he gets drunk like that. I have felt so bad about myself and the way my life is with him for so long now. You don't know how many times I've wanted to drive this car into an 18 wheeler and get it over with."

"Mom! You can't say that. You can't say that and expect me to go to school still. I'm not going."

"Get out Marie, you can't miss anymore days or you'll have to go to court."

I didn't want to. I was scared that could've been the last conversation I'd ever have with her. But she was right. I couldn't miss anymore days and my mom didn't have time to take me to court. So I gave her a hug for as long as I could and asked her to pick me up after school. Mainly because I wanted to make sure she was okay as soon as I could. With that  load on my shoulder I walked into school trying to keep my composure. As soon as I saw my best friend Annie, I lost it. I was in tears and I couldn't even stop to explain what had just happened. And then out of nowhere I hear footsteps running towards me. I turned around and I see you.

"Isabel, what's wrong. Talk to me. Everything is going to be okay I swear. I'm here for you."

You were talking so fast I couldn't hear you very well. But you pulled me in for a hug and I heard your heart beat and that got me to calm down enough to be able to go to my first class. Thankfully you were in my first period every morning. You walked me to class and sat in your assigned seat. I was set on just staying quiet all day until I could see my mom again. I opened up my computer and logged into my email hoping Annie was online so I vent. However, the first message I saw was from you.

"Hey, you okay? We can talk about whatever is wrong. I'm here for you."

"Honestly, I'm not okay but it's really personal and idk if I can say just yet."

If I'm being honest I really thought that's where the conversation was gonna end. I thought "Okay shut another one out he's done now." But you weren't done. We messaged each other through the rest of class. We continued talking through the entire school day. It wasn't until the end when I told you about my mom. I thought for sure after that you'd be a goner. But we continued talking. You made me feel like maybe there's room for one more person to have my trust. With all that was going on with my mom I was surprised that she wasn't the only one on my mind when I fell asleep that night.

Author's Note

This is my story of my love. This is how i want it to be told. It's personal and it means something. Some chapters will be short. Some will be long. But that how life is.