Free A Will To Change (Hope) by Beth Rinyu Page B

said as she quickly slipped her shirt over her head and approached the door. She looked at my eye and covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, my god! Are you okay?”
    I nodded, turning my head in embarrassment. “I’ll talk to ya later,” Will said, quickly closing the door behind the girl.
    I looked up at him, no longer able to keep up my strong façade, melting into his arms and completely breaking down.
     

 

     
    I took Gabby’s hand and led her over to the couch, then got her some ice and a shot of Jack. I handed her the shot glass. “Here, slam this down. It will help with the pain and calm you down.” She lifted it up to her lips and choked as she chugged it down.
    I held the ice on her eye as she trembled uncontrollably. “Gabby, what happened?”
    She shook her head and tears rolled down her face. “I just didn’t want him ruining my flowers, Will. But he did…every single one of them.” She sobbed and I pulled her closer. I felt absolutely horrible for her. The pain in her eyes. The pain in her voice. Everything about her tonight hurt me deep inside, making me want to kill the son of a bitch that did this to her.
    “Who, Gabby?” I asked, already knowing the answer. “Did your ex-boyfriend do this to you?” 
    She looked up at me and nodded. “I shouldn't have said anything to him. I called him a bastard and it set him off. I know how he gets when he's drinking.”
    “This isn't the first time that he's done this to you, is it?”
    She shook her head. “Once before when he was drunk, he pushed me and that's when I ended it. I know you're thinking I'm stupid for staying there with him, but I didn't have a choice.”
    “I'm gonna fuckin’ kill him,” I growled.
    “No, Will. Please. Promise me you won't do anything. He was drunk and -.”
    “Gabby, that’s no excuse. Your fuckin' eye is swollen shut, and you have handprints on your neck.” She moved her hands down to her neck and flinched in pain.  That motherfucker should be arrested.”
    “Will, please don't do anything. I have to try and keep the peace just until I can get a place of my own.”
    “What?! Gabby, tell me you are not fuckin' serious! There is no way in hell that you are going back there.”
    “Will, it will be -.”
    “Gabby, you're not! I have an extra bedroom. You can stay here for however long you want.”
    She held up her hand and shook her head. “No, Will. I'm not going to intrude into your life like that.”
    “You're not intruding into my life, Gabby.”
    “I can't.”
    Why the hell did she have to be so damn stubborn? “You can , and you will !”
    She didn't answer. Instead, she broke down into tears again. I hugged her tightly as she rested her head on my chest. “I'm just so tired, Will,” she whispered. Her teardrops rolled down her face and onto my shirt. 
    I kissed her on the top of her head. “Then go to sleep, Gabby girl. Everything is going to be okay. I promise. I will never let anyone hurt you ever again.”
    I held the ice on her eye for a little longer while she slept. The girl who had been my angel over these past few months, and who was always so willing to help me out, needed somebody tonight. Gabby had finally cracked that tough exterior that she had up since the day that I met her. I didn’t like seeing her so sad and defenseless. I gently traced the bruise on her eye and fixated my eyes on her neck, imagining how scared she must have been. I gently scooped her up and carried her into the spare bedroom. She whimpered in her sleep and briefly opened her eyes as I placed her down. ”It's okay, Gabby. Go back to sleep,” I whispered. I covered her up and watched her sleep for a little while longer before heading off to bed myself.

    As hard as I tried, I just couldn't keep my promise to Gabby. I was too pissed. I hardly slept all night, and was out the door at 6 am to hit the gym, hoping that it would help release some of my frustration, but it didn't. I remembered where Gabby's