High School Sweethearts

Chapter 3: Love Drunk- Part 2

{A Few Hours Later}

I sat in front of the mirror still crying looking at my cheek there was a faint yet very visible bruise on it. I heard the door opening and closing. I closed my eyes and I felt a light stroke over the bruise.

Josephine: Just leave me alone!

Erick: I can’t do that.

Josephine: Why not? I don’t want to be with you. 

Erick: That doesn't matter because I love you 

Josephine: But I don’t love you!

Erick: You’re just saying that because you’re angry.

I stood up facing him.

Josephine: I’m saying it because it’s the truth! I just want you to leave me alone! Please!

Erick: Is that what you really want?

Josephine: Yes!

His hand shot out his fingers wrapping around my neck.

Erick: Yeah no you see this is what’s going to happen we are not breaking up and if anyone asks why you tell them the whole thing with Lexi was a misunderstanding.

I tried my hardest to pry his hand off my neck but that just made him squeeze harder. I could barely breathe. It felt like the world around me was fading out.

Erick: Do you understand?

I shook my head, yes fearing what would happen if I said no. 

Erick: Good.

He leaned down and kissed me before letting go. He stroked my cheek before going to the fridge and getting an ice pack. Placing it on my neck where a new bruise had popped up. He took out his phone and laid back onto my bed. Putting one hand behind his neck and scrolling with the other he smiled.

Erick: You hungry? 

I shrugged, pressing the ice pack onto my neck.

Erick: Mexican?

I trembled as the words left his lips so nonchalantly like he hadn’t just threatened me into not breaking up with him. I forced the sides of my lips to curl up into a half-smile for half a second. He nodded beckoning me over patting the bed next to him. I made my way over slowly laying down next to him with a single hot tear escaping my eyes and I wiped it away quickly. This was my reality now nothing I could say to stop it I was doomed I was dead.

                          {Two Weeks Later}

It had been a few weeks since everything. I was still scared for my life but Erick manipulating me into loving him wasn’t what was causing me pain. It was from Vanessa. She had stopped talking to me when she found out that I had “accepted Erick’s apology”. ‘ Really after everything he’s put you through for the last three months and even after you caught him with another girl you forgive him? You deserve better. I’ve known Erick for years I have to admit I didn’t believe he was ignoring you on purpose at first I thought he wasn’t capable of hurting you the person he loves the most but I was wrong he did cheat on you. I’ve opened my eyes it’s about time you do so too.’  were her exact words.  She had asked about the bruises too I had purposely worn a shirt with thin straps so they were visible I mean they weren’t purple or anything. They were greenish and dark so they were practically invisible against my tan skin but you could still see them if you were close enough. I wanted her to notice so she asked and I could tell her everything so she could help me out of this nightmare I was stuck in, but before I could answer Erick snuck up behind me and threw his letterman jacket over my shoulders. The jacket was so big that and I was so small that the bottom of it came down to my knees so I was pretty covered up. I was used  to this the clothes I wore were skin tight and I’m a curvy girl so I was used to everyone staring at me Erick hated that so he would always put his jacket on me I wore it more than he did. It looked like I was the one on the football team instead of Erick I wore the thing so much. But this time was different he threw it on me with so much force that it made a sound as it smacked down onto my shoulders painfully. It startled me and Vanessa apparently because once it happened her face went pale and she walked away refusing to turn back around as I called out for her I tried following her but Erick grabbed my hand and pulled me into an empty classroom saying it’d be a good idea if I started to dress differently all I could do was nod I was so afraid to anger him that I agreed to do anything he said even if it was completely against everything I stood for. That had been the last time I’d spoken to Vanessa of course I wanted to but Nick advised me against it. So it had only been me and Nick for the last two weeks. 

Nick shut his locker grabbing my arm and pulling me along the hallway.

Josephine: I don’t want to go!

Nick: You don’t have a choice, Love.

I pulled back as he pulled forward.

Nick: Stop acting like a toddler Jo!

Josephine: I can’t help my mental capacity N!

Nick: You know what f**k this.

He let go of my arm and squatted down throwing me over his shoulder.

Josephine: I’m over all of this.

Nick: What?

Josephine: senior year. I just want it to end.

He sighed realizing what I meant.

Nick: Do you know what you’re doing after graduation?

Josephine: No not really. I’m just trying to focus on the showcase.

No Nick didn’t know about the whole I’m running away from a drug dealer who’s trying to kill me and I can't really leave the country because if I do he might find me and send my severed head to my moms on a silver platter thing neither did Vanessa only Erick did. So they were under the impression that I tried to get auditions but completely flunked them and I wasn’t interested in going to college.

Nick: You know I could probably get you an audition with the girls you’re crazy talented you’d totally crush it and we could tour with the biggest girl group in the world together it’d be amazing.

Josephine: As much as I’d kill to be one of Little Mix’s back up dancers and become best friends with the girls and convince Claudimar Neto to be my surrogate husband I don’t think I’m up for it but I’m really happy for you you deserve this so much you’re really talented and I’m glad you get to live your dream. 

He put me down as we neared the choir room.

Nick: Thank you, babe. You deserve to be successful too. Your stage presence is amazing. People listen in awe when you sing and when you dance people can’t help but watch. The emotion you show when you’re acting is incredible. you are meant to be a performer it’s your destiny we all know it why don’t you?

I sighed looking down for half a second before grabbing Nick’s hand and pulling him inside the classroom. 

Josephine: Because I’m realistic.

He shook his head I could tell he didn’t believe me, He was right I had stars in my eyes every time I preformed it’s what I wanted to do he knew that everyone did I just knew it could never become a reality because of the situation I was in so I stopped entertaining the idea of becoming a big star like my mother she was actually the reason performing was such a big part of my life she would take me everywhere with her when I was little back when she was still starting it inspired me how much she gave in every performance no matter how small and seemingly unnoticeable the part was I worshipped her and still do for how amazing she was and how she inspired everyone around her and me to do what they want to do she means so much to so many people and I almost ruined that. When she was first starting she went by her legal name, at the time which she hadn’t changed as an homage to dad after he passed away, Maria Moreno but once she started gaining popularity and I started to get into trouble we all decided that it’d be best if she went with momma’s last name Santana because people could easily google her and find me and I didn’t want her career to be ruined because of her delinquent daughter. She’s the reason performing is a part of my life why I wanted to become a performer and I was almost the reason she lost everything because I’m stupid I love her and momma so much and I hate that something they put so much effort into, helping me improve my talents, and all the hopes and dreams they had for my future which seemed to be bright at the time was wasted because of a wrong decision I made and I still loved performing I always will but it will never be more than just a dream and I had accepted that.

Nick: Whatever you say lady whatever you say

He led me to a few empty seats next to Vanessa who was sitting by the wall. He took the ferthest from her leaving the one next to her empty pushing me down holding my hand so I wouldn’t get up. Erick walked in laughing with a few of the guys from the football team. He spotted us walking over, leaning down to give me a kiss. His gaze fell on me and Nick's hands clasped together. He gave me a weird look before sitting down next to him. Which was weird to me because Nick and I were really close since the beginning we held hands and he hugged me all the time  I was even use to nick carrying me around he was the guy I clung to when someone tried to flirt with me at a party and Erick wasn’t around and Vanessa was in the bathroom and I couldn’t pretend I was a lesbian queen and she was my wifey. He was literally one of the only guys who could hype me up and tell me I looked like a sexy skank, which he did every day because it’s the way we talked to each other, without Erick getting jealous because a male was looking at my ass. Erick had never had a problem with the way I dressed the people I was friends with or the way I acted he was a little overprotective I guess it stemmed from the fact all his girlfriends cheated on him, he loved me because I was so confident and I was myself and I didn’t care that people would look at me weird if I held hands with and was lovey-dovey with a guy who was just my friend while I had a boyfriend. He had changed and it was scaring me just how different he had become. 

I was pulled from my thoughts when the music teacher walked in starting class. He went over the lesson plan for the week explaining that everyone had to participate since it was nearing the end of the school year and we wouldn’t be returning staring at Erick and the football guys because they were the ones who refused to sing they got their credits by being back up dancers since technically they performed but that’s a whole rant for another day. I stopped paying attention around the point when he began to talk, my attention returning when I heard my name being called.

Music teacher: Josephine would you please come up?

I shook my head clearing my thoughts. Before proceeding to the front of the class.

Music teacher: I would like you to kick things off this week. 

I looked at the board and it was blank there was nothing indicating what the lesson was like usual realizing I hadn’t paid attention I turned to the teacher.

Josephine: could you elaborate?

Music teacher: I just want you to sing. I trust you guys enough to make a reasonable choice without having a list like we always do. sing the first song that comes to mind.

I nodded he made his way to his chair and I turned to the band telling them my choice before turning around and sitting on the stool in the middle of the room and beginning to sing.

                            {Little Mix- F.U}

Vanessa looked up at me as she heard the lyrics I was singing and I knew she understood what I was trying to say because she saw the way I was interpreting them and not the way they were written it was like the dots were connecting in her mind and she was realising what was happening to me. Nick smiled and sang along since he recognized the song and Erick wasn’t even paying attention. I finished the song and everyone clapped and the teacher praised my performance saying how my song choice showed off my range nicely. I smiled and headed back to my seat as soon as I sat down Vanessa hugged me.

Vanessa: I’m sorry I didn’t hear you out.

Josephine: It’s ok.

                      { Few Hours Later}

After our classes had ended for the day I snuck away from Erick and Nick and pulled Vanessa into my dorm telling her everything that had happened and she saw red. She got up and started walking to the door.

Josephine: Where are you going?

Vanessa: I’m going to find Nick and we're are going to beat Erick’s Ass 

I ran up and stood between her and the door. As tears streamed down my face after recalling the events of the last few weeks.

Josephine: No please you can’t tell anyone promise me you won’t tell anyone

She looked down.

Vanessa: I can’t do that Jo you can’t just tell me you’re being mentally and physically abused and tell me to ignore it I’m not going to sit back and let this s**t happen.

I grabbed both sides of her face forcing her to look at me

Josephine: Please you have to promise me you won’t do anything stupid Nessa.

She shook her head as tear after tear fell splashing onto my hands.

Vanessa: I can’t Jo I can’t I hate seeing you like this it’s not you and I won’t stand for it.

Josephine: Please Nessa promise me you won’t say anything, please! 

She could see how hurt I was and I could see how mad she was because of it. She stayed silent for a few minutes before looking at me.

Vanessa: Why are you protecting him?

Josephine: I’m not.

Vanessa: Then let me tell Mom she can help. You’re her daughter she’ll help. I know she will please let me tell someone Jo.

Josephine: You can’t

Vanessa: Why not?

Josephine: You just can’t please! Promise me You won’t say anything.

Vanessa: Bu-

Josephine: Please promise me!

Vanessa: Fine. I won’t say anything.

She let go of my hands and hugged me tightly.

Vanessa: But I’m staying with you until the end of the year.

Josephine: Thank you but you don’t have to.

Vanessa: It’s only one week. It’s fine.

Josephine: OK.

I buried my face into her fuzzy sweater. The crying had stopped and for the first time in a long time, I felt safe.