Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Flashback

"I don't like them," I murmured as Toby handed me the things he wanted me to wear to the party happening a few blocks away from where we lived.

It was a pre-celebration for the school football team, but it wasn't as big as the after-party when the game's over, but like away, all the football players would be present at the party, including Mycole.

"It doesn't matter, what matters is that I like them." He replied with a scowl as he handed me the clothes. "Wear them and apply some makeup on that bruised cheek of yours, we don't want people giving us weird face now do we?"

He had beaten me up the previous day when I told him I was breaking up with him leaving him. He threatened to kill me and my family if I ever tried to leave him. That was how I ended up with bruises on my face.

I shook my head, "No, we don't." I replied taking the clothes and going inside and changing them.

I stared at myself in the mirror and inspect myself in the blue small top exposing my navel down and the skirt hung around my hip bone and stop a little above my panties. I whimpered and tears run down my eyes. I wiped them off and quickly applied my makeup, adding more foundation on my cheek and then blush so my two cheeks could at least look alike.

When I came out, Toby walked to where I stood and claimed my lips in his and from fear of what he might do if I didn't respond, I kissed him back.

"You're so hot, Taylor and you're all mine, always remember that." He slapped my butt and I gasp in pain.

•••••

We arrived at the party and the house was already filled with people and faces I knew and I became aware that there was no other girl at the party but me and that I became nervous and uneven. Things were going to be disastrous today, I could already feel it.

When we entered the room, music is loud and cigars and alcohol smell all over the room. I held on to Toby's arm which made him hiss in annoyance. "I'm the only girl here, Toby, I don't feel so well dressed like this," I complained and he just ignored me.

He saw some of his friends and he drew his arm from me and went to them and they began talking and although I couldn't hear them, I saw the way they looked back at me with hungry eyes. I began moving back and soon got lost in the crowd of boys drinking and before I could make out my next move, a hand yanked my body so that my body met with his.

I look up at the face which I haven't seen before, "Hey babe, you're fit." His breath is mix with the strong alcohol he'd taken.

"Let me go okay, just let me go," I said in fear and turmoil I pushed against his hand, but he wouldn't let go.

"Come on, slut, I know you're not new to my offer, and I guess you're here to please everyone in this place, I'm the first in line."

"I'm no slut, let me go."

He didn't, but he was pulled away by Toby who punched him in the face and broke his nose. "She's mine."

The stranger stumbled away and I turned to meet, Toby whose anger was now turned to me. "Bitch what part of mine do you not understand?"

"I didn't do anything, you brought me to this stupid party, dressed me like some cheap slut how else did you expect others to see me uh?" When I finished, I realised the music was lower and my voice was higher and everyone in the room was looking at me.

Toby's face looked red from anger that I hadn't seen and before I got to speak.

Slap!

Slap!

Everyone gasped and my cheek which was healing opened up the blood rushed down my cheek. I covered my face as a tear began to run down my face and I took to my heels and ran until I was sure I wasn't close to the room anymore I came to the door that there was a ladies sign.

I entered and locked the door. I turned on the water of the hand basin and wash my face when I noticed someone behind me. I jumped and turned to see the weary eyes of Mycole tensely watching me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked startled.

"Hiding? 'Cause if that out there is fun, then I don't want to be part of it." He looked at me with a look of concern. "What are you doing here and how did that end up in your face?" He said referring to my bruised cheek. "And why were you crying?"

My hand went to my cheek and covered it up. "Nothing." I lied, "I wasn't crying."

"Stop lying, I know the truth, I just want you to tell me yourself." He scowled "I know he's hurting you, I knew he'd hurt you, that was why I wanted you to stay away from him."

I choked on the lump that was in my throat and my eyes grew glassy and I tried to keep them back.

He opened his arms and I ran into them and he held me tightly. "It's okay to cry." He doesn't let go even as I cry and ruin his shirt.

I pulled back, sniffing and wiping my face. "You know what will happen if I leave, I can't leave, he's gonna hurt me and the people I love and care about."

Before he got to speak, there was a bang on the door that made me jump.

"I know you're in there, Taylor, get out and let's get going." Toby roared and I gave Mycole a silent plea so he'd hide and he does, going behind the door and staying there. I opened the door and Toby was plastered before me, glaring at me.

"We are leaving." He says and yanked me by the arm.

I stumbled behind him and he practically dragged me through the bodies in the room. Once we were outside he said, "Get in."

I thought I had escaped the party, but I was wrong, he decided to continue his party at home.

Flashback Ends

I drop the box on the floor and sit down holding my head in my hand and thinking.

Rory can suck it in because there no way I'm going on a date with him

I grab the box and take it to the wardrobe and toss it in when I see another box in the wardrobe and unlike the first, this one is black.

Why didn't I see this earlier??

I bring the box over to the bed and open it. I take the dress is black and also laced with glitters all over the dress, and from what I see, I know they would probably be cut four inches below the hip. This is not just a dress that looks, like the dress I wore four months ago, it is the same dress I wore to the 5 Star hotel four months ago. It doesn't take a genius to know that and also see the same black stilettoes I wore that day in it. There are also Mary Kay makeup kits and Chanel perfume that would probably cost a fortune.

I notice a note inside and I pick it up to read.

I never for once forgot the first day I saw you. Please wear it for tonight.

Rory.