“We’ve been given a second chance.”

- The Best of Me, coming to theaters October 17

Chapter 1

I swallowed down the lump that had seemingly lodged itself in my throat, as the point of the gun jabbed further into my temple. Sweat beaded across my forehead, trickling down the side of my face and entering the corners of my mouth.

My tongue felt swollen and my mouth had retracted all saliva from it, making it hard to breathe. My eyes were squeezed shut in panic, my entire body trembling with fright. I felt the person's arm snake around my neck, constricting around me. I gasped in surprise, trying not to hyperventilate any further than I already was. The grip tightened and my breathing became heavy. I heard the safety switch click off and my heart instantly plummeted into my stomach.

This was it.

"Where. Is. He?" the voice ground out.

"I-I don't know." I whispered, my voice coming out raspy and hoarse. "I swear."

"Wrong answer."

He then pulled the trigger.

****************** Two Days Earlier *******************

I flinched as a crack of thunder erupted in the illuminant sky. Groaning dramatically, I rolled my head back and glared upward, annoyed that my time at the beach was coming to an end. The wind had picked up, causing goose bumps to scatter across my skin. Hugging my thin cardigan to myself, I begrudgingly rose to my feet.

The beach was my temporary escape. I didn’t ever swim, or surf like the others in town did. I merely sat, watched the waves and imagined what life would be like if I was anywhere or anybody else. Although that may sound depressing, it was the most favourite part of my day, which somewhat kept me sane.

My stomach churned at the thought of returning home. Sure, on the outside the immaculate garden looked inviting and the golden glow of the lights made the house looked warm and cosy, it was in fact the opposite once you stepped foot into the threshold. Well, sometimes it was normal but other times… Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced images of him stumbling home late at night, bottles whiskey clutched in his hand out of my mind. Slight patters of rain began to drizzle down and I knew it was time to go.

Dragging my feet reluctantly, I forced my body to walk towards my beat-up crap box (most commonly referred to as my car) which surely was not safe on the road. Half the time it wouldn’t even start. Praying that it wouldn’t, I turned the key and sighed as it rumbled to life. I wanted an excuse to sleep the night in my car, but my body complained at the thought of being cramped in here again. Too quickly, I pulled up at my house. The lights were on, indicating that he was home. With sweaty palms, I emerged from my car, hastily wiping my jeans. I never knew if today was going to be a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ day. Entering as silently as I could, I slipped through the front door and tip-toed through the living room. I could hear the rumble of his T.V going in his room.

Using the hall mirror, I angled myself so that I could see through the crack of his door. He was passed out unattractively on the bed, a bottle planted in his palm. A breath released from my lips that I hadn’t realised I’d been holding. There would be no screaming arguments or even worse, flash backs to mum being alive tonight. Sure, he was depressed and an alcoholic, making life hard, but it could be worse. He has never physically abused me, like I know others do. With a faint smile, I wandered towards my room, feeling refreshingly relieved that I wouldn’t have to deal with him tonight. Well, conscious anyway. Of course I would have to go and make sure he is alright, cover him with a blanket, place a bottle of water beside him, all that usual stuff.

Only now, it was the nightmares that would disturb my night. I ran a shaky hand through my long, dark hair, collapsing onto my bed. Absently, my fingers made their way to the golden locket that was firmly resting against my chest. I opened it and stared down at her face, so filled with joy and pure happiness.

22.7.12

That was the date she gave me this locket for my birthday. It was also the date that she left me, turning my life completely upside down.

Curses flew from my mouth as I dropped to my knees and began collecting the accumulating shrapnel around me. Yet again, the money bag had a hole in it. My eyes stung and my back ached from the hours I had spent packing. If I didn’t need the money so desperately, I would have quit this place years ago. But of course, it was the only thing letting me survive. ‘Father’ didn’t have enough to cover both mine and his own expenses. And by his ‘expenses’, I mean his addiction.

I cashed up and sighed in relief as yet another shift was over. I was glad to leave here but not to go back home. But right now, I just wanted to shower and curl into bed, no matter what I would have to deal with before that could happen. Slowly, I made my way towards my car and crawled into it. Jamming my key into the ignition, I turned it. A disturbing sound met my ears, before it died away. I wanted to scream with frustration. The one time I actually wanted to go home and my car decides to not start. Again. Tears of anger welled in my eyes as I sagged against the steering wheel. Without lifting my head, I desperately tried again. I was unsuccessful. Tumbling out of my car, my leg shot out and connected with the bumper. An enraged growl tore from my throat. It would be a twenty minute hike in the freezing wind to get back home. I had four options.

1. Sleep in my car again and just go to work tomorrow in my dirty clothes, with no food, water or much money.

2. Call someone I knew but seeing as I had no friends and not much family, the list was pretty limited.

3. Hitch-hike or attempt to walk and possibly catch pneumonia.

4. Call him.

A cloud of smoke met me, interrupting my whirling thoughts. As I heard the footsteps ascend towards me, I sucked in a breath. Slowly, I turned, my eyes resting on a tall, unfamiliar boy. I quickly gave him the once over. A black, leather jacket tightly wrapped his torso. He had short, spiky blond hair and from what I could tell in the poor lighting, he had a slight tan to his skin. A cigarette dangled loosely from his lips. I wanted to roll my eyes at the stereotypical bad-boy get up.

“You’re not going to help the car start by kicking it.” He pointed out, his deep voice giving me goose bumps. Instantly, I felt like I recognised his voice from somewhere, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

“It helps me though.” I shrugged, leaning back against the car. I folded my arms defensively across my chest as I peered at him suspiciously.

A slight smirk danced around his lips. He took a drag from his cigarette, before dropping it the ground nonchalantly. I made a disgusted face at him.

“There’s a bin just around the corner.”

“That’s nice.”

Rolling my tongue across my teeth, I bit down a retort. I don’t think getting into an argument about pollution would help me right now. Ignoring him, I turned around and rummaged through my falling-apart bag which was hanging together by mere threads. Just as I grabbed my phone, it lit up as Craig was calling me. My stomach clenched, as it usually does, as my eyes scanned across his name. The phone slipped from my fingers and landed with a sickening crack on the concrete ground. With trembling fingers, I fetched it, hoping that it didn’t crack again. I didn’t have the money to buy a new phone.

“You look like you just saw a ghost.”

I jumped in alarm, having forgotten about the boy behind me. I swallowed nervously as I realised he had come closer. Close enough to have seen someone calling me. I whipped around, my eyes narrowed.

“Why are you still here?”

He took a step back, his eyes silently watching me. “Why not?”

Rubbing my face, I tried to ignore the ache that was accumulating in my head. My eyes burned with exhaustion. My phone began vibrating again, as Craig tried to get hold of me. He must be sober enough to realise I was late from coming home. He always got very mad when I wasn’t home when I should be.

“You going to answer that?” he asked in amusement.

I swivelled my eyes towards him. “No.”

He ran a hand through his hair, maintaining eye contact with me. “Need a ride?”

“No.” I lied, averting my eyes.

I didn’t want to go with some stranger, although the idea did seem quite appealing. Well, who wouldn’t want to go with a handsome, mysterious stranger? It sounded more exciting than returning home to my step-father.

“You sure about that?”

“Yes, but thanks for the offer. My step-father will come get me.” Although I tried to sound polite, I couldn’t help the bitterness that entered my voice every time I mentioned him. No matter how hard I tried, I could never remove the resentment embedded in me. Yeah, my situation could be worse but it could be a lot better. He was so consumed in his own depressed state, he didn’t look after me. Yeah, I was old enough to look out for myself, but I still need a parent there for me. I will never forgive him for turning to alcohol, instead of his own family. But most importantly, I will never forgive her for leaving me with him, even if it wasn’t her choice.

“Right.” He said, noticing my instant attitude change. “See you around.”

I didn’t reply as I turned towards my car. My phone began ringing again but I ignored it. Sleeping in my car would be sufficient enough for tonight. If I’m lucky, Anne will be working tomorrow and buy me some fruit, like last time. I had just settled on my back seat, preparing myself for the uncomfortable sleep when headlights pierced my vision. Wincing, I shielded my face as the car pulled up beside me. My stomach dropped as I heard the familiar squeak of the break.

He wasn’t really he, was he?

“Chanel.” He barked out, staggering from his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot and I could smell the alcohol already. I’m surprised he managed to put the car into gear, let alone drive. “Get home. Now.”

“Car won’t start,” I spat back, climbing out of the car. “Maybe if you-”

My words died off as he clutched my wrist savagely. This, was one of his ‘bad’ nights. I swallowed, looking at him levelly in the eye.

“I don’t want to go with you, while you’re in this state.”

“I’m sick of having to deal with you.” He responded in the same, level tone which was surprising.

I snorted without even meaning to. “You’re sick of dealing with me? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Don’t start.” He growled.

“I’ll sleep here tonight. But thanks for the offer.” I bit out sarcastically.

“Get. In. The. Car.”

“N-o.” I replied in the same tone, my cheeks turning hot.

He shot towards me, although the movement was quite jerky. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for him to jerk my body forward into the car, but it didn’t happen. I heard a grunt and my eyes snapped open. The boy from earlier had Craig pressed against the car, his elbow jabbing into his throat.

“This guy bothering you?” he asked calmly, as though having someone twice your size pinned was something not out of the ordinary for him.

“Er-” I began awkwardly. “He’s my step-father.”

“Do you want to go with him?”

I met Craig’s eyes and they narrowed into slits. He glared passionately at me. I know it was the alcohol making him act this way, but I couldn’t help the small smirk that made its way onto my face as I had wanted to see someone do this to him for a long time. To snap him out of it. To make him realise he could have a good life and not have to rely on alcohol to get through the day.

“No. I don’t.”

“Alright.”

With that, he sent a fist straight into Craig’s nose. As it connected, a crack could be heard and his head snapped painfully back into the car window. The boy pulled him back and shoved him roughly into the car, before letting him slide down. Blood was pouring down his face and dribbling from his chin.

My mouth was dangling open in shock. Annoyingly, I instantly felt bad for Craig. I wanted to slap myself but I couldn’t help it. No matter what he does, I will always go back to Craig. I will always want to look after him, if it comes down to it. But, I needed to get away from him and stop letting him drag me down with him.

Who was this boy? And more importantly, why did he do this for me?

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” He said urgently, his eyes blazing with adrenaline.

Numb with shock, I fumbled for my bag. He grabbed my hand, despite it being covered with Craig’s blood, and tugged me after him. I stumbled, my mouth still hanging open. I didn’t even question him when he helped me onto his motorbike. He mounted and the bike roared to life underneath me.

“Hold on,” he called out as the bike lurched forward.

My body jolted and I clung to his back, reality slapping me in the face. What was I doing? I didn’t even know this guy. He was a stranger that just beat up the person who has overpowered me for the last two years. Why was I trusting him? My thoughts disappeared as the whirling wind pressed against my face.

This was definitely a night I was going to remember