I casually walked over to my locker and put all my books in. It was Thursday and I unfortunately was back at school. I envied Gerald who was comfy at home probably watching TV.

Thank god my school day for today was over and I could leave this hell hole known as 'high school'.

I walked out the school and spotted a familiar brown haired head.

"Hey!" I greeted cheerfully.

He turned around and smirked when he seen me.

"Hey sunshine." He grinned. "What's up?"

"So I was by Gerald yesterday and he mentioned you..." I said.

"And..." He gestured for me to go on.

"And he kinda wants to see you."

He frowned. "Why the fuck would he wanna see me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Maybe because you kinda saved his life."

"I saved his life for your sake not his." He said casually.

"Oh come on, stop being so sour and just come with me by his house today."

"I don't even like him."

"Please..." I pouted at him.

He sighed in defeat. "Fine."

I grinned. "Yay! Now let's go and leave hell." I held his hand and dragged him with me.

"Crazy." He muttered and chuckled.

After a short drive to Gerald's house, we were walking to the front door and Nate couldn't stop complaining.

"Like why do I have have to talk him? I saved his life that's enough already. He should be grateful and leave me alone not ask to see me." He whined like a freakin 5 year old.

"Nate?" I said sweetly.

"What?"

"Shut the hell up." I told him with a glare.

"Damn calm yourself, feisty." He looked at me like I was crazy.

I rolled my eyes at him and rang the doorbell.

"Hold on a sec..." I heard Gerald yell.

I impatiently tapped my foot waiting for him.

After eons he finally opened the door.

"Took you long enough." I scowled.

"It was only like a minute and you're acting..." He trailed off when he seen Nate.

"Ahh I see you've noticed me. In case you were wondering I'm not here on my own will; you see, Victoria over here told me that you would like to see me and she literally dragged here." Nate smirked.

Idiot! He made it seem like I abused him to get here.

"If you want me to leave I will gladly do so." Nate added when Gerald didn't respond.

Gerald shook his head. "No I did wanna speak to you."

"Okay then talk." Nate said casually and put his hands in his jeans pockets.

"I think it'll be more appropriate to talk inside." Gerald said and opened the door wider.

Nate opened his mouth to protest but I gave him a look and he closed his mouth and walked in.

I walked in after Nate into the familiar double story mansion.

"Come on let's go to the lounge." Gerald said.

We walked into the lounge which had fancy white sofas, a big glass window to the side and a chandelier hanging from the double volume ceiling.

I sat on the love seat, Nate sat next to me and Gerald sat on the single seater opposite us.

There was a awkward silence in the air until Nate broke it.

"Now that I'm in your house you can start talking."

"Right..." Gerald said and awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "Well I just really wanna say thanks a lot for well...saving me I guess. I'm really grateful for that and I honestly don't know how to repay you."

Nate chuckled. "Mate, don't flatter yourself and think that I donated my blood for your sake. The only reason I donated my blood was for Victoria."

I glanced at Nate who seemed to be annoyed and I had a bad feeling about this. I wanted to say something but I'd probably make things worse so I kept my mouth shut.

"Well I kinda figured that out since we aren't friends anymore and I'm pretty sure you hate me but I still majorly owe you." Gerald said.

"Fine if you feel that you owe me then here's what I want..." I shot Nate a questioning look but he was looking at Gerald and didn't notice me.

"I want you to never, and I mean never again hurt Victoria in any way whatsoever; because if you hurt her like you did not too long ago again I will end your life myself." Nate said seriously, I could hear the tinge of harshness in his voice.

Wait what? Why me? How did any of this involve me in any way at all?

"I won't hurt her again, I made a terrible mistake which I regret." He told him.

"Great. I can leave now then." Nate said but Gerald stopped him before he could get up.

Oh god, I hope they don't fight.

"Wait. I just have one more question." Gerald said. "Why do you care for her so much? I mean I get it, she's an amazing person but you've only known her since the beginning of the school year but now you care for her so much. Why?"

Oh crap, not that question!

Nate chuckled humourlessly. "That's the thing Gerald, I've known her for much longer than you think." He smirked.

Did he just say what I think he did?! Has he lost his fucking mind?! I better think of a coverup before things get messy.

Gerald narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Well you see, I've known her for two years and a half years now; and I don't know about you but that's pretty long. In fact it's long enough to care for someone as deeply as I do for Victoria." He said with a smug smirk on his face.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped open. Did he just tell Gerald that we had a past together?! Has he gotten fucking insane?!

"Are you crazy?! How could you say that?!" I yelled angrily at him.

"Wait. Two and a half years?! You've known him for two and a half years?!" Gerald said to me. His eyes full of anger.

"Gerald I-" I started but got cut off.

"How the fuck did I not know?!" He yelled.

I looked at Nate, anger filled my whole body.

"You!" I yelled and shoved a finger at his chest. "How dare you tell him?! I thought you knew I wasn't ready to tell him about that but you had to open your mouth and tell him! I thought you cared about me!"

"Wait are you seriously blaming him?! You lied to me for almost 3 fucking years and you're making him seem bad?!" Gerald said and laughed bitterly.

Nate just sat still in his seat, not moving a muscle. My emotions were a mess, I was angry and hurt; hurt at Nate for telling Gerald, who I had just gotten back, my biggest secret. Well a fraction of it.

So I did what I do best, I got up and ran. I ran out the door and outside. Once I got outside I leaned on a wall and fell to the ground.

I let out a frustrated scream and hit my head against the wall in frustration. I wanted to cry and I wanted to beat the living crap outta anyone that came in front of me; I was a emotional mess.

"Why? Why do things like this always happen to me?! Why can't everyone in my life be supportive and kind like Ashley in my life?! Why does everything have to be so fucking complicated?!" I yelled at no one in particular.

I heard footsteps approach but I just ignored them.

I looked and seen that the footsteps belonged to Nate. He walked to where I was and sat next to me on the ground.

Not wanting to talk to him I turned my head in the other direction and ignored him.

He touched my hand and I could feel his gaze on me.

I roughly moved my hand away. "Don't touch me!" I said harshly.

"Victoria I'm sorry for saying that but you have to tell him, you've hidden this from him for way too long." He said with a sigh.

"Why do you want me to tell him? I thought you hated him?"

"Because I realised that the more secrets you keep from him the more his patience with you is going to fade and that's just going to cause you more heartache." He said gently.

I could feel my eyes burning but I blinked my tears away.

"But what if he never wants to speak to me again after I tell him?" I whispered.

He held my hand again but this time I didn't move mine.

"Victoria as much as it pains me to say this but he loves you and because of his love for you he would never do that."

I knew that Gerald loved me, he's told me before. But what if his love for me is not enough to overcome the ugly truth? What if he looks at me like a piece of filth?

Nate held my chin and turned my face to look at him. "I know it hurts to think about but you have to tell him the truth, it's the right thing to do."

"Will you be there when I tell him the truth?" I asked him softly.

"Unfortunately no. I think it's best if I leave you two alone. But if you need me I'm just a call away." He said and smiled gently.

All my anger that was directed to Nate from earlier was gone and was replaced with a foreign emotion I couldn't place my finger on.

I looked at him for a moment and examined his features. The sun, which was setting, was shining brightly at him making his brown eyes shine even more. His eyes was filled with that familiar emotion which I always seen in his eyes when he looked at me.

"Thank you Nate, for always been there and always looking out for me." I whispered. Our faces were so close that I could feel his breath fan my face.

He moved closer and his lips grazed mine but he moved just before he could properly kiss me and placed a kiss on my forehead instead.

"Remember if you need me I'm just a call away." And with that he stood up and walked to his car.

I watched his car leave and wished that I could just leave and not walk down memory lane with Gerald.

I ran a hand through my hair and got up. Guess I should get it done with then.

I walked into his house and found him at the entrance of his door.

"I was just about to find you." He said awkwardly.

"I think I owe you an explanation."

He raised his brows. "You're actually going to explain everything to me?"

I nodded. "Yeah I am."

Before he could respond I walked in his house and back into the lounge.

After I sat down, Gerald walked over and sat next to me.

I let out a breath of air. "Where do I start? There's so much that happened..."

2 and half years ago.

The second day of summer.

"Victoria! For fucks sake stop acting like a brat and just give it to her." Michael yelled at me.

Today was the second day of summer and my brother, his horrible new girlfriend, Olivia and I were spending it in New York at our holiday house that our parents bought. 

My brother and I are really close but ever since Olivia came into our lives she was just out to ruin us. So today she decided to ask to borrow my grandmother's diamond necklace which I inherited from my grandfather after he died.

So of course I wasn't gonna to lend her my diamond necklace and my brother got furious about that.

"No it's mine, grandpa gave it to me and I'm not going to let that witch wear it!" I said angrily to my brother.

"You are so fucking stubborn. How are you even my sister? If you genuinely cared you would actually do as I say."

"Then fine I don't care! My necklace is more important!" I put my necklace around my neck and ran out the house.

"Victoria get back here now!" He called after me.

I just ignored him and ran out.

Before I could get any far he caught my wrist and spun me around to face him.

"Don't you run away from me." He said in a warning tone.

"Michael I'm not giving my necklace that Grandpa gave to me to that bitch!" I said bitterly.

His eyes darkened in anger. "Don't. You. Dare. Say. That. Again." He said each word slowly.

I laughed bitterly. "Do you prefer me to call her a whore? That seems to suit her better since she fucks with every guy that looks at her."

He clenched his jaw in anger and slapped me across the face. "Just get out of my sight!"

My brother has never hit me once and now because of another woman he slapped me?! My heart ached. I stood immobile and just stared at him with my mouth agape.

"Now!" He yelled.

I cringed at his tone and ran away from him. I ran out the gate past the security guards and walked out on the busy New York streets.

There was a park near by which I went to and sat onto a bench near a pond.

I brought my knees up to my chin and felt the hot tears streaming down my face. I couldn't believe how much he had changed. We were as close as you could get, he always said I was his precious little sister who meant the world to him but now he has let another woman come in our lives and ruin us.

God, how much I wished my two best friends, Gerald and Ashley, were here with me.

I sat with tears streaming down my face and stared at all the trees and birds fly around.

"Do you mind if I sit next to you?" I heard a masculine voice ask.

I sniffed, wiped my tears and shook my head. I felt him sit next to me but I didn't bother to look and see what he looked like.

"Oh my god, did I make you cry?" He asked in a panicked voice.

I chuckled lightly. "No it's not you." I told him and lifted my head to look at him. I examined his gorgeous features, he had chocolate brown hair which was long and styled like all guys seemed to style it. He had chiselled features and tan skin. He was very attractive and looked to be about 18 or so.

"Then if you don't mind me asking, why were you crying?"

Was I really going to tell some stranger why I was crying? Hmm what harm is it going to do? Exactly nothing.

"Well you see my brother and I were very close but lately we've been drifting apart because of his girlfriend who's content on destroying me." I told him and wiped the remainder of my tears. My voice was thick because of my crying and I'm sure my eyes were red and puffy.

"So you were crying over that?" He asked.

"Well sorta, we kinda had a fight now so I guess I was feeling emotional and I just started to cry. I know I'm really weak." I told him feeling a bit embarrassed and looked away.

"No of course you're not weak. Crying is not a form of weakness it's just means that you're human and have feelings. And to me your brother sounds like a major jerk who doesn't deserve someone as special as you as sister." He said gently.

I looked at him and raised a brow. "What makes you think that I'm special?"

He grinned. "I can see it, beautiful."

I blushed a little at his words and tried to cover my cheeks with my hair.

"Thanks...I guess." I said shyly.

He chuckled. "What's your name?"

"Victoria. You?"

"Pretty name, suits your beautiful face." He said with a grin.

My cheeks were flaming red by now.

"I'm not beautiful." I muttered, feeling a little shy and embarrassed.

"How old are you?" He asked and ignored my statement.

I narrowed my eyes at his gorgeous face. "That's unfair, I answered a question of yours and you didn't answer mine so I'm not answering yours."

Besides a part of me didn't wanna tell him my age because I was only 15 and he looked to be about 18 so once he found out how young I was he'd probably walk away from me.

"Okay then, my name is Nate. Now that I've answered your question you can answer mine." He smirked.

"How old do you think I am?" I answered cheekily.

"Hmm... I'd say about 16?" He raised his brows in question.

"15." I murmured.

"Close enough." He shrugged.

"How old are you?"

"I'm 16." He grinned. "Only a year older than you, beautiful."

Wow he's a lot younger than I assumed.

"I told you my name is Victoria. I hate nicknames." I said irritably.

"Okay then, Victoria." He put his hands in the air as a sign of defeat.

I rolled my eyes at him and I could see a friendship blooming.

Back to present day.

"So that's how you met Nate?" Gerald asked me.

I nodded. "Yeah in New York."

"So he's your dirty secret that you hid from me all these years?" Gerald asked.

I shook my heard and chuckled bitterly. "Oh how I wish..."

2 and a half years ago.

He threw me down on the bed and kissed me passionately. My heart was on fire, I loved the way he made me feel. I tangled my fingers in his hair and wrapped my legs around him; his lips moved from my lips down to my neck where he nibbled on my sensitive spot which earned a moan from me.

"Shhh we don't want your brother to hear and let him think we're doing 'it'" Nate told me softly.

"He'll probably murder both of us." I said with a chuckle.

"Probably." He said and then kissed me again and slid his hand under my tank top and drew circles on my hipbone. My whole body sparked at his touch on my bare skin making my back arc a little. God, what was this boy doing to me?!

He broke the kiss and sat beside me. He brought my body closer to his and I rested my head against his chest; his hand still under my tank top and resting on my belly. My skin there was tingling at his touch and I loved every bit of it.

He turned his head and placed his gaze on me, that same emotion which he always had when he looked at me swimming in his beautiful eyes.

"Sunshine?" He said softly.

"Yeah?"

"I...I'm in love with you." He whispered and completely took me off guard. My eyes widened and my mouth was slightly agape.

Did he just drop the L bomb?! How could he just drop it like that?! He actually just said that he loved me! I knew my feelings for him were strong... but love? I mean it at least takes a year until you drop the L bomb, right? Heck, I don't even know what love properly is.

"Nate I..." I trailed off.

"Hey, you don't have to say it back. I just felt the need to say it to you because I couldn't hold it in any longer. I love you." He said and caressed my cheek with his thumb.

"I just don't know if I'm read-" he placed his index finger on my lips and cut me off.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me, sunshine." He said gently.

I placed a soft kiss on his lips and smiled at him. He way always so understanding, he truly was the best. He alway made me forget all my issues with my brother and made me the happiest girl ever.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked him.

"Of course."

"Why do you call me sunshine all the time?"

He chuckled. "I knew you were going to ask that soon. Well you know how I was abused and everything as a child? So I had been living a dark and miserable life until I met you; you glowed beautifully and lit up my whole life and because of that you're my sunshine."

My cheeks reddened at his words and my heart probably was a big, melted puddle. "I am seriously the luckiest girl ever to have you in my life."

"And I'm the luckiest guy so we make the most perfect couple in this whole universe."

I laughed at his words.

"Anyway I should probably get going, it's late and I have to sneak out your room before your brother finds me in here and kills us both." He said.

I pouted. "Aww, I don't want you to leave."

He laughed lightly. "You'll see me tomorrow. Remember we have a date at a fancy restaurant thanks to my grandad and he's expensive taste."

"Yeah I'm looking forward to that." I smiled.

"Me too. Anyway I'll see you tomorrow, sunshine." He said and kissed me.

After we broke apart he left my room.

I rested my head on my pillow which still smelled like him, closed my eyes and embraced sleep with a small smile on my face as I fell asleep thinking about how perfect life was with Nate.

****

After brushing my teeth, showering and shaving I got out the shower and dressed in a pair of shorts and cropped top.

I left my hair wet where it fell in waves down my shoulders and walked downstairs to get breakfast.

I walked in the kitchen and grabbed a bowl which I filled with milk and coco pops. I missed Gloria who was on leave back in Cali, her food was the best and if she were here I'd be eating whatever I felt and not just cereal.

I walked into the living room where I spotted Michael sitting casually on the couch.

I walked in and sat next to him. He looked at me and grinned.

"Morning sis." He greeted.

I returned the grin and greeted him back. We haven't fought for about month and things were almost the same.

"So how're you and Nate?" He asked. Michel know about my relationship with Nate and he was completely okay with it. He liked Nate to an extent but he alway said that if Nate hurt me he'd kill him.

"We're great! He's really a great guy and he makes me happy." I smiled.

"That's good. So I've been meaning to ask you..."

I frowned. "Ask me what?"

"Well, are you a 100 percent sure that you wanna move here? I mean all your friends are back in Cali and aren't you going to miss them?"

Not too long ago I had told Michael about my desire to move to New York. He surprisingly agreed and said that as long as it made me happy that was all that mattered.

Sure I was going to miss my friends, especially Ashley and Gerald, but Nate and I were perfect and I've read enough books to know that long distance just doesn't work.

"Yeah I'm a 100 percent sure, Michael. Yeah I will miss my friends but whenever I have time I'll fly back to Cali and meet up with them." I told him with a assuring smile.

"Okay as long as you're happy that's all that's important, baby sis." He said and ruffled my hair.

I glared at him. "Don't call me that and do not untidy my hair."

"Okay, okay." He laughed.

After my whole afternoon spent with Netflix it was time to get ready for my dinner which was at 8.

I looked through my closet and decided on wearing a crème bandage dress which ended by my mid thigh. I matched them with my black ballet flats. I wore small stud earrings and my diamond necklace that my grandpa gave me.

I left my hair in loose curls and wore nude lipstick and mascara only.

I examined myself in the mirror and smiled in satisfaction.

I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs.

"Going anywhere?" Michael asked when he seen the way I was dressed.

"Yeah I'm going to dinner with Nate." I answered.

"He's coming to pick you up?"

I shook my head. "I'll catch a cab to his house and then we'll leave from there."

"What? No I'll take you to his house." Michael said sternly.

"Relax Michael I'll be fine. I'm not a baby anymore." I rolled my eyes.

"But-"

"But nothing. I'll be fine." I said assuringly.

"Are you sure?" He asked, still looking sceptical.

"Yes I'm sure."

"Okay then be careful! I don't want anything happening to you." He warned.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." I smiled.

"I'll see you later." He said and kissed my forehead.

"Bye." I told him and walked out.

I walked into the busy streets looking for a cab. Tonight was really busy so most cabs were occupied.

I felt someone grip my wrist and looked up to see a tall man who looked to be in college. He had short blonde hair and was really muscular. He was kinda intimidating.

"Let go of my wrist!" I demanded. He didn't let go and I wiggled my wrist trying to free it but it was futile, his grip was too strong.

He smirked down at me. "What is a pretty little thing like you doing out here all alone?"

I glared at him. "I'm not alone." I lied.

"Looks like you are to me." He grinned and stepped closer to me.

"Let go of me or I will scream." I threatened through gritted teeth.

"Now don't do that, baby. I was getting to know you." He said and grabbed both of my wrists and pinned me against the wall.

My breathing was uneven and saying I was scared was an understatement; I was terrified. But I put a on a straight face and kept my voice firm.

"I will call my brother if you don't let go of me." I warned.

"How are you going to phone him if you have no phone?" He said and grabbed my phone.

I wanted to cry out but I held it in because I knew that would aggravate him.

He touched my neck and pulled at my necklace. "Wow rich girl, look at those pretty little diamonds."

I moved my leg and kneed him in the crotch. His grip loosened on me and I ran away from him as fast as my legs could take me.

I ran into an alley which was dark and deserted. There was a dead end so I collapsed down on the ground, panting.

I ran a shaky hand through my hair and looked for my phone to call Michael. I frantically searched around me for my phone but found nothing.

"Shit!" I muttered when I realised the same guy I kicked had my phone.

"Looking for this?" The same guy said and held my phone in the air with a smirk plastered on his face.

I got up and ran forward but there was a dead end.

He was close to me now and pulled my hair back.

"Ahh!" I cried in pain.

"You're going to pay for your little kick, bitch." He whispered and pressed his body onto mine making me extremely uncomfortable.

"Please let me go." I whimpered. Tears were running down my face and my heart was erratic due to fear.

I wriggled around trying to move from him but he was too strong. He held my hips to steady my moving.

"Stop moving." He said, his breath fanning my face.

I sobbed in fear and pain. To which ever gods are out there please let me go. Please. I begged in my head.

He pulled my necklace off my neck with snap and broke the clasp.

"Guess I'll be keeping this as a souvenir." He said with a smirk and pocketed my necklace.

"No....please...my g-granddad gave that t-to me." I pleaded in between sobs.

He laughed darkly. "Like I care."

I tried to move my leg and kick him like I did earlier but I failed; I was too weak.

He moved his hands down my body stopping at the end of my dress. He ripped the bottom half of it, the sound of material tearing filling the air making me cry out for him to stop.

"Please...don't do this." I sobbed.

He just chuckled at my begging and ran his hand up and down my leg. I flinched at his touch and moved my hand to try and stop him but he grabbed both of my wrists and pinned them behind my back.

I screamed for him to let me go but no one heard, the streets were too busy and rowdy.

"Shut up you bitch!" He yelled and slapped my face with the hand that wasn't holding my wrists. I cried out in pain and fear. I was shaking all over but I kept on screaming for help; I screamed so loud that my throat hurt.

He let go of my wrists and used his hands to cover my mouth, muffling my screams.

He ripped a piece of material off my dress, shoved it into my mouth and tied it at the back of my head to stop my screaming.

"That should keep you quiet." He smirked.

"Now let me show you what I'm capable of." He whispered in a seductive tone which made me sick.

He unzipped his pants and brought them down. I struggled around trying to free myself from him but once again his weight was too heavy for me to handle.

I cried and cried; feeling helpless. I prayed in my head that someone, anyone could just walk into this alley and save me, but nothing happened instead my attacker ripped my underwear open while I attempted to scream and free myself but it was all futile.

______

A/N: So this chapter was too long so I had to spit it in two. :)

And I'd also like to made a playlist for this book so I'd love song suggestions. :D

Lots of love,
Me! :) 💖