((Trigger warning! ⚠️ Abuse)) * But It will be nice after that.
(Photo not mine- from IStock)

Original story, created by- Dakotahstacy3. ONLY on Wattpad.
Anywhere else, it has been stolen, without permission. Support real artists and writers!
(Written back in February 2024)

——————

Cole's pov-

I walked back inside the house from my dads car, taking off my jacket and shoes then sitting back down on the couch.

"Sooo...what happened?" Peter asked. Him and my mom both waiting for an answer.

"We just talked. I liked It. And um...I ended up tell him about us, I wasn't sure If I should or not. But I might as well say It sooner, rather than later. He obviously wasn't expecting It, but didn't get mad or anything..." I said and put my arm around Peter, to reassure him.

"I'm glad, honey." My mom said glancing between us.
Peter just hugged me, tightly.

—————

Sometimes It felt like time flew by and other times It felt slower and slower. It's February now, so you know what that means. Valentine's Day soon...

Me and Peter have been getting along well and somehow haven't run out of things to talk about yet. He hasn't talked to his parents and I haven't talked to my dad since that day I told him about me and Peter being together.

—

Sighing deeply as I was sat at my desk staring at a blank piece of paper.

"Oh no, your sighing. What's wrong?" Peter asked walking over to me.

"I'm supposed to be writing an essay. But I have no idea what to write. I can't think of anything." I said putting my head on my desk.

"What Is the assignment supposed to be about?" He asked.

"Any kind of experience from your life. And I'm tired of thinking and talking about the whole island thing. But I don't really have anything else to talk about. I'm so boring." I said leaning back In my chair and putting my hands over my eyes.

"I'm sure you'll think of something Cole. You can be smart sometimes." He smiled, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.
"I'm going to go read my book. I'll be In the other room and If you need help with your essay, just ask." He said then walked away.

"Alright." I stared at the blank paper again.

My life basically had two sides of major things that happened. My dad abusing me and the island. I mean yeah, I have Peter now. But I can't write about that. And I don't want to even think of the other two...

*—Flashback— *

"Where were you!?" My father screamed as I walked Into the house. His face red and the smell of alcohol on his breath.

"N-nowhere." I mumbled backing away from him.

"Nowhere!? Ha, right. I told you to be home over an hour ago!" My father's eyes looked crazy, as they filled with rage. "Your a f##king disappointment! Your not good for anything!...but This." My father yelled as he stepped forward, swinging his belt.

The leather belt hit with a loud thud, waves of pain immediately running through my body. Before I could even think or do anything, another hit landed, then another, over and over. My father continued to yell as he hit me over and over.

I didn't try to fight back, only curling up on the floor, waiting for my father to get his anger out then walk away.
He seemed to hit even hard with each blow, but stopped for a second and just stared at me.
I took that as a chance to get away, my body aching as I moved. Running out of the living room, trying to get away.

My father chased me as I attempted to closed myself In the laundry room, but he got In. He turned his belt around, now the metal part shining as he swung back with It. My body tensed as I prepared for the hit.

The metal buckle hit me so hard I think It broke skin. But even then, my father wasn't done. After leaving me bloody and bruised, he finally walked away. He usually tried to hide the bruises, so people wouldn't know. But with all the fights I've been In lately, no one could tell... No one knew. No one cared.

After laying on the floor I managed to get to my room. Going Into the bathroom to see the damage and clean up the blood.
Slowly taking off my shirt, seeing my skin covered In bruises and wet, red blood, dripping down.

I cleaned myself up, locked my bedroom door and tried to get comfortable enough to sleep.

*—end of flashback—*

I snapped out of that memory and wiped the tears off my face. Looking back at the blank paper, that made me feel like I only had two sides of myself. I was only ever the bully, who eventually managed to become, a somewhat decent person.
But what If that side of me was still around? Deep down. What If I never become anything more than that...just a bully...like my own father.

Even when I try to better, there's still anger and pain. And now that I'm with a guy...I'll have to deal with even more abusive people In my life. It's a never ending cycle...doomed to be the same...

More tears ran down my face, then leaning onto my desk, I started sobbing. All those painful memories came back. Just as painful as they were when I first experienced them. No one did anything.

"Cole?" Peter asked quietly through a slightly opened door.

I tried to gather myself, stopping the tears and closing my mouth, so no more sound would escape. I didn't want anyone to know I was crying.

Peter walked Into the room, closing the door behind him. He placed his hand on my shoulders, rubbing them In circles.
"Are you okay?...What going on?" He asked slowly, In a quiet voice.

"Nothing." I tried to say without him hearing my voice crack.

"It's okay." He said wrapping his arms around me. He held me as I sniffled, trying to breath normally again. I always hated that part of crying.
"I'm here, baby."

I leaned back In my chair to be closer to him, putting my hands on his. Closing my eyes and calming down.
"Just hold me, please." I whispered.

—

I woke up on my bed, confused how I got there or how long I had been there. I looked up at the clock on my nightstand to see the time, 12:22 am. I fell asleep. But how did I get to my bed? I don't remember what happened.

Peter wasn't next to me or anywhere In the room for that matter. I slowly got up, stretching and yawning then went downstairs to see If he was down there.

"Oh, hey, honey." My mom said with a yawn "I was just about to go to bed. But I really should have been asleep already."

"Do you feel better now, sleepyhead?" Peter asked.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned again "Yeah. I'm thirsty though." I grabbed a water from the fridge and took a few big gulps.
"So I fell asleep?... But how did I get In bed?" I asked.

"I got you to walk over to the bed but you were really tired and barely made It. You almost fell on the floor so I tried my best not to let you fall." Peter explained.

"Mmm. Well I guess we should both actually go to sleep now." I said sleepily.

"Definitely, I'm tired."

—

"What, that was funny!" I said laughing at my own joke.

"Cole! Enough." Peter said shaking his head.

A knock at the door interrupts are laughing. So I walk over and open It.
Shocked by who It was.

"Dad..." I mumbled. Things were getting better between us. But last night those memories came back. Now I felt like I used to...I hate that feeling.

"Cole, I thought I would come over to spend some time with you. If that's okay?" He said.

"Um, sure. I'm not doing anything right now. So what do you want to do?" I asked.

"Just to be around you more and get to know each other better." He said.

"Uh, do you want to come In?" I asked.

"I don't know about that yet. I don't think Cindy wants to see me around." He said.

"You don't know If you don't try." I said forcing a smile. After last night I don't know I should be around my dad right now. And I'm sure my mom would feel pretty uncomfortable with him here again. But It has to happen at some point right?

"Alright." My dad said and walked In. Looking around at the house that he used to live In. Now It's time to make better memories. Move past the old ones.

"Hello, Cindy." He said, then taking a deep breath.

"Hello, William." She said forcing a small smile.

"Uh, why don't we make some breakfast, huh?" I said to break the tension.

"Yeah..." Everyone muttered.

We made some breakfast and had some small talk. My mom tried to stay away, In the living room.

My dad looked at me and Peter. He hasn't said anything about us or be mean to Peter. So I guess he's...some what okay with It?...

"You two get along well." My dad said to me.

"Yeah." I smiled. "I think we work well together... I really like him." I said as I looked up dad to see his expression.

He had a small smile and patted me on the back. "I'm glad you have someone."

"Speaking of which, It's almost Valentine's Day. I want to get Peter something special. I'm not sure what exactly. Maybe like a box of stuff." I smiled thinking about It.

"Yeah, Valentine's Day... I'm sure you two will have a nice time." He said.

———

Willaim's pov-

I decided to give Cole a visit, but I'm not sure If he would be happy about It. And Cindy...I haven't seen her In a long time. She probably doesn't want to be anywhere near me.

He told me about him and Peter being together. At first I was confused and sort of angry. But I'm so tired of being angry and being "the bad guy". If I'm trying to be In Cole's life, then I can't judge or control him anymore.

He invited me Inside the house. I haven't been there In a long time either. There were a lot of things that happened here. Unfortunately I can't remember any good ones.

We made breakfast together and I got to meet Peter. Cole was so happy around him. But Cindy didn't want to anywhere around me.
I left Cole and Peter alone In the kitchen and walked to the living room where Cindy was.

"Ahem... Is It okay If I sit here for awhile?" I asked.

"I guess." She said watching the tv.

I say on the couch, holding my hands together."Would It be okay with you If I start seeing Cole more often?" I asked.

"Yeah. You two could use It together." She said still not looking at me.

"He uh. Told me that he wanted to spend more time with me and he... also said that he hoped we could get along together again, one day... But I know that will be awhile from now, maybe never again." I said.

Cindy looked down then glanced over to me. "Maybe." She said then looked back at the tv. She looked upset and kind of mad.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened... And uh, It's time for me to go now. I'll see Cole sometime soon." I said then walked away.

———

Cole's pov-

"I'm gonna go out for a walk, I'll be back later." I said.

"Alright, honey." My mom said, busy with a diamond painting. She's been trying to find something to do then she found those. I tried them but I just did have the patience. Maybe I'll find something to do soon.

"Why are you leaving?" Peter pouted.

"I just want to have a walk, by myself. But only for awhile. I'll be back soon, baby." I said and kissed his forehead.

"Fine. Just don't be gone to long." He said.

"Alright." I said then walked out. I wasn't actually going out for a walk, I was going to get Peter a valentines present.

I walked to a store and the aisles were full of heart shaped boxes, candy, roses, stuffed animals, basically everything you could imagine or want for Valentine's. I'm not sure what Peter would want though.

Personally most of those assorted chocolates aren't good, the orange and strawberry crème always taste weird. Caramel Is really the only good one. So maybe I shouldn't bother with those.

I know that Peter liked stuffed animals, so I'll definitely get him one. There's lots of bears, but some cats and dogs, some other ones. Ooo, maybe a white spirit bear? Ha. He would probably enjoy that.

As I walked through the store I grabbed a handful of stuff. A big heart shaped box of chocolates, a white bear stuffed animal, some chocolate roses, some other small gifts and a cute gift box to put all of the things In.
I'm sure Peter will love It.

After I had all of the goodies I walked over to the flower shop for another important thing. Flowers.

"Hello, welcome to the Blossum Boutique." A lady said with a big smile. "Getting something for your valentine? Or maybe yourself huh?"

"Yeah, for my valentine, but maybe something for myself too." I said. The room was beautiful and smelled nice. I don't care much for floral scents, but I love nature. Even with Valentine's Day around the corner there was still plenty of flowers to chose from, luckily.

"I don't know exactly what I want to get, but I'm sure anything will be nice." I said.

"Well by the looks of It, they will be very happy." She said looking at the full bags I was holding.
"I'll show you around and see what ever catches your eye."

"Alright. You look like your getting a lot of business. Good for you." I said.

"Yep, Valentine's Day Is always busy. Some years are harder to make It through, but I can tell that this year will be great." She said.

All of the flowers looked great but I couldn't decide on only one. Peter likes green, but I'm not sure about flowers. He'll be happy either way, as long as we're together who cares what stuff we have.

I ended up getting a bouquet of different flowers, red roses, some pink ones, purple, a little blue and white then the most special one that stood out, a rainbow rose. Even If It looked a little chaotic, It was beautiful to me. It really shows my love for Peter...Love?...

"Well thank you for buying from me. I'm sure your valentine will be very happy. You seem like a great boyfriend." The lady smiled.

"Your welcome, I'll probably be back." I smiled then walked back home. I'll have to sneak all of this stuff Inside though.

I texted my mom so she could distract Peter, then I snuck In and hid all of the Valentine gifts and put the flowers where they would stay fresh. Hopefully Peter won't find them until later.

———

Me and Peter spent the day together like usual. But I tried not give away the fact I had a surprise for him.

"How about we watch Nimona? It looks interesting." Peter said.

"Alright." I said and kissed his forehead, he really liked that. We were laying together on the couch. Hanging out like usual but I wanted to make tomorrow special. It was the first time I ever cared or celebrated Valentine's Day and Peter definitely deserves to be loved and cared for... There's that word again. Love.

The next morning I made breakfast for Peter before he got up. Heart shaped pancakes and eggs, bacon, some cut up fruit and a glass of orange juice. I also put a flower on the tray before I brought It up to him. It made me feel so good to make this for someone. I wish someone would do It for me. Maybe Peter will one day, but I don't mind being the caring one that gives gifts and stuff. We're happy and that's all that matters to me.

"Good morning, baby. Happy Valentine's Day." I said and kissed his temple.

"Good morning." He said and stretched out. "You made me breakfast again? Mm, that's sweet." He said sitting up then kissing me.

"You deserve It." I said and ran my fingers through his hair. "Now enjoy. Bon appétit."
I made breakfast for myself too, because I deserve It. So we both ate together.

Later after noon, I walked upstairs and I put all of the little presents In the gift box and put the flowers out where he would see them. Everything looked great.

I went back downstairs to see my mom holding a bouquet of flowers. Did she get some for herself too? I didn't get her anything. Should I have?

"Where did you get flowers?" I asked.

"Oh, I thought you got these for me, honey. I found them on the doorstep." She said.

"No, I didn't get you anything, sorry. So, does this mean you have a secret admirer?" I asked.

"Mm, maybe. They are really pretty and smell nice. But who would get me flowers?" She said.

"Was there a note or anything?" I asked.

"Just this, saying Happy Valentine's Day." She said showing me the piece of paper.

"Hmm. Maybe you'll finally have a Valentine this year." I said sarcastically.

"Hey! I've had a valentine before. It's just been awhile." She said. "Did you get Peter anything?"

I looked around to make sure Peter wouldn't hear. "Yes, but don't say anything." I whispered.

"Alright. Happy Valentine's Day too all of us." She said and hugged me.

I walked over to Peter, "Baby, come here." I said putting out my hand.

"Alright... What are we doing?" He asked, grabbing my hand and following me.

"Well, It Is Valentine's Day...sooo" I said as we walked up the stairs.

"Sooo, what? Your not getting anything, you already got something the other day remember?" He said smirking.

"I don't mean that, baby. Dirty mind." I said and shook my head.

"Ha, alright then where are we going?" He asked.

"Just be patient, jeez." I said standing In front of my closed door and put Peter In front of me. "Go see."

He looked at me and smiled then walked Into my room. His jaw dropped as he saw the big gift box, full of stuff and the beautiful flowers laying on my bed.

"Cole! This- I- It's amazing. Thank you." He smiled then hugged me tightly.

"Your welcome, baby, happy Valentine's Day." I said.

He let go then ran back towards the gifts, kneeeing down next to the bed and looking through them with a huge smile. He was so happy and I loved seeing him that way.

"Oh, did you notice that white spirit bear?..." I said stepping towards him then kneeling down.

"Ha, Cole! The white bear huh?" He said picking the stuffed animal up.

"Spirit bear, to be exact." I said.

"It really Is everywhere huh? You did all of this for me? How- When did you even get all of this stuff?" He asked.

"Yesterday when I went for a "walk" I actually got all of this stuff for you. And the florist lady was really nice." I explained.

"Your- Your amazing. The best boyfriend anyone could have." He smiled and kissed me.

"Your amazing too. The handsomest Valentine anyone could have." I smiled.

"So I'm handsome now? It took awhile. Your adorable. Even with big muscles and a serious face I know what your actually like." He smiled putting his hand under my chin.

"What am I actually like?" I asked In an almost whisper.

"Your adorable, sweet, caring, great listener, funny, perfect, and loving." He said looking me In the eyes.

"I'm all of that? Wow, I truly am amazing." I said with a smirk. "Loving, huh?"

"Yes. Your perfect for me." He kissed me softly.

"Come here." I whispered, putting him on the bed and kissing him. Softly kissing him and holding him. I pulled away to look at his face, putting my hands In his hair. We held each other like that, enjoying the time and connection between us. This Is where I belong. With Peter.

—————

William's pov-

Maybe this was a bad idea. It's stupid... I shouldn't do this. I mean seriously. Why- ugh.

Those thoughts continued to run through my head as I sat In mu car, tapping my foot. Why can't I just go In there? It's just a few steps, come on man!

I finally managed to get out of the car and walk In.

"Hello, welcome to the Blossom Boutique." A lady smiled as I walked In. "What are You looking for today." She asked.

"Uh, just a bouquet of roses, or uh something. I'm not quite sure." I said.

"Well, why don't I show you around. There's not to much left since Its Valentine's Day now. But I'm sure I can find you something. For a special someone." She smiled and winked.

Yeah... Someone special...

—

I drove up, holding the flowers. They might not be red roses, but It's something at least. I wanted to leave a note but wasn't sure what to write. I ended up just putting Happy Valentine's Day. Boring, but, what else am I supposed to say?

Should I even knock or go In? I probably shouldn't even do this... But I already bought the flowers, so I might as well...

I left them on the doorstep and ran back to my car, quickly getting out of there. I didn't want anyone to see me or know. I- I just needed to... I just wanted her to have them.

Maybe she could see a difference In me, one day. I know we'll never be together again. But at least I could slightly make up for everything that happened.

—————

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

❤️🌹💐💖💘💝🌷🎀🌸🌺💕💗💓💞

Normally I don't care or celebrate, but I felt like enjoying It this year.
👬👨‍❤️‍👨👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

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