Walking out of Zack’s classroom, I couldn't believe that I kissed him. I hope he felt something; hell, my lips still tingled. I sighed, walking to my Envoy. I wasn't ready for going home. I sat in my Envoy, turning it on. I played I Wont See You Tonight, Pt.1.

Be careful, Embree. -Zack

If things gets a little more than I can handle, I’ll call you.- E

Ok, sweetie. Text me when you get home…

Ok. ;)

Before I knew it, I was home, and dad’s car wasn’t there. I looked at my watch, 1:32. Two more hours til he got home. I started cleaning, again, even though everything was already clean.

After I finished, I went to my room, and laid on my bed. I decided to text Zack.

I’m home. -E

Is he home? -Zack

No, I done re-cleaned everything. It didn't need it, tho. -E

Ok. Well if he starts his shit, please call me. I don’t want you hurt.- Zack

I promise I’ll call, don’t worry.-E

Ok.. Jamie’s bitching about you not texting her. Lol- Zack

I’ll text her, then. Lol-E

New Text Message from Jamie.

Call me later. I want to talk to you!- J

Ok, babe. Im gonna get some sleep before he gets here.- E

ok, babe. Love you!-J

;) Love you, too J.-E

I closed my eyes, thinking about Zack. It was crazy that I actually felt something, I just hoped he felt something with me. I liked him a lot, could possibly turn into love, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I was happy he came to Georgia to teach, he could be my saving grace.

I heard the door slam, then heavy footstep coming up the stairs. So much for my nap. My door jolted open, as the face of my drunken father came into view.

“Come to daddy, bitch. Get downstairs and make my fucking food!” He yelled, grabbing my hair, pulling me to my feet.

I hurried downstairs, and began to cook Chicken Parmesan. After I cooked it, I put some on a plate for him, then fixed him a glass of coke. I took the plate into the living room, where he sat and watched tv.

“Here you go, dad.” I spot, placing the plate in front of him.

“Go away, bitch. Go clean the fucking kitchen now.” He spoke. I nodded, making my way back into the kitchen. I fixed myself a plate, eating it quickly before he got in here. I washed my plate, the pot, and the utensils I used.

I heard his footsteps, as I braced myself for the beatings. I looked at the clock, it was already 6 P.M. He threw his plate into the sink. I began washing it. I felt a hit in the back of my head. Tears began to start falling from my eyes.

“You’re a whore, just like your mother was.” He gritted in my hair. I hated when he talked about my mom.

“You’re a fucking drunk.” I said lowly, looking at him, then taking a shot to the cheek, turning my head automatically. I put my hand over it, looking back at him.

“Don’t touch me anymore.” I seethed, with hatred.

“I will if and when I fucking want to.” He said, grabbing my hair, pulling my face to his. “Do you understand me?” He asked, pushing me again the fridge.

He took a knife, trailing it down my arm, something he’s never done before. As the knife grazed my hips, he cut into my side. I cried out in pain, pushing him away. He quickly retreated, grabbing my arm, and punching me in my back.

“You deserve to die.” He spoke, punching me in my face. As soon as I got enough strength, I pushed him into the floor.

I ran as fast as I could upstairs, to my phone. I locked my door, and grabbed my phone. I quickly went through my contacts, stopping on Zack’s. I pressed ‘send’ and put the phone to my ear.

“Hello, Embree?” He questioned.

“Zack.” I only said, I couldn’t say anymore. I was in tears, and my head was going over 100 miles an hour.

“Embree, where are you?” He asked, sounding worried.

“My room. Please help me. He cut me in my hip, its deep, and it hurts so bad.” I wept into the phone.

“Babe, I’m on my way. I promise he’s never going to hurt you again. Get some clothes ready, and get into your car. I’m leaving now.” He spoke as he opened his BMW car door. I nodded.

“Ok. I live on 542 Sullivan Manor Street. Please hurry.” I cried, hanging up the phone. I opened my door, hearing a heavy snore downstairs.

I silently stepped downstairs, to the door. I quietly opened it, stepping out into the fresh air. I saw a black BMW stop behind my Envoy. Zack quickly got out, rushing to me, taking me in his arms.

“Oh my god, Embree. Your moving in with me, that’s all there is to it. We need to go to the hospital, and get this stitched up.” He said, indicating the slice in my side. I nodded, as he helped me to the car. He sat me in the passengers seat, then getting into the drivers.

“Where’s the hospital?” He asked.

“In town, five minutes away.” I smiled sadly, as he started for the hospital.

As soon as we pulled up to it, he helped me out. I smiled, holding onto him, and my hip. We got into the hospital, and I saw my Aunt Kathy. Her eyes widened, as she rushed to me. He pulled me in her arms, crying.

“I can’t believe this. Dr. Shiller, please come here.” She yelled to the Doctor. He looked at me, and rushed over.

“Get the lidocaine, a syringe and needle, sutures, the surgical needle and thread, and some peroxide, this needs to be stitched up.” Dr. Shiller spoke. Aunt Kathy nodded, getting the things she needed, then handing them to the doctor.

“This is going to numb the pain.” He spoke, regarding the wound. I nodded, as he gave me the shot.

Zack grabbed my hand, gesturing everything was going to be ok. I nodded, squeezing it, as I felt the pressure as the doctor told me he was going to clean the wound, then he started with the stitching.

I stoved up, until he finished. He looked up at me, and smiled.

“All done, Miss James.” He smiled, standing up. I nodded, giving him a sad smile.

“Thank you, sir.” I said, as Aunt Kathy put her arms around me.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I hate this, god, you can stay with me… I didn’t know it was this bad.” She cried. I shook my head.

“Its ok, Aunt Kathy. I’m going stay with Zack.” I smiled. She kissed my bruised cheek, letting go of me.

“Ok, yal be careful, and Zack, don’t hurt her.” Aunt Kathy said seriously. Zack nodded.

“I wouldn’t ever hurt her.” He smiled, taking my hand, walking us out of the hospital to his car. We both got in, and road to his house in silence.

I looked at the clock; 9:25. I yawned, laying my head on the head rest. I felt Zack grab my hand, rubbing his thumb on the top of my hand. I looked over to him and smiled. We pulled up to a beautiful house. He turned the car off, and we got out. I grabbed my bag, and followed him to the door.

“Welcome to the Baker house, my dear.” He giggled, letting me step in. It was very nice and clean, for a guy. After he got in, and closed the door. I turned to him, and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tight.

“Thank you, Zack.” I said in his chest. He wrapped his arms around me, rubbing my back carefully.

“Anytime, babe. I couldn’t let him do that to you. After one day of meeting you, I’m fully attached.” He said in my hair. I looked up at him, brushing my lips against his.

He cupped my face in his hands, but carefully not to hurt the, already tender spots. I smiled into the kiss, then I broke away. He looked at me quizzically, as I giggled.

“I need a bath, Zack. I feel dirty, and he didn’t even get a chance to rape me. I feel dirty that I’ve let him do that to me.” I said, tearing up. He nodded, kissing me again, grabbing my hand, and taking me upstairs.

He handed me a towel, and a wash cloth. He showed me his bathroom, then closed the door. I ran the warm water in a tub, then carefully setting myself in it. I laid back against the porcelain thinking about what had happened.

I just hoped that Zack didn’t see me as a charity case or anything along those lines. I took the rag, putting his body wash on it, then carefully going over my bruises. After of washing for 10 minutes, I got up, and ran the shower. I rinsed my body, then washed my hair.

I cut the shower off, stepping out onto the rug. I wrapped the thick towel around my body, after I dried off. I rung my hair out, throwing it up into a bun. I opened the door, and saw Zack sitting on the bed, hold an aspirin bottle, and a glass of water.

I smiled, walking to him, taking the two aspirins, then drinking the water. He went to his closet, and grabbed a t-shirt, then walking to his dresser, grabbing some boxers.

“You can wear these to sleep in, if you want.” He smiled. I nodded, taking the clothes, and quickly putting them on, over the towel, then taking the towel off.

“You can sleep with me.” He said, taking his shirt, and pants off. I nodded, as he pulled the covers back in his king size bed.

I got in the bed, pulling the covers over me. I felt his arms snake around my waist, then pulling me closer to him. I smiled to myself, putting my hands over his. He kissed my shoulder.

“Goodnight beautiful.” He whispered.

“Goodnight, Zack.” I whispered, bringing his hand to my lips, kissing it.

I slowly fell asleep to his light snore. I was happy in this house, with this man, and in his arms. I felt safe, like nothing could hurt me anymore.