Chapter Thirty-Three - It Will Be The Last

Chapter Thirty-Three - It Will Be The Last
Peyton

I slump in my car as I watch Gabe and the attractive blonde leave his building and get into a cab. I don't recognize her, but she's truly gorgeous. I didn't expect a woman to answer his door, but I'm glad she did, because if Gabe had opened it and I’d seen another woman inside, it would have felt awkward. I shouldn’t have come here. It was foolish of me. I didn’t have another place to go. I wonder if she's his new girlfriend. She seems like his type. Still, it's not my concern anymore since I have completely cut him out again for three months. 

After the car drives off, I sit up and look at myself in the mirror. My eyes and cheeks are swollen from crying, and I see bruises forming from when Max hit me and knocked me down. I was too stunned to fight back, as he'd never hit me like that before. He ran away instantly like the coward he is, without apologizing or checking if I was okay. If he had hit me any harder, he could have broken my cheekbone. 

My hands are still trembling. I worried he'd keep going since I was on the ground. I regret reconnecting with him after the wedding. The reason he struck me was that we got into an argument about the things he found that I kept from my relationship with Gabe. We began arguing, and suddenly he hit me. No man has ever raised his hand to me like that before, and he never will again. 

I keep looking at myself in the mirror, tears welling up again, but I hurriedly wipe them away. It's probably a good thing I didn’t run into Gabe because, the moment he saw my face, he'd lose control and go after Max to harm him. I came here because, even after all these years, Gabe remains my safe haven. I know that with him, everything would be alright. I would be protected, and he would never even consider raising a hand against me. 

I shake my head and try to pull myself together as best I can. I have nothing with me. I grabbed my phone and car keys, leaving my apartment as soon as I knew Max was away. I don’t want to go back there in case he shows up again. I hate feeling this vulnerable. It is not who I am. I am stronger than this. 

The sound of the cell ringing snaps me out of it. I reject the call straightaway when I see it is Max. I also blocked the number. I want nothing to do with them. The temptation overtakes me to call Gabe while I have my cell in hand, but I won’t. If I did, he would be here as quickly as possible, but I don’t want to ruin his night. I have no right to ruin his night. 

Scrolling through my contacts, I spot Kaitlyn’s number but decide against calling. I toss my phone onto the passenger seat and start the car with no destination in mind. The only certainty is that I can’t linger here and risk Gabe noticing. There’s probably a hotel I can stay at. 

I stop at a coffee shop, then search my car for makeup before heading inside. I find some to hide the bruises and puffiness from crying. No one likes to be stared at, including me. Taking a deep breath, I get out of the car, walk inside confidently, and place my order. I'll decide where to go next after I have my drink. 


My hands tremble, and my stomach twists as I stand outside Anthony and Kaitlyn’s front door. They know I’m coming, but not why. I won’t reveal the whole story. I hide my bruises because I’m not ready to share that part. I feel ashamed, even though I shouldn't. None of it was my fault. I don’t want Kaitlyn or Anthony to get into trouble. They might react if they see my bruised face. It is best for everyone if they don’t see it. 

I knock loudly, and Kaitlyn answers only seconds later, smiling when she sees me, but her smile soon fades. “Peyton, what is wrong? You have been crying.” 

“Max and I broke up, for good. We got into a huge argument.” I whimper. 

I fight back the tears. If I cry, it will take off my makeup, and I can’t have that. 

“Aww, sweetie, come in. I am sorry.” She says softly. 

Yes, she hates him, but she isn’t going to be happy about us breaking up because I am upset. I am not upset that we broke up, not really, because we were not great together. I am upset because of what he did to me, but for now I will keep that to myself. 

“Thank you.” 

She guides me into the living room. Anthony sits on the sofa. “Peyton, what happened?”

“She and Max had a serious fight and ended their relationship," Kaitlyn responds for me. 

Anthony offers me a sympathetic glance. “I am sorry, Peyton.” 

I nod and sit on the sofa as Kaitlyn goes to fetch a glass of wine. She returns and sits beside me, urging me to share what happened. I tell them every detail, except the physical assault. 

“A break-up is never easy, sweetie. I know we aren’t fans, but I am sorry. I am sorry you are hurting and upset," she says, squeezing my hand. 

“No, they aren’t," I say, sighing and feeling guilty for lying to them. 

“You can stay here for as long as you need,” Anthony says. 

"Thank you, I promise it will only be for a few days.” 

I will go back to my apartment. I refuse to let that bastard keep me from my home, but a few days away should be enough. There's a chance he might still show up. 

“As long as you need,” Kaitlyn repeats what Anthony said. 

I smile and take a sip of my wine. Silence lingers for a moment before curiosity overcomes me. “Does Gabe have a new girlfriend?” 

They exchange confused glances. “No, not that he told us. Why?” 

I sigh. “I stopped at his house, and a gorgeous blonde answered, so I told her I had the wrong address and hurried away before Gabe realized it was me. They left in a cab, dressed up.” 

“He hasn’t mentioned anything to us,” Kaitlyn says. 

"Alright, it’s no big deal. I was just curious, that’s all.” I take another sip of my wine. 

“Sweetie, did you tell us everything that happened? I get the feeling you're holding something back from us.” 

I shake my head, repeating my lie to her. Luckily, she lets it go, and I swiftly steer the conversation elsewhere. If they keep asking questions, I might break, which I definitely want to avoid.