Shelby's POV

All I could ever do in my life is endure.

Endure the pain.

Endure the trama.

Endure the drama.

My life was great until I turned 8 years old, after that it was horrible as a child and much worse as a teenager. I did have one small light leading me and it was my school crush. He didn't know I secretly loved him. By time we were in 12th grade I had a full blown love affair in my head over him.

He was handsome, but above all else he was gentle. Simply just Devine.

He had natually perfect features. Light brown hair that got a little darker every year. Gorgeous green eyes that held the stars, were as deep as the oceans, shone like emeralds, and could make you get lost in them as if you were floating in the air. Accompanied by a chisled nose and soft kissable lips. Not to mention the boy had a jaw line for days.

He was about 6'2, broad shoulders, perfect posture, and a commanding aura around him.

He was like a Davinci painting that had come to life. He was a country boy at heart. A rebel child with his wild side. Each time I saw him he stole a heartbeat from me. I held on to seeing him every day to get through the torment of every night. He was my lighthouse in the storm on a dark lonely ocean.

I grew up somewhat poor after my dad died and times were hard. My mom worked 2 jobs to make ends meet.

I was mostly left alone, expect for Tony who was my mom's boyfriend. He was an unemployed drunk. When he'd get angry I was his relief. He never sexually assaulted me but he'd beat me. He was smart in the sense that he'd hit me where my clothes could hide it. I can't wait to turn 18 so I can leave. I don't tell anyone. I tried to tell my mom after the 1st time, but somehow, he got her to believe him. I try not to stay at home much anyways. Even just going there to sleep is dangerous. He has drug me out of bed just to hit me. I don't understand why or what for but I endure it. Just to be able to see my lighthouse.

We became friends when we were in 3rd grade. Along with Jenna and James, my other friends, they have all helped me. They all live in their own community and all three started 3rd grade together.

I had hoped his affections would've grown by now to the point of him asking me out. I keep hoping every day.

We, the three of us, hang out after school and during the summer also. He has never had a girlfriend so hopefully he's waiting to make his move. We have grown exceptionally close over the years where we are almost inseparable. I endure all this because inside I'm hoping his true emotions are the same as mine. And that one day, he will take me away.

--- How pathetic can I be? Will he ever love me? Am I enduring all this for nothing? ---