I explained the whole story from beginning to end - the relationship - how it turned toxic - the pregnancy, how i miscarried, and the aftermath. "Eventually i knew i would have to deliver the baby naturally ... at this point i didnt know how to feel or what to feel. my ex boyfriend, was still aggressive and violent at this point, He blamed me for everything including the miscarriage even though he pushed me down a flight of stairs - The doctors were so supportive, I had three in the room upon delivery - Knowing i was giving birth to my baby, and not being able to hold or hear a cry was the most horrendous terrifying thing i ever had to do"
His hand met mine. "were you alone?" - "yeah .. my family didn't know i was pregnant, they only knew what i went through with Gabe. I couldnt tell them. - It was over within an hour. when it was done - they immediately took, the baby away - I wasn't even allowed to see him. It was a boy" - "April. Im so sorry you had to go through all of that alone - i couldnt begin to imagine the pain and the hurt." He was so understanding. I just couldn't work out why "This was all i kept from him, his first blanket - the scan - the test. - Im sorry i didnt tell you before, Leyton i wanted to i just didn't know how to" I cried i felt the tears fall as he looked at the box.
"April. im not angry with you, you were pregnant with my baby, that is alot for someone to agree to ... I will always support you ... I can promise you i will protect you always." he actually cradled me in his arms .. his touch made me feel safe. so much so i fell asleep in his arms.
__
I woke up, it was midnight. i was in my bed. He must have put me here when i fell asleep. he put the box safely upon the shelf in its place. I reminisced on the conversation we had. How thoughtful he was, why wasn't he with anyone? i would give anything to have someone like him.
My phone flashed, Maggie. Shit. I called her straight away and told her what happened. Knowing i had the support of my bestfriend even though she wasn't here was enough for me.
I just need to know now, where i stand.
Where i live?
I was woken up by my alarm, again! but this time it was a good thing, results day. Not wanting to leave the room or house i knew i had too. I got showered and dressed into a smart blue dress and heels tied my hair back and applied minimal makeup. I had to show i was coping fine when really i wanted to curl up and sleep until this felt normal.
Leyton was asleep in his room i didn't want to wake him so i left him a note instead by the coffee machine which is where i knew he would go when he was awake. I got in my car and drove to the halls where the results were given. Maggie met me outside and gave the most comforting hug. "how are you?" she smiles. "good ... im good Mags, thanks" i smile back. "look, me and the girls are heading out for a few tonight? why dont you come? let your hair down ..." drinking? was that wise? "I dont know mags, is that really wise, i mean the last time i was drunk i got into this situation .." she chuckled at my reply as we walk the halls to the main room. "you dont even have to drink alot. you might surprise yourself and enjoy it!" with Maggie it really didnt take much to say yes she can be persuasive when she wanted to be.
"I will pick you up at 8" she smiled as we walked up to the table. I just rolled my eyes and smiled as i approached the woman sitting behind the desk. "April Rhodes" she hands me my envelope. this was it, 3 years of studying sleepless nights .... for this a piece of paper. i ripped it open i couldn't bare the thought of waiting longer. "how did you do?" Maggie smiled as she walked to me! i read my results .. "I done it ... diplomas in all ... i passed!" i exclaimed. "so did i!!" we exchanged hugs ... "see we can celebrate tonight!" I guess she wasn't wrong.
"Leyton?!" i called out as i walked in the front room. i checked my phone. he left a message. *Gone to work! sorry i couldn't be at home when you get back! Good luck today, let me know L* i guess he can be thoughtful sometimes.
Jane had left dinner in the kitchen .. i knew there was wine in the fridge, so i grabbed a glass and ate some food before getting a bubble bath and getting ready for the night ahead.
I decided on my little red dress, it hugged my figure in the right places, with black stiletto heels. i blow dried and straightened my hair and applied makeup.
*Outside!* my phone flashed up with a text from Maggie, I drank the rest of my wine and grabbed my bag and jacket before heading outside.
I guess tonight really couldn't be that bad? Could it?
We finally arrived at the club. It was Leytons club, Bar-one, ''Mags really?" i sighed as we got out the cab, "come on!! it will be fun besides im sure hes in his office anyway!!" she was right he always is. But i just had to make sure i looked great just incase he wasn't not that i care or anything because i do not.
After ten shots and five drinks later - the drink was in my head alot - but i was enjoying myself! I danced so much my feet felt like they were going to fall off. I was enjoying myself so much i barely realised what was happening around me i was surrounded by a group of guys i didn't know who they were, at least i dont think i did?
I removed myself from the situation and yelled to meg and the girls i was heading out for some air. the fresh air felt good but i felt sick. "April Rhodes, there is a face i never thought i would see for a while" no way? It cannot be. I turn sickened to my stomach even worse than before. I turn round slowly and look up a few steps ahead of me he stands there smug look upon his face. "Gabe!" i whispered.
"Missed me? you've changed? fitter." he walked towards me, do not move April, do not show fear. I had to sober up rather quickly, or at least try too. "What are you doing here, Gabe?"
"I live here now .. I wanted to check out the town. Why are you here?" Was he seriously trying to talk to me right now?
"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave me alone" - "hey come on now ... we was good together!" He smirked I could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Are you kidding me right now?" I scoffed as I walked past him, he grabbed my arm. "Kidding? I never kid. April. You know this ... you ruined my life, you owe me" he says between clenched teeth with a quiet but harsh tone. I knew I wanted to scream but that wouldn't do no favours.
"Owe you? Fucking owe you? Ruined your life? Gabe!! You are toxic!! You threw me down some stairs and we lost our baby!!" I yelled at him, ripping my arm from his grip.
He grabbed me tighter flinging me against the wall I smacked my head against the bricks ... I could feel warmth I knew it was blood. He was smart, no one was around he knew he could do this.
"That was all you! You turned me toxic! You lost the baby ... you don't deserve anything!!" The anger was just building up inside him I could sense it.
"Leave me alone!!" I try to get out of him grasp but he was too strong! Shit. I couldn't even grab my phone to call someone.
"It's pay back time ... for all the times you hurt me, I've come back for you ... and revenge" without even looking it was a flash before my eyes .. his hand went into my body and my face.
I felt instant pain going through my body! I fell to the ground! "April!" I heard someone call out a males voice ... "Leyton!" I coughed but quietly, he couldn't hear me! Gabe gave me another swing .. sending me across the floor. "That's for ruining my life ... I promise I'm not finished" - my phone was ringing; I could hear footsteps behind me.
Then three men jumped Gabe. "April ... look at me ... can you hear me?" "My ... stomach ..." I said between breaths. "We gotta get you to the hospital ..." he picked me up and put me in his car which was already pulled up and waiting.
I wasn't his girlfriend ... but he was so protective? Could this be something more?