To Love Preciado

I pulled Jaime into another room, needing to talk to him privately. By his face, I could tell he was both angry and hurt. It kills me knowing that I had hurt him. Hopefully when I explain the situation to him he'll understand.

"Jaime-"

"What the hell, Rosaline?" he was clearly irritated. He looked at me sternly and clenched his jaw. "And what the fuck happened to your cheek?" he asked after noticing the bruising.

"Jaime, let me explain." I pleaded.

"This better be good." he mumbled under his breath.

"Last night I came over to talk to Vic. I was in need of someone, he saw that and let me stay the night." I started to explain.

"That doesn't make me feel better."

"Let me finish." I snapped. "Yesterday afternoon, my father was beating my mother. I could hear it from my bedroom and I couldn't take it anymore. I went downstairs to face my father, hoping that he would release my mom. Well, he did. He kicked and punched and hurt me. He said all these painful things and-"

Jaime took a step towards me, his once furious face had softened. "Rosaline, I'm sorry. I-"

I cut him off trying to finish my story. "Afterwards, I escaped to my room. I sat in my bathroom thinking about all the horrible things he told me." I paused not wanting to tell him I self-harmed. "Then I ended up relapsing. I'm so sorry, Jaime." Tears started to form in my eyes. "While I was cleaning up I could hear my phone vibrating. I hadn't checked my phone all day, I wasn't ignoring you."

"Why didn't you at least call me back after seeing all the missed calls?"

"I wasn't sure how to tell you. I didn't want to hurt you and I needed time to think."

"Roz, I'm so sorry. I understand." he quickly pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm just glad you're safe now." he said softly into my hair.

His arms were wrapped around me, he held my head against his chest. I couldn't help but cry into him. He drew circles into my back with one hand, the other pet my hair. He continued to hold me until my sobs ceased.

He moved me to look into my eyes. "Rosaline Baby, I'm sorry for blowing up on you."

"You don't have to apologize, Sweety."

His hands grabbed the back of my neck and he leaned in. He kissed me with so much passion. There was force behind his kiss but at the same time he was so gentle. The way he moved, his rhythm, sent chills down my spine. It felt as if our souls had collided and intertwined. In that moment I realized that he loves me and I love him. I could feel the love being transferred from his body to mine. Our kiss, the bond between was so strong yet delicate. As simple and natural as our feelings may seem, love is such an intricate concept.

He pulled away, catching my eyes. He smiled down at me, making me grow warm inside. He moved a strand of hair out of my eyes and brushed my cheek with his hand. "Rosaline." he said in an almost whisper.

"I love you." I said, finishing his sentence for him.

The biggest grin formed on his face. He seemed a bit shocked that I had said it first. "I love you too, Baby." he replied.

Notes