Daphne

"I need a new dress," Kat said when I got into her car. She had texted me earlier saying she was taking me shopping.

"For?"

"I don't know yet. I just have a feeling."

I shrugged and Kat drove to the mall. I'd learned to expect the unexpected with Kat so I wasn't all that surprised by her statement. That's just how she was. Free, breezy, fun.

Kat dragged me around to store after store until my feet felt like they had knives stabbing through them. Kat found a dress in the first store we went in to, but then she decided that it would be fun to shop for me. It wasn't too horrible and I did manage to find a few cute things to add to my wardrobe.

"Kat please," I groaned. "I'm dying."

"Ok, ok. Fine."

Kat finally let us leave and I was the first back in the car. Never again I told myself. Never again. Shopping with Kat was a nightmare that I would never wish upon anyone. It never ended. Poor Danny. I know Kat drags him around to shop with her all the time. How does he do it? It'd been three hours and apparently that was a quick trip for Kat.

I couldn't wait to take a nice hot bath when I got home. I deserved it after the day I had.

"I had so much fun," Kay said from the drivers seat. "We should do this again."

"I'm sorry Kat, but I don't think I'm cut out for your shopping marathons."

"Oh nonsense. You just need a little training."

"Hm," I hummed. I was too tired to tell her I would never be going shopping with her again.

We finally got back to my apartment building and i was exhausted. I might skip the bath and just sleep. Sleep sounds good.

I unlocked my door and padded my way over to my room, but before I got there, something caught the corner of my eye. I went back to a kitchen and a bouquet of flowers was sitting on the counter. It hadn't been there before.

I slowly approached and two envelopes sat next to the vase. A shaky hand picked up the first note.

What a cute little apartment you have. Too bad you'll be coming home with me soon. I hope your little rebellion was worth all the things I'm going to do when I have you back.

My heart was racing as I ripped open the second envelope. I stumbled back with tears in my eyes when pictures fell out. Pictures of me in my apartment. In my room, with my friends, kissing Mason. Oh God. How did he get these?

I backed out of my apartment and sank to the floor against the wall. My hands were shaking so badly, I could barely get my phone out.

"M- Mason?"

"Daph? What's wrong?"

"Can you come get me?" a sob slipped out of my mouth.

"What happened Daph?"

"I- I..." I couldn't talk anymore. My sobs were too controlling and I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"I'm coming Daph. I'll be there in five."

I pulled my knees into my chest and sobbed into them. He was in my apartment. He was going to take me away. And now I'd have to tell Mason and he'd throw me away.

My vision was blurry and my head was pounding when Mason arrived.

"Daphne? What happened?" he said as he cupped my cheeks in his hands.

All I could do was lift a shaky hand and point to my door. Mason looked confused but went inside. When he came back out he was holding the envelope and the pictures and he looked mad.

"Do you know who sent this?" he asked and I nodded.

"I- I lied," I told him through my sobs. "He sent the flowers too. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Shh, it's ok," Mason cooed as he pulled me into his arms. He sat me down on his lap and I buried my face in his neck.

"Shh, it's ok Daphne. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you."

Mason held me close and whispered soothing words into my ear until my breathing slowed and my tears stopped.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't mean to lie. I was scared and I-"

"Hey, it's ok. You told me now and that's what's important. Can you tell me more so I can help?"

I nodded into the safety of Mason's chest. "Can we do it somewhere else?"

"Of course."

Mason lifted me into his arms and carried me down to his car. He held my hand as he drove to his house. I stared out the window as a light ringing filled my ears. It was real now. And I had to tell Mason everything.

I sat down on the couch in Mason's living room and snuggled into him. I took a shaky breath and got ready to spill my truth.

"You don't have to do this now," Mason said as he stroked my hair. "You can get some rest first. I don't want to push you."

I shook my head. I needed to tell him.

"I met Patrick during my senior year of college. People warned me about him but he was so sweet and caring so I brushed them aside."

I couldn't keep the tears from spilling down my cheeks as these memories resurfaced. I should've listened. If only I'd listened.

"I ended up pushing all of my friends away for the sake of love and I moved in with Patrick after I graduated. It started out really great but then he started coming home drunk. That's when he started getting...violent. He'd get so angry."

I shuddered just thinking of it.

"And I always took the brunt of it. But every morning he apologized and told me how much he loved me and I believed him. I let him take away my phone and lock me away inside because I thought he loved me. But then one night I overheard him talking to his friend after they'd been out drinking. He'd gambled away all of his money and was in trouble with some guys. He needed money and was going to use me to get it by- by selling nights with me. That's when I left. And I met you and I learned what real love is. I'm so sorry for dragging you into all of this."

"Well I'm not. I'm glad I met you, I'm glad I get to love you, and no matter what I will always protect you. I promise," Mason told me. His own eyes were shiny now and I nuzzled into his chest.

We stayed like that for God knows how long. I never knew love could be like this. Like needing someone as much as you need air. Them protecting you and keeping you safe. I thought love could only hurt and I'd sworn to stay away from men when I moved to Boston. But then I met Mason and I couldn't stay away.