CHAPTER ONE II stepped off of the elevator on the top floor of the now familiar hotel. I was tired, both mentally and physically. I wanted nothing more than to go to my room, take a shower and hit the bed. I didn't notice the person standing directly in front of me and I ran right into them. "I'm so sorry." I said looking up into the kindest eyes I had ever seen. "No problem...Tiffany, is that you?" "Joey, hey how have you been? It's been a long time." Joey was my best friend from childhood. "I've been good, how about you?" He asked pulling me into a strong hug. I winced in pain and he pulled back. "What's wrong, did I hurt you?" "No I'm fine, just tired I guess." I replied stepping back. My boyfriend Mark stepped of of the elevator and took my arm. "Joey, I'd like you to meet Mark, Mark this is Joey he and I..." "I really could care less Tiffany, let's get to the room." Mark stated angrily pulling me down the hall. "Well, I guess I'll see you later Joe. Nice seeing you again." I said disappointedly. "Tiff, wait, can I get your number? How long will you be in town?" "We'll be here a couple of days. Talk to you later." I was pulled into the room and the door was slammed before I could say anymore. "What the hell were you doing out there?" Mark yelled. "He and I were best friends, I haven't seen him in a long time I was saying hello." "It looked like more than that to me. Who did he think he was hugging you?" "Mark, we are friends, I havent's seen him in ages. That's it I promise you." "I don't believe you, were you trying to make me jealous? Were you trying to make me angry?" He was pushing me and was practically nose to nose with me. "No. I was just saying hello. That is all, I told you." "Are you getting smart with me? Are you telling me what I did and did not see out there?" He raised his hand swiftly and struck me across the face. "Mark, please don't do this. I only love you, no one else." "I don't believe you. You must think I'm completely stupid." I looked down at the floor, trying to stop the tears from falling. I knew that would only make matters worse. "LOOK at me damnit!" He screamed grabbing my face with both hands and forcing me to look at him. I closed my eyes and prayed for the miracle that never came in previous months. He shook me violently and pushed me to the floor. Kicking me as I tried to get up. "You stupid BITCH! I don't know why I have put up with you for so long. your aren't worthy my time or anyone else's. Your are the coldest, dumbest, most untalented person I have ever met in my life." I was crying openly now which only infuriated him more. He kicked me several more times and then there was a pounding on our door. "GO AWAY!!" He screamed. "New York police, open the door please." "You better keep your damn mouth shut." He whispered evilly pulling me to my feet although I could hardly stand. "Go into the bathroom, while I take care of this." I used the wall for support as I stumbled into the bathroom, I left the door cracked so that I could hear what was going on. "Can I help you officers?" He asked politely opening the door. "We got a complaint about some yelling, is everything ok here?" ""Yes, I'm sorry about that, just a little fight between my girlfriend and myself." "Where is your girlfriend?" |