Once in a lifetime.

⚠️25

July

They had only taken one break and that was a bathroom break, Dalton tried to sneak in a few kisses, which I simply denied.

I don't know why, and most people would have probably taken Dalton behind the building and kissed him until the sun went down, but, I just didn't.

I guess it was more of the fact that I felt like I had respect for not just me, but for him.

Dalton is a great guy and he deserves a proper relationship, and I can't give him that. He lives in Texas and I live in Indiana. Long-distance relationships aren't my forte, any relationships at all aren't my forte. He deserves better than me.

I was staring at the calories on the back of the chip bag when I felt hands on my hips. I try not to panic about whether or not there is too much extra skin between his hands and my bones. "Hey, Beautiful."

I look up Dalton smiling.
"Eww doesn't touch me, you're gross."

"It's a sweet, sweet thing." Dalton wipes his forehead and attempts to touch me.

I start giggling. "No ewe! Stop!"

Dalton puts his hands over his heart, "I will never stop as long and that sweet sound is coming out of your mouth and seem to remember you were sweating when I hugged you once." I roll my eyes, but, can't help the smile that his words create on my face.

God, how could I not be starstruck by this boy? His face falls slightly. "I'm going to go get dressed and then I have something planned for us." My stomach falls to my feet, oh dear. I just nod and decide to put the chips back, who can eat at a time like this?

We made our way back to the hotel and Dalton was trying to keeping everything light, he seemed supportive of the conversation we were going to have. I had stayed quiet the whole drive to the hotel. I didn't want to do this but I realized that maybe this was the only way I would have told him.

As we approached Tori and my room we heard shouting coming from Alex's. I looked at Dalton, his eyes wide, then he put the card in and walked through the doorway.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Alex is screaming when we walk in and I'm taken back. I have never heard him yell. I look at Dalton and his eyebrows come together. He starts taking steps towards Alex, forcing me behind him ever so slightly.

"I was scared!" Tori shoots back. "What was I going to say? Oh, hey I think your hot my dad hits me?!" Dalton turns completely around to face me.

Oh no.

"No, but I expected to know and not find out when we were getting naked!" Daltons eyes don't leave mine they just grow, asking me a thousand silent questions.

I shoot him an apologetic look and head over to Tori. I try to ignore the fact that my boyfriend is seeing my best friend half-dressed.

"Trust me that is not how I wanted you to find out." I notice now that bruises run up and down her arms, I can only imagine what this must be like for not only Alex but Dalton too.

Alex because he was trying to get to know Tori's body better and Dalton because he is seeing his friend's girlfriend in her bra. Both of them staring at the bruises that are deep blues and purples on her dark skin.

"Tori," I say standing next to her. Tears are covering every inch of her face.

"I didn't expect it to be so easy or hard to hide. I didn't think my dad would ever actually hit me." She spits the words, her eyes never leaving Alex's.