I think I love you.

I've had enough of Elijah's bullshit. He's abusive, a narcissist, and he blames me for everything he does wrong! How is it my fault that he cheated on me with multiple other girls?

"Elijah, I'm done with you! You need to take responsibility for your actions! I'm done with your abuse and cheating. I'm leaving!"

Elijah sneered. "Fine, you fucking slut. I don't give a crap. I have other girls anyway. You were just holding me back! Get out of my house, dirty bitch!"

I gathered all my stuff and left Elijah's house, shivering in the cold night air. I had nowhere else to go. My family had never treated me well either. Then I remembered - Max. My best friend who had always accepted me. I made my way to her house, hoping she would let me in.

"Ugh... I hope she opens the door. I'm freezing out here," I muttered, hugging myself tightly.

I heard the door unlock and it creaked open. There stood Max, and I immediately threw my arms around her.

"A-Ali! What happened??" she asked, wrapping me in a warm embrace.

I told Max everything. The next morning, I woke up in Max's bed to the sound of yelling. I ran to the kitchen and saw Max fighting with Elijah. I immediately stepped between them and told Elijah to leave before I called the police. After that day, he never contacted me again.

A month later, Max and I were invited to a party. We had nothing better to do, so we went. We drank and danced, and at some point, we ended up tangled in each other's embrace, kissing.

The next morning, we woke up in bed together, both confused about what had happened until our friend Brianna came in and told us about our make-out session. We were so embarrassed that we started avoiding each other.

One day, I was walking home from work and saw Max flirting with another girl. I felt a surge of jealousy and couldn't handle the distance between us anymore. Later that night, when Max was cooking dinner, I walked up behind her and blurted out those three words.

"I-I love you!"

Before I could chicken out, I kissed her. Max froze for a moment, then melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around my waist and taking control. I melted against her, feeling like this must be a dream. Max had always been so protective and dominant with me, so it felt natural when she took the lead.

When she finally pulled away, she smiled. "Gosh, Aaliyah. You made me think you hated me after that party. This is such a nice surprise... but I love it. I love you too."