After my ex left, I hopped on my PS3 and logged on. After I had set up my headset and microphone, I accepted the invitation to play zombies with him and someone else. "Hey Hannah, ready to wail on some zombies?" His voice over the microphone sent my heart into a frenzy. I was glad he couldn't see the blush that had spread over my face. "Hi, how are you?" a soft voice squeaked through my head phones. My heart cringed uneasily.

"Uh...H-hello" I said trying to sound casual. "This is my cousin, Mary" he clarified as the match began. I let out a sigh of relief when I found out they were related. "Wow, you're really good at this" he chuckled as we stood back to back in a corner of the map, blasting zombie heads. "You're not too shabby either" I retorted as I saved him from a runner that was coming up on his side. His cousin was playing as well but the conversation was clearly just between the two of us. Eventually, she logged off around 12am.

"It's getting kind of late huh?" He chuckled over the Mic. "I don't mind but I guess I should go to bed, I have to work tomorrow..." I trailed off as I logged out of the game. "Yea heh, same here..." he trailed off just as a loud bang made my head turn. "Hannah!" My ex slurred as he slammed open the door. "What was that?" Lewis asked through my headset. "Remember how I told you that my ex was bothering me earlier? Well, he's back..." I trailed off as I took a few steps back. "Come here beautiful..." he slurred as he staggered towards me.

"Go home Joshua!" I shouted as I continued backing up. "Hannah, what's happening?" Lewis asked worriedly through my headphones. "I think he's drunk..." I whispered just before making a dash for my room. "Where do you think you're going!?" He hissed as he blocked my path. I pressed my back against the door as he leaned in and ran a strand of my hair through his fingers. "Hannah? HANNAH?!" I could hear Lewis's frantic screams through the mic as Joshua pulled the headset off my head and tossed it across the room.

"What do you want!?" I screamed, losing my cool. "I want you..." he slurred as he tried to kiss me again. I turned my face multiple times, making him angry. He took my face forcefully in his hands and rammed his lips onto mine. My stomach churned as the overwhelming scent of liquor assaulted my nostrils. I shoved him off me and slapped him as hard as I could manage. He staggered backwards, his hand on his enflamed cheek.

"You bitch!" He hissed angrily. I took advantage and bolted into my room. Hastily, I rummaged through my drawers until I found the old, silver pocket knife at the very bottom. I reached for it just as Joshua tackled me onto the bed. "Back the fuck off!" I hissed as I popped out the blade. Allison stirred in her crib. "Woah, no need to get crazy dear..." he muttered defensively as he got off the bed and shot a glance at his sleeping daughter.

I stood up, knife still pointed at him. "Drop my keys on the floor, right now!" I demanded. He obliged and dropped them on the burgundy carpet. "Now get the fuck out of my house!" I hissed as I motioned to the door. "Whatever you say your majesty!" he sneered before turning around and making his way towards the door.

After I had caught my breath, I followed him. "I don't want you showing your face here again, understood!?" I shouted as he staggered down the stairs. Allison's small cry rang though the house as I slammed the door behind him. Quickly, I made my way back into the room, and picked her up. "It's okay, mommy's here..." I whispered as I rubbed her back softly.

Joshua and I had met in high school. I was 16 and he was 18 when we met. We sat next to each other in Spanish class. I had just transferred from a neighboring school due to conflicts with bullying and because I was trying to get away from another guy I had dated. I felt alone and Joshua was there to cheer me up. Back then he was an artist and drew the most amazing pictures.

We hit it off right away and before I knew it, I had developed a crush on him. Eventually, he broke up with his girlfriend to get with me. We dated for about a year before he moved in to my mom's house. Living with him became a nightmare when he changed. He was afraid of commitment and felt caged by my side. We fought for everything and eventually, the cycle began where he would leave me and come back a few months later. This went on for another 2 years until the recent time he left.

I took in a few deep breaths as I collected my thoughts. Light snores emanated from Allison, who had knocked out in my arms. After I put her back in the crib, I collapsed on the couch. "Aw crap, Lewis!" I shouted when I remembered. I rushed over to my headset, which laid across the room. "Hello?!" I called anxiously but was met with nothing but static. The impact had broken it. "Damn it..." I muttered as I picked it up and placed it next to the console. After turning off the tv and lights, I made my way into the room and face planted onto my bed for the night.