****1 month later****

***Chrissi's POV***

Over the past month, Gerard and I have gotten extremely close. We hang out almost everyday now. In a month, Gerard has become my best friend. The other day, he invited me to see a local band with him. We had an amazing time together, like we always do. But what continued to surprise me everyday was how he still has no idea about my parents. I'm actually proud of myself for being able to keep this secret for so long. Although, Gerard occasionally notices some bruises. I just try my best to just play it off, and tell him it was just me being clumsy. He usually believes me, but I'm starting to think he's getting suspicious. Lately he's been asking me if I'm having any troubles. I can tell he's catching on. And that scared me. A lot.

I go to my bedroom and check my phone, to find a new text from Gerard.

-Hey, can you come over today? There's something I wanna tell you ;)-

-Sure, you want me to come now?-

-Whenever you have time. I'm home all day.-

I put on a blue V-neck, and a pair of black skinny jeans, topped off with my infamous black converse. I grabbed my sketch pad, pencils, and CD's and plopped them into a bag. I headed out the door, and walked to Gerard's house. When he answered the door, he led me inside, and we sat on the couch.

"Movie?" he asked, going through his cabinets filled with movies.

"Sure."

He plopped in The Nightmare Before Christmas, which he knew was my favorite movie. He sat next to me, and casually wrapped his arm around my shoulder, making me snuggle into his chest. We stayed like that throughout the entire movie. Once it was finished, I looked up at Gerard, who I noticed was already looking at me. I flashed him a smile, and he brought his face down to mine, connecting out lips.

***Gerard's POV***

When she looked up at me with those big blue eyes, I knew I wouldn't be able to contain myself any longer. I connected our lips, and sparks flew. It felt like magic. Her hands wrapped around my neck, and mine around her small waist. I trailed my tongue along her bottom lip, begging for an entrance which was granted. Our tongues swirled in each other's mouths until I broke away. She gave me a confused look, and I ran my thumb along her cheek.

"Chrissi, I knew since the day I met you a month ago that you were something special. And I want us to be more than friends. That's why I asked you to come today. Chrissi, will you be my girl?" It all kinda came out as one big word, but I think she understood me since she crashed her lips against mine once again.

"Yes, Gee. I'd be more than happy to be your girl." I hugged her tight, taking in her vanilla scent.

"You make me so happy, you know that?" I pressed my nose against hers.

She giggled and leaned into me. We cuddled until she eventually fell asleep. I flicked on the TV and watched cartoons with her in my lap. She moved her arms slightly, causing her sleeves to roll up and that's when I noticed it. Chris had numerous fresh cuts trailing all the way up her arms. I knew something was up. I fucking knew it.

***Chrissi's POV***

I felt myself being shaken awake. I looked up, and saw Gerard looking at me with a worried look on his face. I gave him a questioning look, but he just shook his head, and pulled me into a hug. That's when I noticed my sleeves were up. Fuck! Gerard pulled away, and looked me in the eyes.

"Why would you do that to yourself?" his voice was cracking.

I just shrugged my shoulders, and avoided eye contact, although he put his hand under my chin, making me look at him.

"Chrissi, you are such a beautiful girl! I don't want to see you hurting yourself." he let a single tear fall, causing me to burst. I cried into his chest, and he held me close, rubbing my back.

"Shh shh. It's okay. Everything is going to be okay, I promise. I'm here for you, baby. Whenever you need me, I'm here." he cooed in my ear. he held me until I stopped crying, and whipped away the remainder of my tears with his thumb.

"I'm getting a bit hungry, you want anything?" he asked, picking me up, and bringing me to the kitchen.

"No, I'm fine. Thank's anyway."

"You sure? I'll make you anything you want."

I just shook my head.

"Alright suit yourself. He got up, pecked my lips, and made himself and sandwich.