My names Ariana and I would like to share with you my story. A year ago, during the most miserable time of my life I realized how much I needed my family and friends, and how I was so thankful to have them in my life. Like any other naive 16 year old girl, I was in love, and believed my relationship came before anything else. However, eventually everyone shows their true colors. On November 3rd, 2018 I started talking to Christopher Martinez, the first love of my life. In the beginning, he was a gentleman, He opened the car door for me, took me on dates, and bought me presents. He showed me a love that I wanted to last a lifetime. For four months he fooled me into believing I was his queen. He made me feel as if I were the center of his universe. We spent holidays together and planned out how our future would be. The good months contain my most cherishable memories that I will hold dear to my heart forever. The bad months came faster than I could have ever expected.
I started to notice things becoming rough when he began doing drugs. When he was stressed, sad, or looking to have a good time he turned to cocaine. He was showing toxic traits and red flags, but I remained blind to the fact he had changed. He became overbearing and when he got upset he took his frustrations out on me. All I remember is calling 911 with tears in my eyes and fear in my heart. I kept telling the police as they took me that it wasn’t him, it couldn’t be. My heart ached in a way that didn’t feel possible.. I was in love with someone who sent me to the hospital for domestic abuse. The doctor told me my ribs were bruised, my skin on both feet were so damaged from running away barefoot, my eye and lip were both busted. I felt helpless and felt like no one would understand my pain. I pushed everyone away and had no one who listened and could understand why I kept going back. My story was one that didn’t just destroy me but it made me. I want everyone to know that their not alone and if they ever need anyone I’m here.
