Ok, guys! Here's the story I've been promising! I hope you all enjoy it! I'll make a deal with you though… If I get 25 reviews by Friday, I'll post chapter 2 on Saturday instead of waiting until next week! :)

Chapter 1

Clarke Collins woke to bright sunlight streaming in through the bent and gapping mini-blinds that adorned the master bedroom's eastern window. Her eyes fluttered open, a smile curving her lips as she looked at the man beside her.

She and Finn's second wedding anniversary was in three days, and she still couldn't believe she'd been lucky enough to land her Prince Charming. They'd been married at seventeen on a beach in Galveston. Her mother had thought it too young, but gave up trying to convince her daughter otherwise.

Instead she'd sent Clarke packing, the illustrious surgeon not wanting to sully her reputation with her daughter the newly wed high school dropout. Clarke didn't mind, losing her mother was an acceptable sacrifice compared to what she was gaining.

Her husband was perfect for her, attentive and caring. Finn never forgot a birthday and he always knew just what to say to make her smile. He had trouble holding a job, but Clarke was convinced it was the managers he'd been forced to work for.

"Morning beautiful," a sleepy voice drawled beside her.

Clarke smiled, kissing her husband slowly before meeting his sparkling blue gaze.

"Morning," she replied just as a loud squall erupted from the bassinet beside the bed.

"My son the mood killer," Finn grumbled with a good-natured smile.

"Momma's boy is hungry, isn't he," Clarke cooed as she made her way to where the baby lay.

Clarke shushed her son, gently lifting him from the crib and staring down into his gorgeous blue eyes. She moved into the living room, sinking down into the raggedy recliner and unbuttoning her shirt so her son could have his breakfast.

She rocked, humming as she stroked her baby's tiny fist, listening as the shower started up in the other room. One-month-old Andrew Jacob Collins had changed her life. She'd never known that she could love someone this much, but the tiny bundle in her arms had proven her wrong.

A soft knock on the door drew her attention; she leaned over and grabbed one of the clean receiving blankets out of the laundry pile on the couch, draping it over herself as she made her way across the room. She opened the door to reveal a lovely dark haired woman.

"Uh, is Finn home", she asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, just let me…" Clarke began before the woman stopped her.

"Are you his wife?"

"Yes," Clarke answered.

"That scumbag!"

The blonde's eyes widened at the stranger's outburst, her grip tightening slightly on the baby in her arms.

"Look, you're husband isn't who he says he is!"

Clarke stared at the woman in confusion.

"What do you mean? I don't understand," Clarke said.

Just then Finn's voice echoed out in the dim apartment, "Clarke, who's there?"

She looked at the woman before her, watching as the Latina shook her head and placed a finger to her lips.

"It's just Mrs. Tanner again," she called back before turning to face the stranger at her door.

"Meet me at this address and I'll explain everything," Clarke took the slip of paper and then the woman was gone.

Clarke shut the door, quickly stuffing the note into her pocket before moving back to the chair. She burped Drew, buttoned her shirt, and then sat rocking back and forth as she thought about what to do.

She listened as Finn went about his morning routine, watching as he took extra time with his hair and spritzing on more cologne than normal.

"I should be home by seven," Finn said as he kissed her cheek.

"Ok," Clarke replied absently.

She watched him go, fingering the slip of paper in her pocket. When she was sure he'd gone, she quickly changed Drew then went to take a quick shower.

She dressed in a pair of faded denim shorts and a t-shirt that had seen better days, pulling her blonde curls into a ponytail before putting on the smallest amount of makeup. She dressed her son in a little blue onesie, put on his socks, and then stuck him in his car seat carrier.

She drove to the designated meeting place, unsure why she was trusting the strange dark haired woman who'd shown up on her doorstep this morning. Something in her eyes as she'd told Clarke that her husband wasn't the man she thought he was seemed urgent and honest.

So Clarke found herself walking to the dimly lit coffee shop, Drew's carrier settled on one arm while his diaper bag hung on her opposite shoulder. The bell over the door jangled as she entered, her eyes scanning the café until they settled on the dark haired woman sitting in a corner booth.

She slid into the seat across from the pretty Latina, settling Drew's carrier on the seat beside her before turning to the stranger.

"I'm Raven," the woman said, "I think there are some things you need to know."

Clarke swallowed thickly, nodding for her to continue.

"I met Finn when I was twelve. His family lived next to mine, and we became close. My mom was an alcoholic, and she spent all of our money on booze and cigarettes. Finn took care of me, sneaking me sandwiches and leftovers. As we grew older, the feelings got stronger. Then two years ago he began to pull away, and I wasn't sure why. He was still the same loving boyfriend I'd always known, but I knew he was keeping a secret. He never let me come home with him, always insisting that my place was better. I followed him home one day, and that 's when I saw you."

Clarke sat in stunned silence; her eyes burning with unshed tears.

"So, he cheated on you," she asked dumbly.

"Both of us really," Raven replied sadly, "I was angry at first because I thought you were trying to steal him away, but then I realized that you didn't know about me. He's lied to both of us."

The blonde stared down at the baby beside her, feeling cheap and used. The man she'd thought was so perfect earlier that morning had played her for the worst kind of fool.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again and looking at the woman before her.

"I have to confront him," Clarke said.

"We can do it together," Raven offered.

"No, I need to do this myself," the blonde replied angrily.

Raven reached across the table, gripping the Clarke's hand, "I'm so sorry, for everything."

Clarke nodded, "I know, Raven, and I'm sorry too."

She gently picked up the baby carrier, and slung the diaper bag over her shoulder before leaving the café. Her heart was heavy, and she still couldn't believe that the man she'd pledged her life to wasn't really hers to begin with. He'd belonged to another, still did.

Clarke fought back angry tears as she fastened Drew's carrier into the back seat of her car and then sat down behind the wheel. She stared into the rearview mirror at her silent baby boy, knowing that nothing in his little life would ever be the same.

She drove home, her mind wandering to Wells. Her best friend hadn't approved of Finn, and she could only imagine what he would say if he were here but he wasn't. Wells was gone, killed in a car accident six months ago.

She wished he were here, needing his comfort and his guidance. As it stood, she had no one and nowhere to go. She was truly alone, left to fend for herself and her baby on her own.

She had all afternoon to plan out what she wanted to say to her husband, pacing as she fingered the pitiful little wedding band. She'd been so proud of it when Finn had slipped it on her finger the day of their wedding on the beach in Galveston. Now the tiny gold band only seemed to represent the sham her marriage truly was.

When seven o'clock finally rolled around, Clarke's stomach was in knots. She could see Drew staring up at the ceiling fan; his little eyes round as he watched the blades spin. The front door stole her attention as Finn came strolling in, a smile on his face.

"Hey babe, how was your…"

"I know," Clarke said, cutting him off.

Finn's smile faltered a little, "You know what, Clarke?"

"I know about Raven," she said, her voice shaking with ill suppressed anger.

She watched as Finn's eyes widened, his mouth falling open in shock as he spluttered- trying to find the right words to defend himself.

"She's just a friend, I promise," Finn said finally.

"I don't believe you," Clarke whispered, turning away.

"Clarke you have to believe me," Finn said desperately, "I love you."

That was it; Clarke couldn't take any more of his lies and his smooth talk.

"I don't have to do anything Finn! You lied to me, and I don't think I can ever forgive you for this! Get out," she yelled angrily.

The change in her husband was instantaneous. Gone was his contrition, quickly replaced with unadulterated wrath. He grabbed her, bringing her face even with his own.

"Leave? This is my apartment, I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. You belong to me Clarke, you're like that ratty old couch. I'll use you until I'm tired of you, and then I'll throw you out like the garbage you are!"

Clarke tried to shrink back, fear shining in her eyes.

"Oh, you're scared of me now," Finn yelled, "Well after I'm through with you, you won't even speak without my permission."

The blonde found herself propelled against the far wall, a sickening thud echoing in the silence that followed as she slid to the floor. The man she'd once claimed to love beat her until she was sure she would die. Her ribs burned as his work boot slammed into them a final time, one of her eyes nearly swollen shut and her mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood.

"You'd better be here when I get back, or I will hunt you down and drag you back here kicking and screaming if I have to," Finn spat before exiting the apartment.

Clarke laid there for a moment, each breath a struggle as her sides burned and her body ached. She finally got enough strength to crawl to her phone. She dialed the number, waiting until the person on the other end picked up.

"I need help," Clarke whispered brokenly.

Raven entered the apartment, her gaze falling on the destruction that swept across the tiny space until she saw the crumpled blonde heap on the floor. She ran to the woman she barely knew, touching her shoulder gently.

"Clarke, what happened," Raven asked.

"It's Finn, he's angry. Probably looking for you too," Clarke said as she struggled to sit up.

"We have to get you out of here. Is there anyone I can call that could help?"

Clarke's mind flashed to Wells for the second time that day, tears springing to her eyes as she shook her head.

"No, there's no one," she sobbed.

Raven stared down at the battered woman, feeling responsible for the pain Finn had wrought in her life. Determination settled on her shoulders, and she gently took Clarke's hands in her own.

"We're getting out of here tonight," Raven said as she helped Clarke to her feet.

She packed what Clarke instructed for the tiny baby who lay silently staring up at the ceiling, his little hands waving in the air from time to time. After she had two bags full, she settled the baby in the carrier and started for the door.

Clarke followed on shaky legs, one arm banded across her middle as she fought to stay conscious when pain crashed over her in chilling waves. She focused on putting one foot in front of the other; refusing to look back at the life she'd once known that now lay in shambles.

Raven drove all night until she finally had to stop for gas in the small town of Mount Weather the next morning. It sported a historic main street complete with general store, pharmacy, and a feed store with two elderly men sitting out front.

"I'll just be a minute," Raven said, leaving Clarke to stare out the window at the tiny town.

For the first time since leaving Finn she felt safe. Something about this place called to her, and the thought of leaving such tranquility caused her stomach to churn.

So, when Raven climbed back into the driver's seat Clarke turned to her new friend with a look of pleading.

"Can we stay here," the blonde asked.

Her tone broke Raven's heart, and she wondered when the woman before her would ever regain her sense of self. She didn't feel like they were far enough away, but if Clarke felt safe here then that's what mattered most.

"Sure," Raven found herself saying, knowing that this was the beginning of a new life for both of them.

They found a room at the small motor inn that was situated at the edge of town, the middle-aged woman staring at Clarke curiously as she handed them a key but thankfully saying nothing.

After the door to their tiny room was finally shut and locked, Clarke sank onto the bed with a sigh. She took Drew from the car seat, settling him in to eat as she rested against the wooden headboard.

Her eyes closed of their own accord, and her mind drifted to Finn's angry features and harsh words. She felt the familiar burn of tears, the salty droplets causing the cuts on her face to sting.

"We need to get you to a doctor," Raven said quietly.

"No, I'm fine. My ribs are bruised, not broken. The bruises will fade and the cuts will heal in time. Some antiseptic and ice would be good though," the blonde said tiredly.

"I'll run to that general store we saw on our way in as soon as you're settled."

"Thanks, Raven," Clarke replied, eyes still closed.

She only opened them when it was time to burp Drew, carefully wiping the milk from his mouth before changing his diaper and laying him in between two of the fluffy pillows.

She looked around the room at the dated furnishing and garish wallpaper. The busy floral pattern on the comforters made her head hurt, and the clicking of the air conditioner rang in her ears as she tried to rest.

Left alone, Clarke jumped at every sound; terrified that Finn would ruin the peace she'd found. However, she soon grew too tired to care, her eyes drooping until she finally fell into a restless sleep.

Over the next few days Clarke stayed inside the motel room, not daring to venture out into the town for fear that people would start to ask questions. She looked terrible, grisly bruises blotching her face, neck, and arms.

Raven told her about the things she'd seen and the people she met. She'd been scouting for a job and a more permanent place to live, and by their third day there she seemed to have found both.

"I got a job at that mechanic's shop off of Main Street. The man that runs it seems pretty nice," Raven said as she set out the food containers from the diner just up the way, "I also found an abandoned farmhouse on the other end of town. It's in a quiet neighborhood and has a big back yard but it needs a lot of work."

Clarke smiled for the first time in days, raising her Styrofoam cup in a toast, "To Mount Weather, Texas."

Thanks for reading! Please review! Remember 25 reviews by Friday will get you chapter 2 on Saturday! :)