It was the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last.

When they first met, Annie had just came out to her parents and was on the way to college.

Maria had came out back in high school. 

They met in class. Annie was sitting alone, Maria sat down next to her.

They talked. Annie was an accounting major, Maria was a communications and journalism major.

Months later they began their relationship.

Things moved faster than Annie had thought, but this was her first real relationship so she went along.

Things were going very well.

Then one night, it changed.

They had been arguing about a dinner.

Maria pushed her.

This was the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Their relationship took a turn.

Maria began criticizing Annie’s appearance.

Annie didn’t know what else to do so she changed.

She changed out of that shirt. She wore more make up.

The next time, Maria slapped her.

She cried, apologized, bought Annie flowers.

She promised to never hit her again.

The promise didn’t last long.

A slight shove. A disapproving scoff.

Annie felt there was something wrong, but didn’t know what to do.

So she stayed.

Maria had changed. She was meaner. Angrier.

Annie wanted to leave. Yet, she felt she had nowhere to go.

One night, it got bad.

They were screaming at each other.

She found out Maria was cheating.

Annie was tired. She was tired of the aggression, the abuse.

She was going to leave her. She was fed up.

Maria grabbed a knife.