title: This Isn't Love
author: Jackson, J.K.
description: Blood poured from my nose when the hit connected. It was so unexpected. Grabbing my nose, I fell to the floor in shock. I scooted back against the wall as he approached me. “Alaya told me you was hugged up with that nigga!” he yelled, coming closer. “I knew your ass couldn't be trusted.” “What the hell is wrong with you?” I screamed, trying to disappear into the wall. “We aren't even together!” I closed my eyes to stop the tears that threatened to fall once he was in front of me. Don't cry. I told myself. Don't give him the satisfaction. Crouching down so we were eye level, he cupped my face before sliding his hands down to my neck. My breath caught when pressure was added. “Zahara Germini Amara Fields, how many times must I tell you that you belong to me?” he asked calmly, tightening his grip. “I own you. You do nothing and go nowhere without my say so.” I knew my face was changing colors and I began to feel light headed from the lack of oxygen. He tightened his grip once more and leaned towards my ear. “I could end you,” he said. “No, I will end you, if you ever disrespect me again.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Zahara Fields had always been careful about love and relationships after witnessing her mother get beat up. She vowed that she would never let that happen to herself. So she kept her focus on school, friends, and her little sister-that is until she met her boyfriend, Quan. Quantavious Martin is a nineteen-year-old that at first impression was absolutely perfect in Zahara’s eyes. But Quan has an anger and jealousy problem. After a year into the relationship, Quan’s anger and jealousy had taken over and he takes it out on Zahara. She has tried leaving him, but he threatened the life of herself and her sister. Now it’s coming up on year number two and she’s stuck. Zahara hides the bruises well, but her friends and sister already know what’s happening. The only people who don’t are her mother, Quan’s mother, and her childhood best friend, Omari. Enter Omari. Omari Reynolds has known Zahara since they were in the womb and they have been friends for the same amount of time. He left town at the age of fourteen to get a jump start on his career and now he’s back to surprise his childhood friend. But he comes home to a surprise. Zahara isn’t a little girl anymore…and she’s being mistreated. All the feelings that they kept harbored inside are starting to come out, but this could mean trouble for them both-mostly Zahara. Her life is on the line and her trust issues have come back. Omari wants to show Zahara that what she is going through isn’t love. Can he save Zahara and show her what love really is or will his efforts put her life in even more danger?