So much happened that I didn’t have control over, and the threat of what tomorrow brings is always there. But my therapist reminds me during our weekly sessions that I need to focus on today and live my life without fear. I’ve lost so much. More than most people in my short eighteen years. But I don’t want to live a life full of fear and what ifs. Which brings us to today. I’m eighteen, and I’m getting the keys to my first apartment this afternoon. Roman is moving in with me, which Maria and Melchor aren’t thrilled about since both of us are still in high school, but Maria at least seems to understand.
Living with Gerald isn’t an option for me if I want to escape my past. He’s a toxic piece of my life with an ever-present threat hanging over my head that we still need to deal with, and to move forward, I need to separate my life from his.
Janessa set up a meeting with him just this morning and I explained that I was moving out. I thanked him for taking me in after my mother's death and told him I’d made other arrangements now that I was a legal adult. He didn’t look happy about it, but Janessa managed to smooth things over and help with some of the awkwardness.
He’s letting me keep the car, a birthday gift of sorts. He also gave me access to a trust fund that I have no intention of using on anything beyond schooling, but I’m glad it's there. It helps with some of the stress that moving out brings.
Roman smiles at me across the lawn, a beer in his hand as he stands with Aaron on his right and Dom on his left. Kasey stands surrounded by my boys from back home, soaking up all their attention and I fight a grin when I see Dominique’s murderous glare aimed their way.
Something makes me think there’s something going on between the two of them, but neither has mentioned anything and I haven’t asked. I’m just happy. Content, for once, and looking forward to what comes next for us.
It only takes a few lingering looks before Roman sets his drink down and joins me on the lawn, his hips swaying in sync with mine as his arms wrap around me. “You’re so beautiful,” he tells me.
I can’t help the smile that blooms over my face. “You’re pretty good-looking yourself,” I remark, giving him an obvious once-over and letting heat build in my gaze.
His eyes gain a wicked glint. “I’m so fucking lucky.” He presses his lips to mine again before whispering against my mouth, “And I love you so fucking much.”
God, this boy. “I love you, too,” I say, flinging my arms around his neck and hugging him tight. No matter what our future holds, I know he’ll be by my side, and I can’t wait for what our next chapter might bring.
BONUS SCENE
“Have you guys seen the new girl?” Aaron asks, taking a seat beside me. He’s wearing his signature black Volcom jeans, a long sleeve Fox t-shirt, and checkered Vans.
Roman, Dominique, and Emilio wear matching scowls as they turn toward him. The guys still aren’t one hundred percent on board with letting Aaron back into their lives, but they’re thawing to the idea a bit. At least, I hope they are. That they haven’t barked at him to get lost is already an improvement.
“I thought I was the new girl?” I ask, shoving a french fry in my mouth. As soon as I swallow, Roman hands me another. I roll my eyes but accept the food and toss it in my mouth before meeting his gaze with an exasperated smile.
I might have developed a bit of an eating problem earlier in the school year. Really, it was more of a lack of eating problem. As in, I never really ate, and it definitely showed. But I’m better now.
I still see my therapist every other week and I’ve been working through some of the trauma I’ve experienced, finding better coping mechanisms.
Since then, Roman’s made it his mission to make sure I eat at least three meals a day. Every chance he gets, he shovels food at me. It would bother the heck out of me if it wasn’t for the fact I know he does it because he cares, so I begrudgingly tolerate it.
Aaron shakes his head. “You are. But now we have anewer,new girl. The whole school has been buzzing about her all morning. I’m surprised you haven’t heard about her.”
I scan the cafeteria, looking for any unfamiliar faces, but don’t see anyone who stands out.
“That’s because Allie’s the only new girl who matters,” Roman says, earning a smile and a kiss on the cheek.
“Is she hot?” Emilio asks, just as Kasey claims the seat across from him. Dominique scowls at her and, catching his gaze, she sticks out her tongue like a petulant child. I snicker.
“Yeah, man. She is.” Aaron says. “Dark brown hair. Blue eyes. She’s fucking tiny too. Barely over five feet.”
Me and Kasey both roll our eyes.Boys.But Emilio’s eyes brighten with interest.
“No,” Kasey says forcefully and all heads turn to look at her. Her eyes bore holes into Emilio’s skull as she waves a french fry in his direction.
“This’ll be good,” Roman whispers into my ear, his warm breath caressing my neck. I fight a shiver and lean toward him, smiling to myself when he pulls me closer and trails kisses along my bare shoulder, completely ignoring the conversation around us.
“No?” Emilio’s brows pull together.
“Yeah. No. Leave this new chick alone. Everyone knows you’re fucking Sarah. Though none of us know the hellwhy.Bibiana is nice. She doesn’t need attention from any of the devils. Least of all you.”
Roman snorts as Emilio’s eyes spark with mischief, his upper lip curling into a smirk.“Bibiana, huh? I like it.”
Dominique places a fist over his mouth, hiding his own smile as we all lean in, ready to watch the fireworks explode as Kasey and Emilio verbally spar with one another.
“What’s the matter, baby Henderson? You jealous?”
