A Long Road Ahead

Chapter 19

"Hey Chlo." Massi greets me as I walk in the door.

"Hi." I say back, kicking off my shoes.

"How was work?" He asks me.

"Exhausting." I reply. I am beyond tired, this practice was one I had to do a lot of spotting and demonstrating.

As a response, he just pulls me into a hug.

Luckily summer means early practice, so I'm not up late coaching like I would be during the school year.

"I made you lunch." Massi tells me, leading me into the kitchen.

I almost scream when I see the salad and side of fruit.

"Thank you!" I exclaim as I hug him.

The salad is pretty plain, just spinach, avocado, tomatoes, and tofu. And with no dressing on it. And on the side sits a sliced up peach.

Most people would hate this meal, but it is one of my absolute favorites. I do also love a gluten free pasta or a solid veggie burger though.

After lunch, we find ourselves sitting on the couch.

We really need a new hobby, all we ever do is sit on the couch.

My phone starts ringing, so I look at it.

I see the familiar name pop up on my screen, I debate answering it, eventually deciding to just pick up.

"Hello." I say to the person on the other line.

"Chloe! What happened? Why did your parents just tell me that you weren't their daughter anymore?" My cousin, Brandon says on the other line.

Brandon and I have always been close for cousins, so it doesn't surprise me that he is reaching out.

"You know my parents, they disowned me because they are racist." I say, hoping that will explain enough.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Brandon asks me.

"Yes." I confirm.

"Chloe Courtney Collins, how dare you not tell me this." He scolds me.

"Brandon, I'm sorry, I'm sure you get it, but I'm okay, and do not let my parents know you talked to me, or they might actually try and kill you." I warn him.

"Chloe, I am fine, and just to be clear, I'm on your side, I'm always here, and I expect a wedding invite and we are doing something before school starts. See you soon!" He says to me.

"Bye." I tell him.

"Bye!" He says, and at that, I hang up my phone.

"Who was that?" Massi questions.

"My cousin." I tell him. "He probably just saw my parents at some family party, and apparently they officially told everyone that I am no longer their daughter." I explain.

"It's okay." Massi tells me, pulling me close to him in an attempt to prevent me from crying.

"I know, I'm fine." I assure him.

I hadn't thought too much about my extended family through all of this, I don't see anyone that much.

I just forgot how many people are going to hate me forever.

And anyone who is on the side of my parents in all this, they do not deserve to be in my life anyway.

"Are you sure? Chloe, you know I am always here for you." Massi reminds me.

"I know." I say with a smile. "And I appreciate that, you are the best."

After dinner, it is finally bedtime, and I am exhausted.

But it isn't too late yet, so there is a bit of time before we have to fall asleep in order to not be exhausted for work in the morning.

"Remember I have to work in the morning." I remind my boyfriend. I do not need these 14 year old girls seeing anything on my neck and asking questions, makeup can only do so much.

"But I love you." He counters.

I just roll my eyes and direct his mouth up to mine.

"You are so beautiful." He reminds me.

"Shut up." I say to him, removing his shirt.

I am glad that we are both the same when it comes to physical connection, we are always laying on one another, or just touching in some sort of way.

Every inch of myself that could be touching him right now, is.

My arms are wrapped tightly around his neck, and my legs around his waist.

He also has his arms around me, holding on tightly.

After a little bit, I put my feet on the ground and pull away.

Without saying anything, I lead him over to the bed, forcing him to sit down.

"So when I ask, the answer is no, but when it's your idea-" he begins to say.

"We didn't have time, but we do now." I remind him, knowing he is joking.

Obviously if I felt something was off, or he wasn't really feeling things right now, I would stop.

I sit on top of him, putting my legs on either side and putting my arms around his neck.

Rather than holding my hips or waist, Massi instead takes my shirt off of me.

"I love you so, so much." I remind my amazing boyfriend.

"I love you too." He tells me. "You are so beautiful and amazing and perfect. I love you." He says, kissing me harder.

I have never been happier than I am with him.

COLLEGE IS KILLING ME

One 8-10 page paper, one 5-7 page paper, one 10 minute presentation and 3 final exams and I am done until the new year.