Perfectly Imperfect

CHAPTER 30- Every Day with Her

⚠️This chapter contains mature content.

Chris

The last month was an emotional roller coaster. I think that was the most scared I've ever been. Cleo's absence for those three days was nerve-wracking, to say the least. The house felt empty without her. It lacked its new spark and warmth. Every time she came over, it didn't feel like the cold place it was before.

After the kidnapping, I demanded that she stayed with me. The idea of her going back to her apartment was the definition of anxiety. I couldn't leave her alone, and it was for good reason. I prayed she wouldn't get nightmares, but life just wanted me to suffer. Seeing her shaking, sweating and waking up with nightmares broke my heart.

The first few nights, she was just jolting off the bed panting. I could tell she didn't want to wake me up. I laid there awake, observing. She didn't know I knew. After a few breaths, she laid down and barely got sleep.

One time she woke up screaming and kicking, and my body moved to hold her. She shook in my arms. I held her every night but she still lacked sleep. During the day, she was lagging and zoning out. It was painful. She kept declining the idea of a therapist. She couldn't bear to talk about what happened.

When she finally agreed after two weeks of torture, my heart sang. The first session was tough. She came home crying and refused to talk about it until three sessions after. I didn't want to push her. Thankfully, she let me help her with anything she needed. I was so happy that she was returning to her old self.

Coming to the end of her therapy schedule, it became more clear to me that I don't want to spend another waking moment without her. I want to wake up with her, go to sleep with her, make breakfast for her and come home to her. I made my decision and pulled in Gia to get her opinion. She and Mateo finally got together and worked out their problems. She beamed at my idea and helped me put it together.

She should be home in about thirty minutes and everything looks perfect. Gia is just putting the finishing touches in the bedroom. "Finally gonna do it?" Mateo asks as he slings a hand around my shoulder.

"So, Gia huh?" I retort with a smirk. Mateo's cheeks turn pink. I noticed something was off with him, but Taylor's idiotic actions were on my mind.

"Yeah. I'm not giving up," he looks determined.

"As you should," I nod. When Mateo wants something, he works his butt off. "If you need anything, I'm right here," I assure him. He pats my back.

"Alright! Everything is done. Good luck," Gia skips down the stairs with a smile.

"Grazie molto, Gia," I check my watch as she grabs onto Mateo's arm. "She should be here soon."

"Well, we're off then," Mateo says. "Good luck, bro," he winks. Gia whispers something in his ear that makes his ears turn pink with a smirk on his face. "Yeah, we're out," they practically rush out the door. Horndogs.

I run upstairs to put on my shirt and pants. I pick a baby blue dress shirt and my best shoes. I really hope she says yes.

"Baby. I'm home!" I hear her beautiful voice from downstairs. "Chris?!" she sounds worried.

"In the bedroom," I respond. I check my outfit in the mirror one last time.

I hear a creak from the door. I turn around to see the woman of my dreams with tears in my eyes. "What?" she says through a laugh.

Her eyes take in the room. She reads the words spelt out with rose petals on the bed.

"Read it out loud, baby," I step closer to her.