Shot of Espresso [slow updates]

huit- and they were roommates

TW: verbal/emotional abuse

Jacques POV

I'm glad that Kimora feels safe to be open and honest around me. One of the things that I really like about her is her honesty. I meant what I said to her, I will wait for her until she's ready. I care for her deeply and want her to be my girlfriend. But I don't want her to bring trauma from her past relationship into ours, I want her to heal completely. So that we can grow together.

Unfortunately, I can't help but feel a little dejected. After I drop Kimora off, Henri, Alejandro, and I head home. Henri and I share an apartment and Alejandro lives with his sister. 

"Hey, dude. I noticed you've been down since you come back with Kimora." Henri says.

We've already dropped off Alejandro and I didn't want to bring down the energy. 

"Yea.. I'm good just thinking," I respond.

"Don't think too hard. Don't want you to hurt yourself," he chuckles at his joke.

I roll my eyes and eventually, a smirk graces my lips. He never knows when to be serious but this time it lifts me out of my mood.

"What's on your mind?" he asks.

"I care about Kimora," I pause, "a lot. I want her to be my girlfriend. I know I'm probably moving fast, but I feel like she is the one for me."

"You know that I care for you Jacques. So I'm saying this out of a place of love. You need to give yourself time to heal. You just got out of a very public relationship and had a messy breakup. Don't rush into a new relationship. From what Tiana and Kheumani said, Kimora has just left a relationship that could've scarred her. Even though you two have gone out on a date, I think you should play it slow and get to know each other a lot more before diving into a relationship." Henri says.

I think back to my previous relationship and how my ex, Eloide,  and I ended on bad terms. I nod in agreement and decide to take my time before rushing into a relationship with Kimora. 

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Kimora POV

I rush into my room, ignoring Kheumani and Tiana's confused faces, and crumple into a ball by the door. I take deep breaths and try to center myself. I hear a soft knock at my door and scoot over to open the door. Tiana and Kheumani poke their heads through the crack and push the door open fully, when they see me on the floor.

"What's wrong babe?" Kheumani asks.

I hiccup trying to answer, but start to bawl once a hand rubs my back.

I think back to how Tyler was so sweet at the beginning of our relationship and how quickly he changed. I don't want to go through that again. The anxiety, fear, and insecurities I felt in our relationship. I know that it's not normal, when you love someone you should bring out the best in them and they should bring out the best in you. However, it seems like I brought out the worst in Tyler. When we were friends, we got along and loved spending time in each other's company. When we became girlfriend and boyfriend, he became controlling, verbally and emotionally abusive, and overall a mean person. 

He would discourage me from working "too hard," in fear that I would perform better than him. He would constantly belittle my achievements and nitpick what I ate, wore, and who I hung around. I vividly remember when I first broke things off with him, two years ago. It was a week before Spring Break. Kheumani, Tiana, and I's parents allowed the three of us to take a trip to Miami solo.

flashback

I'm in Tyler's room. He invited me over to chill, but has been on the game since I got here a couple of hours ago. I didn't want to argue with him, so I've been texting the girls about our vacation.