When I Met You

Chapter 3 - Chelsea's POV

Tonight was absolutely the worst. I sat there enduring hours of torture for what? Blake dropped me off at my apartment a few hours ago. He'd never once said sorry for that evening. Like, doesn't he know that he was in the wrong? Not to mention that he ruined our anniversary night.

I told him that it was best that he went home, because I really wasn't in the mood for anything. Emotionally, physically, or sexually. I just wanted to lock myself up in my room and cry, but some part of me felt guilty for kicking him out. Did he really deserve it? Was I just being overly dramatic and blowing things out of proportion? My eyes were sore from all the crying, but what was I even crying for? I should call him and apologize for ruining our anniversary night.

I spent the rest of the night tossing and turning. I couldn't sleep. It was an internal war. Should I wait for him to reach out? Or should I just apologize and act like this never happened? I ended up caving and apologizing. My message was simple and to the point.

Hey, babe. I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted. I'm sorry. I know it was our anniversary and it was selfish of me to kick you out. Message me back when you're awake. I love you, Blake.

After I sent him that message, I could barely keep my eyes open as I drifted into a peaceful slumber. It was short lived when what felt like only a few minutes, my alarm obnoxiously awoke me.

Normally, I'm not a morning person, but I was eager to check my phone hoping that Blake messaged me back. However, all hope dissolved when I realized I had absolutely no notifications. I mean, it wasn't uncommon considering that the only person I talked to besides Blake, was Harper. Still, I felt my heart sink deep within my stomach. Was Blake really that mad?

* * *

I kept my mind pretty occupied with some extra shifts and school work. It had been a week now and I still hadn't heard from Blake. Any normal person would probably be concerned about being ghosted by their boyfriend, but with Blake it's a regular occurrence. He'd just disappear for weeks at a time without so much of a notice. I mean I guess that's okay, because I was used to it.

I was actually very alone. Harper had been hanging out with Will a lot recently, but I couldn't complain. I was happy for her. I was envious of her happiness. I just wish I felt that way sometimes.

My apartment had been too quiet to get any work done, so I've been going to the library just to be around people. I was working on an art project that is due in a few days. The concept was vintage photography. I had done a lot of research and taught myself how to recreate those vintage filters and designs. I just had a few more photographs to place when I saw a shadow appear over the desk.

I glanced up to see a very attractive gentleman smirking at me. He had to be at least 6 feet tall and toned enough that it was obvious he had muscles. Fuck, this guy was incredibly handsome, but seemed like a nerd with the glasses he wore. The lenses made his dark eyes appear enlarged as if they were peering into my soul. His dark chocolate hair was slightly messy but in a hot way. I wondered to myself why I hadn't seen this guy around campus before.

After staring at him for a while, I figured I should say something or else this was going to be really awkward. I cleared my throat in the most casual way I could. "Can I help you?" Diverting my attention back to the task at hand.

"Uh-umm. Yeah-No, I was just admiring your work. It looks really interesting." He replied.

I genuinely couldn't tell if he was being serious or making fun. The only people to ever compliment my art was Harper and her family. My dad didn't support my decision to go to college for photography. He said that it was a waste of money and I would never be successful in that career field. "You think so?" I smiled admiring my artwork.

"Yes, of course." He had no clue how those simple, possibly meaningless words made my heart melt. "You know, I haven't seen you around here before this week."

"Is that so?" I don't know what was wrong with me. Is this flirting? Or is this just what a conversation between two people is like? I don't think I've had a conversation with a guy, where I wasn't tiptoeing around broken glass. Normally with Blake, I would have to watch what I said, because almost anything would set him off. I'm sure it was all a part of the stress that came with running a business.

He let out a chuckle. "Yeah, I come here quite often. It helps me to relax, but I also just like reading." He lifted his hand to the back of his neck and started rubbing it. "I'm Nick, by the way." He extended his hand out for me to grab hold.

I shook his hand while replying, "Chelsea".

"Pleasure to meet you, Chelsea." With emphasis on my name, his smile widened. I don't think I've ever seen someone smile so big when meeting someone new. Is this normal?

My train of thought was interrupted with the sound of an all too familiar ringtone. My heart started to internally panic as I reached for my phone in my pocket. I looked down at the caller ID and sighed. I started packing up my things and offered Nick an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

He just nodded his head as I stood up slinging my bag on my back. As I was walking away, I answered and pulled the phone close to my ear. "Hello," I asked.

I just heard loud music in the background as a drunk Blake replied. "Oh, Chels. Baby, I missed you so much."

I just shook my head and took a deep breath. "Where are you, Blake?"

"I could ask you the same question, darlin'." His words slurring together.

Another deep breath. Now was not the time to get angry. You'll lose him all over again. "Well, I just finished up at the library. And-" But before I could finish my thought, he cut me off.

"And I think you should come over." God, he was so wasted.

"Maybe. But you are drunk, baby." I let out an exhausted sigh.

"Maybe, I'm drunk. I want you though. It's been a week."

"I'm not sure why it took you that long to finally reach out." It hurts to know that if he wasn't drunk, he wouldn't have reached out. I don't know when I would've heard from him.

"I was busy with work, you know that. I can't be there at your every call and beckon." I could tell in his voice that I was treading in dangerous waters.

"But I sent one text. How much effort does it take to reply with something? Also, I apologized so I'm not sure why you are mad at me."

"I'm not mad at you, baby. I've just been busy." Then, his whole demeanor changed.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Can you come see me soon though? I miss you." That was the truth. My heart was aching with all the uncertainties and distance.

"Yeah, of course. How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow night when I'm not drunk off my ass?" His laughter was intoxicating. I missed it.

"Okay, I'll see you then." I ended the call with a smile on my face. We haven't been out to eat in months, but I had a good feeling about this.