When I Met You

Chapter 10 - Chelsea's POV

Being a Monday and it had been a few days since the whole Nick-thing. To be honest, I've been playing everything on repeat in my head since. I have really struggled to pay attention to the lectures. My mind was just racing with questions. Even though I was given so many answers already. I just couldn't help it. Why was someone I knew for a couple weeks kinder to me than my own boyfriend? Why did he bruise his knuckles for me? Why was he the only person who wished me a Happy Birthday? What was going on with me? Why is he constantly on my mind? Was he really that important to me?

Ughhh. I needed someone to talk to other than my therapist. Should I tell Harper everything happened? I bet she would have some insight on the situation.

Upon returning home from school, I found Harper watching a sappy romantic comedy. Probably some Hallmark shit. I was glad she was here though, because I feel like we haven't talked in a while. I sat down next to her on the couch laying my head on her shoulder. I asked, "Can we have a girls evening?"

She immediately jolted from her comfortable position on the sofa, squealing like a 5 year old girl who has just seen a real-life unicorn. "Omg, Chels! Of course, I do. I just gotta go grab some things for us." Within seconds she disappeared into her bedroom.

It didn't take her long to return with her arms full of⎯I don't even know what⎯random objects. She set the bulky pile down and quickly ran away again. Only to return a minute later with a second pile in her arms. After setting everything down, she started to organize the items into piles⎯nail polish, face masks, blankets, pillows, sleep masks, and moisturizer⎯on the floor.

We sat there for hours talking and watching movies. At some point, I confided in her about the whole Nick situation, leaving out what Blake did. "So uh, yeah. I just can't get the things he said off my mind. And it's not like I'm interested in him, he is just an interesting character. I've never met someone like him and I need to figure him out, you know?"

I'm not sure why she acted standoff-ish. She suddenly felt distant. After looking at me for a while, she responded. "Huh. I don't really know what you expect me to say. He seems like a nice guy, but Blake is in love with you. I don't think he'd be too pleased to hear about your new guy friend. Doesn't it feel like you are betraying him?" She cringed saying that last part.

I suppose she's right. I did spend the night at a guy's house who wasn't Blake. I haven't even heard from him since that night, but truthfully, I was avoiding him. I didn't want to confront him about his behavior, because I knew he'd turn it all on me. Until I would inevitably apologize for his actions. "Should I just talk to him?"

"I mean, it's worth a shot."

"Is it okay if I bail on girls' night?"

"Of course, sweetie. Good luck." She wrapped me in her warm embrace, before I walked out the door.

* * *

When I arrived at Blake's house, he answered the door with tired eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. The bags were very apparent and his hair was a disheveled mess. His lip was bruised and swollen. I lifted my finger grazing his lips. Guilt consumed my body, because I knew it was my fault. I'm sorry, Blake.

"Chels?" He asked as I closed the door behind me following him into the overly lavish living room.

"Yes, it's me." I gave him a smile.

"Oh, baby. I missed you so much." He gently tugged me towards him enveloping me into his chest.

"I missed you too, Blake." I took in his scent of whiskey and cigarettes. I hated that smell. It was repelling to me.

"Where have you been, baby?" He inquired as if he was genuinely concerned.

"Oh, you know. School. Sleeping. Just college stuff really."

An exasperated sigh left his chest and I knew what was coming next. I pulled away as his furious gaze watched my every movement. I took a slight step backwards, scared to be in his proximity.

He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes-uh sir." Gulp.

"Where did you go Friday night?" He interrogated. "I didn't get a chance to give your birthday present."

"Um-I didn't kn-kn-know at first. I was-uh really drunk." I couldn't escape it this time. I deserved what was coming my way. His hands made their way to the top of his jeans as he took a step closer. In response, I too stepped backwards. "Some-uh guy, he took me to his-uh place, but it's not like you think."

He smirked, fiddling with his belt. "What other way could it be?"

"I know it sounds bad, but you have to believe me. Nothing happened, I swear." Pulling the belt out of the loops one by one, I only had a few seconds to change his mind.

"You're telling me that you left with a guy and slept in his bed, after he had punched your own boyfriend?" He lifted his head to the ceiling as he laughed to himself.

"Blake. All my friends were drunk and I didn't have a way home. He was just trying to help." Another gulp sounded louder than I intended.

At this point he had the belt in his hand swinging it around. "Are you being fucking serious right now, Chels?"

I caved sooner than I expected as the tears swelled in my eyes. "I'm sorry, Blake."

"Sorry isn't going to cut it this time, sweetheart." I felt the rage radiating off his skin. Gritting his teeth, he walked over to where my feet planted themselves into the ground. He pushed me down to the ground and I didn't fight the beating this time, because I knew that just makes it worse.

I woke up in Blake's bed with an aching body. I rolled away from the sun so I could open my eyes without being blinded. He was laying next to me smiling as my eyes slowly adjusted to the lighting. He kissed my forehead whispering, "Good morning, precious."

"Morning." I yawned and stretched out my arms. "What time is it, Blake?"

He chuckled. "Don't worry about it, babe. I called in sick for you. Now we can cuddle in bed all day long. I know how much school stresses you out. You deserve a break."

Although a day off from school would be lovely, I couldn't just skip. Could I? "I appreciate the thought Blake, but I still have work this evening and need the money." I tried to plead with him.

"Tuition? Books? Name it. I'll pay for it. I'm your boyfriend. I am going to provide for you whenever I can." The emphasis he put on boyfriend almost made me vomit.

I didn't really want to argue with him, because it was exhausting. I didn't have the energy to convince his stubborn ass to let me go to work. Sinking back into the mattress, I let him hold me tight as if we were a perfect, happy couple.

3 missed calls later, I woke up panicking. The clock read 3:00pm and from glancing around the room, I could tell Blake left recently. Son of a bitch didn't even have the decency to call in or wake me up in time. Did he want me to lose my only source of income?

Work had called twice trying to get a hold of me because my shift started at 1:30pm. I've never been late before a day in my life, so of course it was concerning when I didn't show up or answer my phone. I decided that I was going in whether Blake liked it or not.

The other call was from a number not in my contacts, but they left a voicemail.

Hey, Chelsea. It's Nick. I just wanted to check up on you, because I noticed you weren't on campus today. I hope you don't mind, but I ran into Harper and she gave me your number. I'm kind of worried, because she said you went to talk to your boyfriend, but you never came back home. Just-uh let me know if you're okay. Alright, gimme a call back when you get the chance. Uh-Bye.

I was convinced this guy isn't real.