When I Met You

Chapter 12 - Chelsea's POV

Ever since I bumped into Nick in the hallways, I made sure to text him at least once a day to assure him I was safe. I felt extremely bad for making him worry so much last time. I promised myself that if anything really bad happened again that I would call Nick. Although I prayed that would never happen.

Blake and I were doing really well for the next couple of months which made me happy, because maybe Nick was wrong. We went out on dates a couple times a week and I stayed over at his house more frequently than I used to. Blake was giving more attention and gifts. Everything was good, aside from the occasional business call that would interrupt our dates. He ran his own company so that makes sense and I understood why they were so urgent and important. Our relationship was like it was when we first got together, perfect. I can't believe I ever doubted him. He is such a great guy.

Harper and I got to see each other more since Will dumped her a few days before my birthday. We had our normal gossip routine and movie binging back in full swing. School was less stressful, because we were nearing Spring Break. The majority of the classes I was taking didn't necessarily assign finals, but more like art projects. However, I completed all of them over the last few weeks. The only real 'test' I had to worry about was a timed essay with a surprise topic. Mr. Hart didn't give us much information to prepare, but it was an essay and I wasn't going to sweat it.

As for Nick, I didn't see much of him. We'd occasionally see each other in the library and strike up an awkward conversation like this:

How are you?

I'm good, how are you?

Fine.

Okay, good.

Good.

I guess I'll see you around.

Yeah, I suppose so.

Like I said, pretty awkward. I mean, there wasn't much to talk about. I was in a good place in my relationship, and as harsh as it sounds, I didn't really need him anymore. I finally had my shit figured out and that's all that mattered.

One night, I was helping Blake cook in the kitchen. When all of a sudden he had a business call, he apologized saying that he had to take it. I just smiled back. We were making spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. The water had just started boiling as I poured in the noodles.

Italian food was one of the few good things I could remember about my childhood. Mom would always let me help her cook and occasionally my father would step in also. Pasta was the only meal we had at the dinner table as a family. For some reason, other foods just didn't bring us together as much. It was just weird that one specific food could make a family seem great on the outside. In reality, we rarely ate dinner at the table. Most nights I don't even recall dinner being made. I guess one could say, the worse my father became, the less pasta we ate.

As I started setting the table, I announced that dinner was ready. I called out for Blake multiple times, but I heard no reply. I started looking around the house, but he was nowhere to be seen. I'm sure he just had something to take care of at the office. I sat for about an hour waiting for Blake to return, because I didn't want to eat pasta at the table all alone. However, it was getting late and I had one more day of school before break the next day. I knew that I shouldn't go to bed on an empty stomach so for the very first time, I ate pasta at the dinner table with no family around.

I decided to go home to my apartment that night, seeing as Blake probably wouldn't be home until later. I saved him the leftovers with a sticky note saying, eat me. After cleaning up his kitchen, I felt so ready to sink into my mattress and fall asleep. I tried to get some shut eye, but Harper must have brought a guy friend home, because the moaning and squeaking mattress rang throughout our apartment.

My alarm went off at 7am and I jolted awake. I groaned, because it felt like I had just finally fallen asleep. Dragging myself out of bed, I headed for the shower. Too damn early. I really didn't want to write an essay today, but in an attempt to retain a positive attitude, I reminded myself of Spring Break. The thought immediately lifted my spirits.

* * *

Taking in a fresh breath of air, I walked through the courtyard, excited that I could go home. A familiar face headed in my direction, smiling. Nick?

I wrapped my arms around his neck as his arms encircled my waist. I breathed in his scent. He always smelt so good. "Chelsea!" He laughed. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."

"Back at you, Nick." I grinned.

Our embrace loosened as we awkwardly stood directly in front of one another. "We should catch up sometimes, yeah?"

"Yes, of course." I had no intentions on catching up with Nick. He was a sweet guy, but if Blake found out I was becoming friends with the guy who took me to his house while I was drunk, he'd lose his shit. For selfish reasons, I didn't want to ruin the way our relationship was improving.

"Well, I'll see you around then." Scratching the back of his head, with questioning eyes.

"Mhmm," was all I could manage.

"Uh-okay then. I hope you have an enjoyable break, Chelsea." He turned and walked away not once glancing back.