CLOVE

thirty-five

☘︎ clover ☘︎

six months later

I looked around the small apartment, feeling a sense of accomplishment. After everything I had been through, I had finally landed on my feet. I had a job I enjoyed, a boss who valued and respected me, and now I had my own place. It wasn't much, just a small studio apartment in a quiet neighborhood, but it was mine. I took a deep breath and smiled to myself. I had come a long way since that terrible day when Brennan had told me to leave.

I walked over to the kitchen, admiring the stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It was nothing fancy, but it was a huge step up from the cramped and dingy kitchen in my old apartment. I opened the refrigerator and grinned at the sight of the fresh produce and healthy snacks I had bought at the grocery store. I had never been one to prioritize my health before, but now I was making a conscious effort to eat better and take care of myself.

I headed to the bedroom and sat down on the bed, feeling the soft comforter beneath me. The bed was comfy, the pillows were soft, and the blanket was warm. It wasn't the kind of bed Brennan would have approved of - he had always preferred firm mattresses and expensive linens - but it was perfect for me. And best of all, it was mine. I laid down and closed my eyes, imagining all the possibilities that lay ahead of me.

I heard a knock on the door, interrupting my train of thought. I got up and opened it, revealing Atlas standing on the other side with a bouquet of balloons. "Surprise!" he said, grinning as he walked into the apartment. "Happy moving day!"

I laughed, feeling a swell of affection for him. "You really didn't have to do this," I said, taking the balloons from him. "It's just a simple move-in. Not a big deal."

"Of course it's a big deal," he said, rolling his eyes. "You've been busting your ass for six months saving up to finally be able to afford your own place. It's definitely worth celebrating."

I blushed slightly at his words. It was true, I had been working hard to save up enough money to move out of his apartment. And now that I had finally done it, it felt like a major accomplishment. I led him over to the small living room and gestured for him to sit down on the sofa.

"What do you think?" I asked, gesturing around the apartment. "Not too shabby, right?"

"Not too shabby at all," he said, looking around the apartment with a satisfied expression. "It's perfect for you. Small and cozy, just like you."

I rolled my eyes, feeling a pang of warmth at his compliment. "You say that like being small is a good thing," I said sarcastically. "I'll have you know I'm petite, not small."

Atlas chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, shortstack," he said, grinning at me.

I shot him a glare, feeling my face flush with annoyance. "Watch it, you," I said. "I might be small, but I can still kick your ass."

"Oh yeah?" he said, raising an eyebrow in challenge. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

"A bit of both," I said, grinning at him. "Don't test me, buddy. I may be small, but I'm fierce."

He chuckled again, clearly amused by my antics. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, leaning back in the sofa. "But seriously, you've done really well for yourself. I'm proud of you."

I felt a pang of gratitude at his words. It meant a lot to me that he was proud of me. "Thanks," I said, feeling a little shy. "I couldn't have done it without you, though. You've been so supportive and patient with me over the past six months."