lover boy

Chapter 21

Cecilia Anderson

After taking some time to recover at home, I decided to go to the police station alone to file a report. It was important to me to take this step independently. Walking into the station was nerve-wracking, but I knew it was the right thing to do. It's astonishing how many women endure physical and psychological exploitation simply because of their gender. Nearly every woman has faced harassment, such as catcalling, or has been subjected to sexual abuse at some stage in her life. If I hadn't made it out of the restroom in time, I would now be among the many victims.

The officers listened attentively and documented everything I said. As I spoke, I realized how crucial it is not to stay silent about such incidents. Every report, every voice matters in the fight for justice for all women who go through these experiences.

Back in my apartment, I felt exhausted but relieved. The first step was done. A message from Jude brought a smile to my face."How are you? I hope you got home safely. Let me know if you need anything."

I quickly replied: "Thanks, I'm home and resting. I appreciate you being there for me. It means a lot."

He responded: "Always here for you. If you want to talk or need company, just let me know."

Despite the exhaustion, I felt strengthened by his support. I was determined not to let this incident break me and to fight for the justice all women deserve. It was essential that we raise our voices and not endure these things in silence. Step by step, I would walk this path, knowing I was not alone.

Later that afternoon, I met up with my friends Emily and Claire at our favorite café. It felt good to be surrounded by familiar faces and to have their support.

"So, how was Paris?" Emily asked eagerly as we settled into our seats.

I smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Paris was amazing! The photo shoot went really well. But I was not alone..."

Emily looked at me with surprise " A hot male model?"

"I can say this much, he was hot. But he was Jude, in Paris, with me, at the shooting. Crazy isn't it?"

Claire raised an eyebrow. "Jude? The boy who plays soccer? Who did you turn down before our trip to Ibiza because it was moving too fast? That must have been interesting."

I nodded, laughing a little. "Yes, crazy. It was fate itself, and I would never have thought of it. But Paris was really nice with him. We talked things out, resolved the issues that were standing in our way, but for now, we've agreed to keep it private for the time being."

Emily and Claire exchanged surprised looks. "This is so wonderful. I could imagine your children from the beginning." Emily said with enthusiasm.

Claire leaned in closer. "And what about the party you went to yesterday? We saw some photos online, but what really happened?"

My smile faded as I took a deep breath. "It was a spontaneous situation, but someone spiked my drink. I started feeling really sick and dizzy. I knew I had to get out of there, so I called Jude. He came right away and helped me get to the hospital."

Both Emily and Claire looked horrified. "Oh my God, Cecilia, that's terrible!" Emily exclaimed.

Claire added, "Thank goodness Jude was there for you."

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude. "Yeah, he really stepped up. I don't know what I would have done without him. Today, I went to the police to file a report. It's important not to stay silent about these things."

Emily reached out and squeezed my hand. "We're so proud of you, Cecilia. And we're here for you, too. Always."

Claire nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. You're not alone in this."

Surrounded by my friends' support, I felt even more resolute. With people like Jude, Emily, and Claire by my side, I knew I could face whatever came next.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As the evening wore on, Emily, Claire, and I decided that we needed a way to unwind and lift our spirits after the intense day. Claire suggested we have a cozy night in at my apartment, and we all eagerly agreed.

"Let's make it a movie night," Emily said with a grin. "We'll order some takeout, get into our comfiest clothes, and binge-watch our favorite films."

I nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort at the idea. "That sounds perfect. I could use a relaxing evening."

We headed back to my place, stopping along the way to pick up some takeout from our favorite Thai restaurant. Once we arrived, we changed into our pajamas and set up a cozy nest of blankets and pillows in the living room.

As we waited for the food to arrive, we scrolled through streaming options, debating which movies to watch. We finally settled on a mix of feel-good comedies and classic rom-coms. The doorbell rang, and Emily retrieved our food. We dug into the delicious spread, the familiar flavors providing a sense of comfort.

Between bites of pad thai and spring rolls, we chatted about lighter topics – our favorite scenes from the movies we planned to watch, funny memories from past get-togethers, and our hopes for the future. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and a sense of camaraderie that made me feel incredibly grateful for my friends.

As the first movie started, we settled in, letting the humor and light-heartedness of the film wash over us. It was exactly what we needed – a break from the stress and a chance to simply enjoy each other's company.

During a lull between movies, Claire spoke up. "You know, Cecilia, we're really proud of how strong you've been through all of this. And remember, we're always here for you, no matter what."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, both of you. Your support means the world to me."

The night continued with more movies, snacks, and plenty of laughter. By the time the credits rolled on the final film, we were all feeling more relaxed and at peace. I realized that, despite the challenges, I was surrounded by people who cared deeply for me, and that made all the difference.

As Emily and Claire gathered their things to head home, Emily turned to me. "Promise you'll call us if you need anything, okay?"

"I promise," I said, hugging each of them tightly. "Thank you for everything."

"That's what friends are for," Claire said with a warm smile. "Take care, Cecilia. We'll see you soon."

After they left, I cleaned up the living room, feeling a profound sense of gratitude and resilience. The evening had reminded me that, with the support of my friends, I could face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as I got ready for bed, I felt a renewed sense of hope and determination.