Pages of You

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

After I told Adeline I was moving out and would cover my share of the rent for a year, thanks to Chiron, I didn't ask how he had the money. I knew his family had money, but I never cared about the details—she practically threw me out.

"You know you're still welcome to come and stay whenever you need to," Adeline said, watching me pack some essentials while Chiron waited in the living room. "Technically, you've been living here for another year since you're paying me. I'll keep this room empty for you."

I stood up and threw my arms around her, "You're the best, Adeline. I'll definitely stop by at least once a week."

"You better," She mumbled, hugging me back. "It's gonna be weird having the place to myself, but I think I'm going to like it. No offense," She added with a wink. "I'm just happy you're happy again."

I inhaled deeply, pulled away from her arms, and grinned. The thought of being with Chiron made me feel all sorts of happy and bright. "I really am. He's it for me."

Adeline's gaze softened for a second before faking a look of disgust, "Ew, feelings. It's making my skin crawl."

I laughed and playfully smacked her arm as I grabbed my bag and left my room to find Chiron.

He looked up from his phone and immediately stood up, smiling widely as he took the bag from me. "This all for now?"

"For now," I nodded, smiling back at him as excitement bubbled within me. This was starting to feel real. Us. Together. Being together. "I'll get the rest of my things later on."

We both said our goodbyes to Adeline and were back on the road. The feeling of happiness washed over me as we drove past familiar neighborhoods to his home.

To our home.

My new home.

It finally hit me that I don't have to move around anymore. I finally found a place - someone - who accepts me for who I am and still loves me. I glanced at Chiron, my eyes sweeping over him as I sighed contently, leaning back against the seat.

As if he sensed my thoughts, he looked at me quickly and smiled. "I love you, Rose," Chiron said, taking one of my hands and squeezing it. "I know I say it a lot, but it's true. You're so beautiful, and I'm so lucky I fell in love with you."

"Chiron," I whispered, bringing his hand to my lips. "I'm the lucky one. Best friend forever?" I teased, kissing his knuckles.

His fingers tightened around mine as he chuckled, "Best friends forever."

*-*-*-*

This afternoon, I left Chiron in the kitchen prepping for lunch after spending the morning with our mouths and limbs tangling. I was so blissfully achy that I sat on the floor with my legs stretched out, sorting through the boxes and bags I had brought from Adeline. I still have some things left over at her place, but after? I would be fully moved in with Chiron. I caught sight of my diary and realized I hadn't read an entry in a while.

I flipped through the pages and frowned, realizing it had been years since I'd written in it. Do I want to write again? I trust Chiron; I know he wouldn't read it unless I tell him he can. I used my diary to cope with living at home because I needed an outlet to release my thoughts. But now, with Chiron, opening up to him about everything has made me feel so liberated. I wondered if that's what Chiron needs from me: to talk about his past so he can be free, too.

I got up from the floor and sighed, stretching. I crossed my arms, contemplating how to bring this up to him. The other day, he wasn't open to talking about what happened, but after living together for over a week and loving each other, I assumed he was comfortable with me.