(Not) Written in the Stars!

CHAPTER 21 (Ty) Protective mode

Time is a weird concept. When you miss someone, it feels like time is moving slower than molasses, but it is moving at a light speed. Without noticing it, almost a month had passed since I last talked with Alexia.

I have been texting her without getting a reply, aside from short "all good" or "thanks." Hey, at least she didn't block me. GD keeps me informed of how she is doing. I almost punched him when I returned to the compound for accepting moving with Alexia without consulting me. 

However, deep inside, I know he is a great option. Alexia trusts and feels comfortable with him, plus I know he won't do me dirty and try anything with my woman. And yes, she is my woman, even if I have been an idiot and realized this so late.

Sammy has seen Alexia twice since she returned. The guys bring her to the chapter where Alexia is staying or find another nearby safe location. Everyone is on high alert, trying to find Alexia's dad before he strikes, but so far, we haven't gotten any clues.

After trying to locate Olson, he has been quiet, and that is even more concerning because it makes me feel he is regrouping and planning his attack. I prefer some delusional guy acting just on impulse than a calculating psychopath.

From what GD tells me, Alexia is getting along with people in the compound. However, she regressed to her previous habits: no stepping in the clubhouse and spending most of the time inside her apartment, mainly her room. GD coaxes her to watch movies or eat dinner together, but she is not socializing as she was doing towards the end of her time with us back home. That is also on me. She is back to not trusting people.

If only I could turn back time and react differently to her freezing while we were getting intimate. She had tried to tell me that she had issues with intimacy, and I cut her short. Then I got drunk, ran my tongue, and was stupid enough to do so in front of Daisy. Fucking viper!

Marlene proves one more time why she is one of my best friends. She saw me being miserable without Alexia and sat me down for an honest conversation. Ultimately, she opened my eyes to two crucial things. One, if I want a future with Alexia, I need to show her that I am 100% sure that she is the one, and two, given Alexia's background, I need to educate myself on PTSD, particularly related to sexual abuse.

So, these past weeks, I have been sending texts and little details to Alexia so she can see that she is constantly in my mind, a way to show her that I won't doubt anymore. More importantly, I started going to a therapist to help me deal with my own issues related to my mother's abandonment and then losing Victoria. And even though we are not a couple, I want to learn how to help Alexia feel comfortable being physical with me if I ever have that chance again.

One thing is for sure: if my Tiny Lady accepts me this time, I will not mess it up, and I will live the rest of my life ensuring that she feels safe and loved.

One way to help her feel safe is taking care of her during her second shot. The first one hit her badly. She was dizzy, without energy, and got shills for 24 hours. After that, she started to recover but didn't want to eat, and I am not OK with that. I convinced GD to pretend he had an important assignment, so I am the one taking her for the appointment today. I know using lies is not a way to gain her trust, but it is a small white lie to get the chance to be close to her.

We are driving back to the compound, and she is so silent, just looking out of the window.

"Hey, so did the doctor recommend anything to avoid the same reaction from last time?"

"No, basically, he said that as my body gets used to it, every shot should have fewer side effects. Right now, I feel drained. You are lucky that this is the case because if I had my normal level of energy, I would have been riding an Uber and not here with you."