Fantasy (A Bruno Mars Fanfiction)

Chapter 19 (Amber)

TW: Sexual Assault

September 30th, 2010

"Girl, you gotta get with that guy."

Amari has decided to visit Cafe Amore today, in addition to the fact that she's been trying to persuade me to get with Bruno for the past two weeks, ever since she saw us hangout. Okay, I can't blame her, but still.

"He's hot. He's an aspiring musician. He's a nice guy. You gotta make a move, girlfriend. I see the way he looks at you," she remarks.

"Girl, you know I like him that way. Who wouldn't? But it's way too early to make a move. And besides, he has a girlfriend," I point out.

"Yeah, whatever," she smirks.

It's almost time to go home, but my manager tells me Chloe and I may have to stay a bit later so we can prepare the pumpkin swirl cake with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon topping (YUM!) for tomorrow in order to commemorate the Fall season.

"Alright, girlie. I'm gonna head back home. And remember, don't be afraid to try," Amari winks and walks over to head out the door. I bid farewell.

I'm still concerned about what Bruno told me about Charlie; after he told me that I couldn't sleep too well last night. I really want to cut off from Charlie, but in a peaceful way. He's just showing too many bad signs, and besides, I'm enjoying my friendship with Bruno. Why should he be getting in the way of Bruno and I? It's none of his business who I choose to hangout with. Besides, Bruno has been a great friend to me. We've been texting a lot lately, too. Wink wink. God only knows how excited I am to go to that party with him. I've heard many stories of how amazing those parties at Urban Indulgence Apartments are. I've been to rooftop parties in New York and that was fun as hell. Trust me, you haven't lived until you've gone to a city rooftop party.

If only he'd break up with that girl...

"You're thinking about Bruno, aren't you Amber?" Chloe playfully asks as the fresh pumpkin smell fills the aroma of the cafe.

"Maybe," I reply in a singsong voice as I prepare the cinnamon whipped frosting mixture in a bowl.

"I kinda see where Amari is coming from about wanting to make a move right away, but trust me, you'll know the right time. From what I've seen, he doesn't even seem happy with his girlfriend," she explains.

"Yep. I agree."

"Just take it slow," she replies.

"Thanks so much Chloe. Hey... Bruno told me he went to the club the other night and Charlie threatened him about me."

"Girllll, are you for real? Yep, I knew he gave a bad vibe. You should definitely stay away from him from now on. I don't want you getting hurt," she explains.

"Yeah, me neither. I totally agree."

She nods.

"Girls, the pumpkin cake is ready! After you're done decorating all the slices you're free to go," Constance says. I look at the time, and it's 7:00.

Chloe and I rush over to decorate the pumpkin cakes in its full glory, and then we take off our aprons and bid our farewells to head out the door, wishing each other a good night.

My phone buzzes and I check to see who it is, and it's Bruno. He asked if he could stop by my apartment for a surprise. Aw. I respond back and say yes, grinning from ear to ear.

I grab my jacket and walk out the door. It's a very calm evening; peaceful, quiet, etc. The sun's luminous light is striking its remaining features of the day upon my path as I walk over to my apartment building. Good thing the cafe is right down the street from my apartment. Gotta get some exercise in. Cars are honking and people are talking. I hear some hard steps behind me, but I look behind me and nothing, or no one, is there. Weird. Something doesn't feel right.

I walk into my apartment building, and I grab my keys from my pocket. Just as I'm about to open the door, a man grabs me and pushes me in.

"You little slut. Going around with Bruno Mars as if it's nothing. You dumb bitch, you have no idea what you got yourself into," Charlie seethed.

My body goes into fight or flight mode, and my body convulses into fits of shaking as sweat begins to cover me, the sentiment of worry ripping through my veins. I feel sick beyond belief.

"Well, believe me, he won't get you before I do first," he smirked as he grabs my wrists and pins me against the wall, using his force to prevent me from defending myself against the violation. I scream and try to wriggle from his grasp, hoping someone will hear.

"Don't fucking move," he yells.

I hear steps from outside my apartment door, and Bruno yells and asks if I'm okay. Charlie tries to put his hand over my mouth to prevent me from answering, but I bite him and tell Bruno to come in.

He rushes in the door and punches Charlie, using pepper spray to blind him, henceforth freeing me from his grasp.

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" Bruno yells.

"FUCK YOU!" Charlie yells and heads out the door in pain from the pepper spray. Good.

Bruno slams the door shut, and it was all I could do to just stand there and try to process what happened.

Bruno walks over to me and holds me as I begin to cry, gently taking me over to the couch to relax and take a breather from what happened, comforting me with compassionate words of coziness and kindness.

"It's gonna be okay. Shh, he's not here anymore," he affirms as he holds me, his loving arms tenderly wrapped around me.

"Thank you Bruno. You have no idea how grateful I am that you saved me," I respond back in tears.

"I would do anything for a friend," he warmly smiles.

We sit on the couch for a bit, relaxing in each other's presence. A lot of silent time passes, both of us knowing that I need some space right now. "Listen, I can stay here tonight if you'd like. I know what you just went through is a very traumatizing thing," he asks. He's so sweet...

"Oh wow, yes! Of course you can stay here. In fact, we could just stay right here," I respond, referring to the couch.

"Haha, sure. I wouldn't want to go home without knowing that my friend is safe first," he responds.

"Thank you, Bruno."

"No problem Amber."

My head rests on his shoulder as we continue to rest in each other's company for the rest of the night, the bright stars blessing us good night as his presence relaxes me, freeing me from horror.