apartment c - grayson dolan

chapter xix.

Six months have passed.

It's like I don't even know who Grayson is anymore. It went downhill from the last time we spoke to each other. There was the occasional text and the occasional call about how he was doing, and then suddenly, we didn't share a word for a whole week.

I didn't see this coming to be honest with you. I thought we would go against the odds and be together, but this isn't the typical love story. We were just two hopeless people, separated by our priorities.

"Laurentine, hurry up!" My mother yelled from the kitchen.

I put on my gown over my dress the cap already placed on my head. My makeup was perfected and my hair was in those curls that Grayson loved so much.

In the past two years I've been in college, I've learned many things, lost some people, and gained some people. I looked like a changed woman on the outside, and I was happy with my appearance. I was proud with my decisions, and I was happy with how my skin glowed.

"We're done," I giggled, staring at my reflection, "It's all over now, Laurentine."

☼

"Jasmine Samuels!"

A short petite girl now walks across the stage, his eyes beaming as she reaches for her diploma. She shook hands with my professor before stepping down from the stage.

"Sebastian Sean!"

I can hear my heart beating in my ears, my time to shine getting closer and closer. My palms are sweating and my heart is aching and my legs begin to shake.

I glance at my mother and father and brother as they give me encouraging smiles. I can feel my worry drain from my body as I give them a big grin, trying to show that I'm as happy as they are.

"Rosario Simmon!"

I can feel a presence to my right, and I look towards the entrance door behind Giovanni. My ears begin to ring and my fingers begin to quiver and my nose begins to burn as my eyes focus on the guy sitting next to my mother.

His eyes meet mine and I can feel my face go numb, his smile stretching across his wonderful face as he gives me the thumbs up.

"Laurentine Solarin!"

I focus back on the stage, seeing my professor welcoming me a smile. I take a cautious step forward as my family begins to cheer as loud as they possibly can. I reach for the diploma and shake my teacher's hand before rushing down the steps and back to my seat.

I don't want to look back because I know I'll lose my breath and I'll cry. But at the same time, I wanted to run back and hug him, and tell him how much it means to me that he's here.

When the ceremony is over, I stand from my seat and walk over to where my family is. I receive kisses from my mother and a wet willy from my brother, but I'm still so happy to be here.

I look him into his eyes, and I hear him chuckling when I pat his back.

"Thanks for coming, Cousin Yves," I smiled.

"The trip isn't exactly an easy one from the States, but I'm glad to be here and see you graduate. I'm so proud," Yves congratulated me. We give each other another hug and after a few photos, it's time to head for dinner.

"I'll meet you guys there. I need to go and change my clothes, don't really want to wear heels anymore," I laughed. My father waved me off, and I went back to my car.

The radio is blaring and my hair is out and loose and crazy. I'm so happy to be done with school, and ready to travel and make some new memories.

I unlocked my door, dropping my heels against the wall before turning on the light.

"What the hell?"

"Don't scream!" Grayson's face shows distress and panic as I'm about to knee him in his nuts. I stop, and relax, my breathing slowing down.

"I can't believe you're here," I said confused.

He looked more muscular, his arms bulging from underground his long sleeve shirt. His eyes don't have the same sparkle, and neither does his smile.

I realized that my love for him may have disappeared.

"Look, we haven't spoken in a while, I'm so sorry," Grayson began.

"Six months is not a while, it's much longer than that, Grayson," I remind him.

"God, you don't even call me Gray anymore," he whispered to himself, "but Laurentine, please hear me out. I know that i shouldn't have left for the States without telling you, but I'm here. I'm back, I'm here to stay now."

"Grayson, I don't really feel the same way anymore, alright? Six months makes you think, you know? We aren't meant to be, mate," I explained to him.

"Now you're calling me your mate!" Grayson's hands run through his hair as he tried to breathe.

"Did you really expect us to just pick up our relationship where we left off? That's just not how it works!" I raged.

"All I'm asking is another chance!" Grayson begged.

I sighed, putting my bag down and sitting on the couch next to him.

"August 3, Laurentine," Grayson pointed to his tattoo, "is the day we met, and I'm not going to let you walk out of my life again, okay? Look, I'm back now, I'm here for you, I want to be with you again, that's all I want!"

"Grays-"

"One chance, Laurentine! That's all I'm asking, one chance! I only want another chance at being at your side, and being your happiness, being there with you. Please give me that chance," Grayson finished.

I smirked. I liked the power I had over him.

"Grayson?"

"Laurentine?"

"I only want to know one thing."

"What is it?"

I laughed, "Will you call me your princess again?"

Grayson's face opened as he smiled and stood right up. He pressed his lips against my cheek, his touch lingering on my skin.

"Anything for you, my princess."