Gray Skies

Time Jump (6 months later)

When I thought back to all the nightmares that Bethany had put me through, I was finally in a place that I never thought possible. I was happy. My wounds had scarred over. They weren't pretty, but it didn't bother me anymore. I thought that it was a big weight on my shoulders. But right now I felt free.

Eric and I had grown a closer relationship, which honestly I hadn't expected. I was comfortable around him now. I learned things about the Blake family, and how successful our ancestors were. Since that lunch a few months ago, we barely talked about Bethany. I wasn't at a point where I felt comfortable with that particular topic of conversation. Eric understood. He had invited me to fly over to Blake Manor with him, he said even a few of my friends are invited. I hadn't given an answer just yet.

As for my besties... It's a little more up and down. Dream had been so busy with extracurricular activities that she dropped out of Rugby all together. It was a shame because she was selected to be in the regional team, along with Lucy and I. But we loved her, so we supported her all the way. Lucy had been going through a rough time lately. Connor was getting worried sick because she was obviously hurting, but was adamant to do things alone. Her 'Koro' which I learnt later was a term for "Grandpa", is very ill and she was hurting. She confided in Chef Dion after work knowing all to well, if she didn't talk to anyone she would self destruct. She still tried to confide in Connor, but still had it's own difficulty. But he did what he needed to do, to be there for her and vice versa.

Coach Messam had gone easy on us since our season was on a break, it was much because of Terry's plea to properly prepare the field for finals. Yes, that's right. We made it to finals. Eric and even Rebel never missed a game and Connor was there when he could be. It was a foreign feeling to me. Having people attend my games. I now felt some form of normalcy.

Now, as for Rebel... After what happened when he stayed over those few months ago. We actually grew closer. Really close. No, we didn't do the nasty or anything. We both made decision to get to know each other a whole lot more, before deciding where this was heading. I did let him kiss me that dark early morning. Then every other morning when he stayed over. He usually was up at my apartment by the time I finished work. He was considerate enough to not to come over the night before training or a game. It was nice how considerate he was. People had definitely pegged Rebel wrong.

Now a question most people ask is, 'Are you two an item?' To be honest I really didn't know. I was enjoying the time I had with him. I know I had brushed away the possibility of being in a relationship with anyone. But I didn't know how I felt about it anymore. Rebel Drake brings a whole new light of possibility. We hung out together a lot. Connor and Lucy actually seemed to like him, and I knew for a fact that Rebel also liked hanging out with them. We hung out mostly after training's, games and whenever else we could really. It helped to take everyone's minds off of things.

I had contemplated getting a restraining order against Bethany. Not long after one of my games she went crazy trying to get me to go back. Luckily I had a whole lot of people that protect me. Eric told me he would keep her away from me, and the rest of my friends said the same. It's funny Eric didn't mind Rebel staying over with me as often as he did because he thought it would be safer. Not that I would argue. Rebel was interesting when people didn't try to assume things about him. From his eager convincing I got a new phone and number.

I did not know what my new path in store. But I was excited to the new light it would bring.

Late Friday

Not to be over the top. But Rebel had invited me and Eric to dinner. It was weird but was sweet. He said that he booked us in at The Rooftop. But since I was at the gym, my Dad said he would pick me up. I was waiting outside the school where I usually do, when I could have sworn I saw a dark figure swirling around. Luckily though Eric pulled up in his car. He smiled as I jumped in. I let out a sighing relief as I buckled up, warmth. "How was your last day Mi Anora?" he asked smiling, I smiled back saying, "Gosh it was a hassle but it's a break now" I say kissing him on the cheek. He was slightly bristled on the face where I had kissed him, but it made him smile none the less. "I'm glad that you're happy" "I know..." I begin to say running my fingers through my hair before continuing. "I can barely believe it. Thank you for being here for me..." he just turned to look at me as we stopped at the lights, his accent wasn't surprising anymore as he spoke it sounded just normal to me. "Mi Anora, I have missed out on too much to let anyone else.... Especially Bethany hurt you. I'm here now" he says slightly tensing his grip on the wheel.