How to Save A Life (Anthony Rizzo)

27- Miss Moving On

Clara

It's like a movie, how my life has been recently. I went from the lowest to lows to the highest of highs in just a week. I have made paintings that people want, they want my stuff. If the younger version of me could see me now she would be so proud. My things are in demand for museums not only in Chicago but around the country. People are asking me to do their portraits and landscapes, but of course my favorite ones are the ones done at the children's hospital, no charge. Plus I was able to meet up with Jess and Farrah and a bunch of the other girls and hang out with them for a while. And this time I was there as Anthony Rizzo's girlfriend. That has a nice ring to it.

I thought it would be weird trying to get into this new life. A life that not too long ago I could only dream up. But after Eddies funeral was over I got a call from Randy. He apologized for not believing what I said and not stepping in sooner. He knew Eddie was a bad guy but it was his boss and didn't tell him anything but lies about our relationship. I thanked him for his kind words but explained that I wanted to leave that part of me in the past. And that included him. He understood, he wanted to move on too. But it was nice to know that people can change, even if it is too late, they're still a better person now and isn't that what really matters?

I finally felt like I was living my life the way I was supposed to. I was painting, I had good friends, I was helping people, and I was madly in love with the most incredible guy on this earth. Just the sweetest of souls and the greatest heart. What he did for me alone is amazing, but he's not just helping me, he helps so many people and I love that I can do that with him.

"Can you believe it's already August" Anthony asks as we get dressed for the game.

"Absolutely not. It's been the craziest year of my life for sure" I admit as I put on a baseball cap backwards. My hair was back to being its natural brown and I have to admit I loved the blonde. But I didn't need it anymore. That was to forget the past, and it's all but forgotten about now.

"I'm just so happy that I have you now" he claims as he moves some hairs out of my face. I smile big before he presses his lips to mine. He places his hand on my lower back and pulls me closer.

"Mhmm I could get used to this" I admit as we break apart. He puts his lips to mine once more before letting me be. I finish getting ready before pulling on my Rizzo Jersey and a pair of shoes. It was hot outside so I make sure I pack a lot of water and sun screen.

"Are you ready" Anthony asks.

"All set" I smile and he nods.

We drive over to the park and he hands me my all access friends and family pass. I find Dexters wife Aliya and their daughter Naya and sit with them. Eventually a few more people join us but I end up talking to Aliya because she was just as funny as her husband was.

"It's so nice to have you back" she insists and I smile big. I hold her daughter in my lap because I loved her so much.

"It's really nice to be back. I've missed this place" I admit.

"It's missed it too" she claims. "So where have you been" she wonders and I kind of freeze.

Besides a select few people, no one knows what I had been through. They know that a police officer was killed in a stand off after he shot his girlfriend not too far from the field. But no one knows it was me. The police agreed to keep their mouth shut since the only reason these things escalated to that point was because they let it get there. If the public knew what he did to me and the fact they knew and did nothing about it, it could really hurt them. And I didn't want that, I wanted to forget about it but I know I never will. I have the scars to remind me that I was weak, but now I'm strong.

I just wasn't sure how to explain how my life ended up being so good. How I have someone who has loved me through the toughest of times and how what we've been through is incredibly special and that's why what we have is unlike anything anyone would be able to believe. So I guess I'll just sugar coat it, like, a lot of sugar.

"I was in a difficult relationship before. Anthony let me stay at his place until I figured it out but things got difficult when I ended up with my Ex again. But I was able to get away and now I'm happy to be here as Anthony's girlfriend" I explain.

"Speaking of difficult relationships, did you hear about what happened to the cop and his girlfriend who lived across the street from Jon's place" she asks and I freeze. "They we're together for years before he got caught for abusing her. I heard he was terrible" she says shaking her head.

"He was" I whisper and she turns to me.

"Did you know him" she asks.

"Yeah... I was the girl" I explain and she stops.

"No" she insists. "Not you."

"It was me. I was with him for seven years, he was abusive for four of them. He was a family friend, and after I lost my family he was all I had left. But now he's gone and I couldn't be more relieved that he won't be haunting me anymore" I explain.

"I'm so sorry Claire. I had no idea" she defends.

"It's fine, I swear it. It's my past now. I was ashamed of it but there's nothing I can do about it now. It's over and I can focus on my art and being in the baseball scene" I explain.

"I love your work by the way. Dexter and I would love a piece of yours in our place" she claims.

"I would love to do a painting for you guys. I'll even throw in something for Nayas room, no charge" I insist as I tickle her sides.

"You're such an angel" she sighs. "I hate knowing that you went through such a hard time."

"That's why I usually don't tell people. That and the fact that it's so hard for me to talk about. But I can heal now. Anthony isn't going to hurt me" I insist.

"I know he won't. He loves you more than anything" she claims.

"The feeling is mutual."

The game comes and goes and the Cubs win in a walk off fashion. After a way more exciting and way later game then we prepared for I get a tired Anthony home. He drops his stuff off inside the door before turning to me. He pulls me into a deep kiss and I let myself get accustomed to him touching me and not hurting me.

"Why don't you come sleep with me tonight" he asks.

"Do you want me to? You seem really tired" I insist.

"Yeah. I like it better when you sleep with me" he claims and I smile.

"Okay then, let's go to bed."