Bared for You

Chapter I

I looked out the window as the small stores of California began to approach us. Growing up I had always dreamed of moving to California, but I never thought that dream would ever come true.

I had lived in Chicago my whole life so finally getting the chance to leave the city I grew up in was kinda of exciting and upsetting. I mean don't get me wrong there are many awesome things about my city, but after living there for so long sometimes one wants to adventure somewhere else and see what else there is.

The bus soon came to an abrupt stop and the speaker of the bus went off as the door slowly slid open.

"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen! We have finally arrived at Los Ángeles. There is very much to do as the day has not yet come to an end, my young people! So go out there and enjoy yourself." The bus driver said with so much energy that I couldn't help but smile at how energetic he was

Everyone swiftly grabbed their things, ran out the bus, and began to squirm around with their people. They were quite excited and I don't blame them.

I adjusted the strap of my backpack and inhaled deeply as the scent of salty water hit my nostrils.

"LEA OVER HERE!" a familiar young energetic voiced yelled out to me

I stepped off the bus and walked over to my friend, Amber. She quickly engulfed me in a warm tight hug.

"Girl, you don't even know how happy I was when I found out you were coming out here!" She said showing her bright white teeth

"Awe babe! Honestly, I can't even believe this is even real! Like I'm actually here." I said finally letting my excitement get the best of me.

"There is so much we need to do. I'm just so glad you arrived earlier than expected because now I get to show you around." She said as she guided me towards her car that was parked not too far from the bus stop.

"Thank you so much again. You don't even know how much this really means to me. I wa-" Amber quickly cut me off before I could even finish expressing how grateful I was for what she was doing for me

"Azelea..you are my best friend! I would do anything for you and you know that." She gave me a half smile.

"It's just...I told you in such a short notice and all the money you put into my flight here! Plus, the bus." I buckled myself up as she started the engine.

As she began to drive off she grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze.

"Lea, you know that I don't care about all that. All I care about right now is that you are safe and comfortable exactly where you're at. I swear as soon as you agreed to accept the money it's like this weight on my shoulders was lifted." She sighed "every second of the day that you were living with that filthy man, your mother so calls a husband, I was beyond worried for you. So, the money and everything didn't matter to me. I'm just so glad to have you here where I know you'll be okay."

I reached over to her and gave her a tight hug. I am so lucky to have a friend like her.

"Thank you again!" I said as I adjusted myself back into my seat.

"You know I'm here for you, mamas."

The car came to a stop and we quickly got out of the car. I didn't bring much with me besides my backpack. Back home I didn't have much so whatever I brought with me was pretty much it but I'm not that upset about it. I can have a fresh new start and the first thing in my agenda is getting a job because I most definitely am not going to just let my friend spend so much money on me without paying her back.

Once we were in her apartment Amber walked me over to her bedroom and told me where I could place my things at.

Her apartment only had one bedroom which I really was okay with because she was never actually expecting me in such s short notice. Plus, I've known Amber almost my whole life so sleeping in a bed with her would just be like old times when we would have sleepovers but only this time permanent until I help her afford a bigger apartment.

"You can go through any of my clothes that you feel most comfortable in. I'll be in the kitchen making something to eat while you settle in! I have tons to catch you up on." She said as she gave me huge smile and walked out towards the kitchen.

I decided to take a quick shower and change into some plain black booty shorts and a navy blue tank top with some white vans. As soon as I finished I walked over to Amber who had just finished serving me some spaghetti, my absolute favorite dish.

"UGHH HAVE I TOLD YOU HOW MUCH I FREAKING LOVE YOU!?" She giggles as I take a mouthful of spaghetti and sigh in satisfaction

"So, Lea.." amber says in a very quiet way that has me a little concern.

"What's wrong? Everything okay?" I questioned as I place the fork back on my plate to give her my full attention.

She walks over to me and sits down on the seat across of me and inhales lightly then exhales.

"Um..you know what? Let's go to the beach. It's so nice out and I've been wanting to go for a while now but I hate going alone." She said smiling

I raised my eyebrow at her and gave her a what the fuck kinda of look. She was clearly going to tell me something important. I lightly shook my head and decided to ignore it..for now.

"Yeah, that sounds nice. I don't have any bathing suits with me though." I said as I continued to eat the rest of my spaghetti.

"Oh, girl that's okay! I have a bunch of bikinis you can use." She walked over to her closet and began to go through her clothes.

I walked over to the sink and washed my plate. Once I was done Amber handed me a red two-piece bikini, a towel, and some black sandals.

"You ready to go!?" She said practically jumping up and down.

I giggled and nodded my head. It didn't take us long to arrive at the beach since she lived three minutes away from it. Once we were there we placed our things on the hot sand and ran towards the water.

The water was freezing, but I knew my body would get used to it as time passed. We had stayed at the beach for quite a while. Amber wanted to stay till night, which I was completely okay with, but she had to head off to work.

It was around 6 when we decided to head back. As soon as I was home I told her that she should probably jump in the shower first since she had to leave already.

"Where do you work?" I said while I scrolled through Instagram.

It took her a moment to answer my question which was kind of odd to me.

"A small restaurant not too far from here," She said while she slipped into some navy blue jeans.

"Ouu can I go see you later?? I won't be up to much anyways. I think I'm just going to walk around the markets for a bit" She half smiled at me when I mentioned if I could visit her at work

"Uh yeah, that's fine." She said in a bland way. "I have to go! I'll most likely be home very late so don't wait up for me baby"

"Wait where is the restaurant-" I didn't get to finish my sentence because she was already out the door.

I sat there kind of weirded out. I mean she seemed pretty off about the whole work thing, it's probably nothing though. I tend to overthink a lot.

I decided to ignore the situation and just get ready to jump in the shower. I didn't plan on staying in especially when the night was still young.

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Hey guys! I know this chapter was pretty boring but I promise around chapter three things will get much better. I really want to slowly rise up to the whole drama and everything because personally, I hate when chapters are rushed.

Until next time!