Finally Free

Thirty-Seven

Once I get back to the dorm I immediately get out my laptop to request my official transcript from Vanderbilt and then filling out my application to the University of Tennessee.

"Hey, gorgeous" Garrett says pushing the door open since I didn't let it shut all the way when I came in. Wow I've been working on this for almost an hour now

"Hey! How did it go?" I ask pressing submit on my application

"It went pretty good I think. But I won't know until she puts grades in over break. How did your meeting go?" He asks sitting down next to me on the futon

"That's good. And pretty good. It went about how I expected. I had to request for Vandy to release my official transcript, and then fill out my application to here. I got the transcript thing submitted as soon as I got back and I just submitted my application so I should hear back soon. And then they gave me the band directors information so I can talk to him and the majorette advisor about potentially becoming a majorette here as well as the cheerleading coach and tryout information." I tell him

"Sounds like you got it all figured out. Are you going to regret it?" Garrett asks I shake my head no

"Being one-hundred percent honest I am scared to go back to Vanderbilt. And I need a change."

"What are you scared of?" Garrett asks very concernedly

"Being alone there. Especially now that Harry and Momma Anne pressed charges. I am scared of him just showing up and this same thing happening again or something worse happening." I admit while staring at my feet and avoiding Garretts looks

"He can't do anything. You have a restraining order against him so he can't be close to you."

"That doesn't apply to him being in his own classes and being on campus. I don't want to see him. I don't want to live in that fear. I just want to be away from all of that"

"Come here babe," He says before pulling me into his chest. I didn't even realize I was crying until I was up against Garrett's chest. I just sit there curled into his chest trying to stop crying and trying to stop shaking. I just need to calm down

"I am so sorry babe I didn't mean to like break down like that," I say sitting up and wiping my face. My hands are still shaking but at least I am not crying anymore.

"Why didn't you tell me you were scared like that?" He asks

"Because there isn't anything you can do about it. You can't be with me 24/7 when we are both in school. I know you want to protect me any way you can but it just isn't possible"

"I guess that makes sense" Garrett trails off "One more question, are you going to tell Harry and Anne?"

"I will tell them after I get accepted. They went behind my back to press charges I'll go behind their back to do this"

"That is terrible but also understandable," Garrett says standing up and going to the Keruig to turn it on "Do you want coffee?" He asks and I shake my head no

"Did you share the cheat sheet I made with your friends?" I ask

"Yes I did and I got it all printed. Thank you so much again for doing that"

"Stop thanking me babe" I roll my eyes going back to my computer. I want to contact the band director now so I am going to email him and just reach out "When is your next class?" I ask checking the time

"Micro at 1:45 so I have to study but I need coffee." He laughs

"Understandable. Let me know if you need or want my help studying." I tell him going back to my email. I make sure to include a photo of myself and a short compilation video of some of my competition routines, some practice videos, and videos of my on the football field when I was in high school.