Safe

Chapter 2

With so many changes happening, my boyfriend, Pierce remains my constant norm. He's been my rock since I've made the decision and my biggest support through it all.

Pierce and I have been together for what is considered to be a LONG time. We're the poster couple. We meet through a mutual friend who introduced us and the rest was history. We didn't mean for us to even be together, but it happened. Pierce and I did the whole thing, we meet, became close, talked for a while, and then started dating. I thrive on the idea of us being the perfect couple. Our friends and family eat that shit up. Pierce is what people call the 'whole package'. He's a gentleman, though his large shoulders and stature scream otherwise, Pierce is a softy. I like my men big, strong, and sweet; Pierce is that.

He was also very understanding of my decision to apply for a school out of state. It was kind of iffy in the beginning when I first mentioned it. But the conversation needed to happen. Going to get my master's has been a goal of mine and Pierce knows that. Deciding to do the long-distance was an agreement between both of us. It took a lot of convincing, but, in the end, he knew and understood that I needed to do this.

We've been together for so long now that long-distance shouldn't be a problem. We have gone weeks without seeing each other before, so I know everything will work out on its own.

Before heading to LA, Pierce agreed to take my cousins and me to the airport. My cousins, including my sister, decided on this trip together as a family because we have never had a cousin trip before. Since we're all older now and have some income, we decide to use our time wisely by traveling. Pierce unfortunately, won't be joining us because of his work schedule. If it wasn't for work, he would have gone in a heartbeat.

He's definitely a workaholic.

Giving me a kiss on the forehead Pierce begins to pack his van with my things, "How was packing? Sorry, I couldn't help you earlier, work has been so busy lately that I couldn't leave any sooner to help you."

I know Pierce means well. Since the day he's graduated Pierce has been a hard worker and is made for business. He says it's his way of making sure he can take care of me.

"It's okay, I think I have a few more things to pack after coming back from this trip, but everything should be in the car ready to be picked up," I reassure him the best I can. I know he feels a lot of guilt in choosing work over me, but I always assure him that he needs to do what he loves.

A smile appears on his face as he makes his way to my packed car. Looking inside through the window his eyes automatically widen, "Do you really need ALL this stuff?" Scratching his head as he knows he'll be the one to help me unpack when he and I go to Portland together.

Truly offended, I whip my head so fast I could feel the whiplash rising, "YES! I decided to go back to school to be broke AGAIN, so I'm bringing everything I can find in this house," sensing that he's eyeing all the paper towels I have stuffed in the car.

As if he can't get enough, Pierce pulls me in closer and kisses me right on top of my head, then on the lips. My eyes and heart melt as I love the way he is so gentle with me. This man is so caring with every bone in his body, he assures me every day, I am loved.

Snapping out of our bubble, I hear foot movement from a mile away, "You two need to hurry up so we can get to the airport! We can't miss this flight!" My cousin, Ava can be seen running down the street with her tiny personal item, "It is relative that we do not miss this flight. We need to go!"

Surprised at her enthusiasm, I pull away from Pierce and head towards the van to take my seat in the shotgun. My sister, Rose is already in the car waiting, making sure she has packed everything she needs. Rose never forgets anything on trips, therefore, I automatically rely on her for toothpaste.