HandCuffs

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Merry Fucking Christmas

Ariella POV

Jimmy behind bars.

Darren behind bars.

Beau safe..

And my friend again.

I feel.. Slightly safer.

I have found, with my GPs help, a well known and respected therapist who I am now seeing twice weekly: either Beau or one of my parents are present in the house during my sessions to add to and ensure my safety.

Beau has been.. For want of a better word, amazing!

I have begun to gain belief and trust in him again, but it's taken time.

6 weeks since the destructive event with Darren James who we found out was sent by Jimmy to ruin me; all for what I did, for getting him away and behind bars in the confinements of Luton prison.

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, and right now, I am pacing my overly decorated living room, waiting for Beau to arrive-

I have asked him over so I can ask invite to spend Christmas with my parents and I.

After all Beau has been through, and now, the idea of seeing him spend the holiday alone, it hurts.. Just imagining him alone in that house tears at my heart.

Can I pluck up the courage and let my friend spend Christmas with me?

Can I push myself?

Can I be the friend Beau deserves?

I know the start of our 'friendship' began on unconventional means, but we have gained a unique and amazing bond over our time together.

My thoughts are halted by the ringing of my doorbell, and a low voice,

"It's me Ari."

My parents, Beau and Dr Portland- my therapists all now know to announce themselves when arriving at my house.

I refuse to open the door without knowing.. I can't handle making myself vulnerable by opening the door, breaking that barrier in which someone can force their way inside..

Imagining Beau's trauma from opening the door to someone, as well as my own; I just can't do it.

Not anymore.

"Coming!" I call out, just loud enough so he can hear me, and take a much needed deep breath, taking those vital steps towards the front door.

Undoing the chain, and the two dead bolts on my oak wood door, I pull it back to come face to face with Beau.

Just seeing the light in his beautiful hazel eyes, a slight shy smile on his face, which he tries to hide behind biting his lip.

"Hi." I whisper, suddenly shy.

Suddenly, the fears dissipate and a broad smile escapes, leaking across my face.

"Hey beautiful." Beau mirrors my smile.

For the first time since the incident with Jimmy, I feel like I could.. I might be able to love again.

I might be able to, slowly, gain the emotions and trust in a man; hopefully Beau.

Uncharacteristically, I grab Beau's hand and drag him inside, forcing him up against the door, effectively slamming it shut.

My breathing is ragged as I just stare into his eyes, those captivating, loving hazel eyes, which are boring back into mine.