One Kiss Later

26

January was a whirlwind. 

Between the publicity from the whole incident with Drew, my dad's inauguration, and juggling school it felt like I blinked and it was two days from being over.

While we hadn't officially gone to court yet, my restraining was granted, and Andrew was officially kicked off of UCLA's campus.

I couldn't even begin to describe was a blessing that was.

Throughout the whole break, I worried about how I would react if I saw him on campus. Now I would never have to know.

I also recognized my privilege.

I was one of the lucky ones.

My parents were high-profile people. If they weren't maybe my abuser would still be roaming around or no one would care about what happened to me. 

It was a shitty situation because things shouldn't even be like that.

I was working on an organization that provided resources and funds for people who were stuck in abusive relationships. If things went to plan, in twenty years I would have safe havens and grants for people to have easy access to.

I just wanted to stop the cycle.

"Who are those from?" Nia asked me as we walked to our front door.

There was a bouquet on the doorstep. I picked up the vibrant mix of purple, lilac, and pink flowers.

"Aren't they gorgeous?" I asked Nia.

I opened up the envelope as she unlocked the door.

Just because ☺. Flowers that are almost as beautiful as you.
- Maz

I was so giddy.

"Beau?" Nia grinned.

I nodded my head. "I'm going to go downstairs right quick."

"I have to get ready for evening practice, so the apartment is all yours." Nia winked.

"We are not doing anything like that." I immediately shut down. "Plus I still have this stupid cast."

"Ya never know. Be spontaneous." Nia said to me before she walked into her room.

I knew that we would be one day.

Today was just not that day.

I put down my book bag and laptop before I walked down to Beau's apartment. 

"Hi, Natalie." he beamed as he opened the front door.

I tilted my head. "You're in a good mood."

I crutched my way over to his couch and sat down. 

"That's because I'm around you." he responded. 

I rested my foot on his ottoman. "What are you up to on this Friday night?"

"Nothin'." Beau sat down next to me. "It's the last weekend before baseball season starts, so I was thinking that we could go get dinner, maybe bake something, watch a movie."

"Bake? Like from scratch?" I asked him.

Beau never cooked.

Like ever.

He lived off of Uncrustables, whatever Matteo cooked, Door Dash, and free meals that the baseball team got.

I think that scrambled eggs, protein shakes, and smoothies were the only things that he could make.

He nodded. "I'm expanding my horizons."

"Oh, Lord." I chuckled. "I would pay to see you bake."

"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Miss. Fitzgerald. I'm starting simple with chocolate chip cookies." Beau informed me.