Chapter 22

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Dedicated to @JanetMcMillian2 for her continuous support on my books. Nuff love. :)

Three weeks later.

  It's been three weeks and I am still devasted about what happened that morning, still shocked at Alexander's cruel actions towards. It's sad that we never really know a person's true life until the worse happens. 

   Without any cash I had to find myself back in New York, luckily I had some money on my debit card. I was on a bus to Chicago when I noticed Grey wasn't with me. How could I have forgotten about him, he's the only that's stayed loyal to me all these years.

He took my heart and my dog! 

  Fortunately, I was able to turn to the one person who's never hurt me, Carlos, a friend from college. I used a payphone to call him and he picked me up at the subway station in New York City. He opened his arms without judging or asking any questions. He gave me his spare bedroom and I've been living in it since but I plan on moving out as soon as I get an apartment for myself.  Today I'm going apartment hunting for an apartment I'll live alone in, without my baby, Grey. 

  I washed my face and looked in the mirror. My eyes were a little puffy from the tears I cried last night. I used my hands to rub my nose. Maybe if I made it look like cold no one will ask me any questions about the dried-up tears. It didn't want to talk about it. I've come to terms with myself and I realize my life is bound to be miserable. I've kinda accepted the fact that I'm never going to be truly happy. There is always going to be something or someone that hurts me.

   I washed my hands then turned off the pipe. After taking one more look at myself I exit the bathroom door and head for the kitchen.  When I entered into the kitchen Carlos was on his phone. He offered me a smile, which I returned. I walked over and took a seat across from him. I listen keenly as he spoke in his native language, Spanish. 

    Carlos is Puerto-Rican. He came to America for college and decided to stay. Carlos is a good looking man, he was as old as his name nor did his name fit him. His hair is dark and thick which went well with his dark brown eyes. His cheekbone and jawline were superb. Along with his good looks, he has a matching personality. He is the generous and friendliest person I'd ever met. He everything a girl would want for a husband but it's such a pity he isn't straight. 

"Si, gracias." He said as he ended the call.

"Who was that?" I asked curiously. 

  "That was Martin. He wants me to take a vacation and spend some time with him and his family so I can get to know them." He sighed. Martin was his French boyfriend. I've only met Martin three times but from the few times  I saw him, I knew he was perfect for Carlos. They bought had similar taste in food, music and clothes and the chemistry between was strong evidence that the relationship would be successful. 

  "Oh, then why don't you?" I asked. I really wanted him to take some time off, he deserved it. He spends too much time at his dance studio.

 "Well, I have the studio to think about," he paused and looked me in the eyes,  "I have you to think about too. You've been through alot..."

  I cut him off with my hands. "No. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself and the dance studio will be okay. Those little rug rats will be fine. You need to take a week off or maybe even two. Enjoy yourself a little."

"But" he stuttered trying to come up with an excuse. 

But I stopped him off before he could try, "But, nothing. I can help with the studio."

  "NO, you're not ready to work as yet. You need to rest." He stated then laugh, "You can't even dance."

I frowned at his words, "Of course I can dance."

He smirked, "Not to my standards."

I touched the area above my heart, "I'm deeply offended."

He shrugged, "What kind of friend would I be if told a lie?"

"A normal kind."

  "Normal is boring and you still need to rest. You've been crying again. I can see it in your eyes." He probably heard the crying too, after all his bedroom was right next door to mine. 

"I've been resting for three weeks. I just have a cold.  I'm okay now." I lied. Okay, people don't cry. 

  Carlos laughed, "You're forgetting I went to medical school. I know when someone is pretending to be sick versus when they actually are." Depression is a sickness, so I'm not really faking, am I?  Carlos sighed. "You're not okay, you want to be but still broken. I can see it in your eyes. I can tell It's killing you not to cry." I stared into his eyes as he spoke those words, he was right. I wanted to cry now even know I woke up crying, even though I cried myself to sleep last night. 

  Maybe he understands what if feels like to be hurt by someone you loved or better yet, people you loved. People it wasn't just Alexander that hurt me, it was my sister, my mother and my stepfather. 

  I sighed and accepted the fact,  "You're right. I am still broken and I will always be. Everyone I love hurts me. I always get hurt." I tried to keep in the tears as I spoke but they started to fall anyway. 

  Carlos got up from his seat and came and sat beside me, be wrapped his arms around my frame and whispered in my ear, "That's not true. Not everyone who loves you hurts you. I've never hurt you."

I sniffed, "You eventually will," He rubbed my back gently.

   "Never," he lifted my head up to his face. "How can I hurt the person how acted as my girlfriend for years until my parents couldn't take anymore and told me to stop the act." That made me smile a little. His parents knew he was gay but wanted to know how long he'd keep up the act, they had a bet on it too. 

I held up my pinky finger to him. "Promise?"

  He smiled at placed his pinky finger in mine. "Pinky Promise." I laughed and he proceeded to wipe my tears.

   I straighten up myself. "You're still going to visit Martin's family, though. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." I give him a smile to assure him.

He sighed giving in, "Okay, I will go but not before I sort out things at the studio." I lifted my head to speak but he lifted his hands and stopped me. "No, you will not leave you in charge of the studio. I'll tell my students that I'm going on vacation, they will understand."

I sighed, "Okay." I gave in, after all, he wouldn't stop until I did.

 "Great," he smiled and clapped his hands. "Now will you please make me some breakfast I'm hungry." He laughed and walked out of the room before I could answer him.

  I smiled after him and started making breakfast. I didn't mind preparing the meals, after all, I'm living here for free. I still haven't started working either. Since I've been back I spent most of my times crying and some days I had enough strength to go to the park and paint.

   Carlos loved my cooking and since he was doing so much for me, I might as well return the favour by providing him with the three most important meals of the day. Cooking is the only way I can repay him currently so why not? It's not much but it's still something. It's least I can do since he's here for me and will always be. 

 Hopefully.

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