Chapter 1: The Return

Angel

“I’m so excited to finally go home. I miss my bed.” Christie sighs.

I look out the window of the plane and laugh quietly nodding my head, I do not really have a home, but I do miss my sister, my niece and nephew, they’ve grown over the last four years.

“Do you think your girlfriend is going to be stoked to see you finally or is she going to be in a bed with another man?”

“Stop talking about her like that. Chloe is not a cheater.” I responded defensively.

It is frustrating sometimes that Christie has no filter and never keeps her opinions to herself but that is one of the many reasons I love her as a friend, she is never afraid to stand up to people and speak her mind. Ever since we left for bootcamp she has been talking about her suspicion on Chloe’s loyalty to our relationship with me.

She groans and slouches in her seat, dragging her hands down her face frustratingly. “I don’t know what you see in her or why you trust her so much, no girl would last 4 years without her boyfriend. Especially Chloe. She’s annoyingly needy and loves attention. I wouldn’t be surprised if she came to the airport wearing a miniskirt and a lace bra to pick you up.

“Please be nice to her. You know how much we care about each other, plus you are my best friend, so I want you guys to get along.” I sighed and shook my head.

“Hey! I thought I was your best friend!” Chris yelled from the seat behind hers, poking his head in between our seats.

“No, you’re not! I knew Puppy from High School so, HA!” She responded.

“That is so not fair! I didn’t even go to the same High School as you two.” Chris complained, putting on a pouting face. “Puppy, she is being mean to me.”

I could only laugh and flick them both on the forehead. “Stop being childish, you guys know how much I care about both of you.”

“Yeah! Stop being childish Chris!”

Getting off of the plane after we landed was a maze, everyone was rushing to get off the plane so we decided to wait until everyone was offboard, It had been so long since I’ve been in my home city that I forgot where the exit of the airport was.

“Did you get a message from Chloe yet? Is she going to pick you up?” Christie asked and pointed to a sleek black Mercedes limo, “My brother is here if you need a ride.”

I looked around for a blue tesla that belonged to Chloe but I was unable to spot it so I looked at my phone and frowned.

Chloe: I’m so sorry bb. Something came up so I am unable to pick you up from the airport. See if that annoying friend of yours can give you a ride. I’ll see you later tonight. ;)

“No, looks like she isn’t here, just please don’t make it awkward in the car. Your brother is scary.” I begged.

She grinned, “Stop being so dramatic. Damien wouldn't hurt you. But I told you she could be warming someone’s bed right now. Let’s get in the car, I’m starving.” Skipping to the car she handed her bags to the chauffeur and slid into the car.

I was going to protest against her statement but she was already gone, I rushed to the car and tried to place my bags into the trunk, but the chauffeur insisted that he did it and for me to relax and sit in the car. I thanked him and hopped into the seat next to christie. I gave her a small glare but she continued to grin. In front of me, Damien was focused on his tablet with his legs crossed.

“How was your time abroad?” a deep voice asks.

I look at her brother, handsome was an understatement to describe this guy, he almost looked like a god. “Good. Learned new things and met new people.” I shyly responded.

I will always feel intimidated by this guy. It’s like an eagle staring down at his prey. But then again, all of Christie’s family is this intimidating and I had only met them when I was nineteen, I met Christie when we were sixteen. He was in his late twenties.

He only nodded but I could feel his stare on me the rest of the ride home even though he and Christie were having a conversation about her experience abroad and how their parents were. I wanted to avoid eye contact, I knew I was a nuisance for a rich person to be around since I’m not really from a wealthy family so all I could do was duck my head and avoid eye contact.

The car pulled up to the front of my apartment complex, as I unbuckled my seat belt and shuffled towards the door, we exchanged goodbyes. I stepped out and the chauffeur handed me my luggage. “Have a good day. Thank you for safely taking me home.” I thanked.

“It was my pleasure. It’s good to see you again Mister Angel.” He excused himself and returned to the driver’s side of the vehicle.

I smiled and waited until the car drove off before I turned around, walking towards the entrance. I knew I needed a shower; I smelled like sweat.

 I took the elevator to the third floor and walked towards my apartment. I opened the door to a dark room. Switching on the lights I had forgotten how quiet my place was.

The first thing I did was check on my plants, everything was green and healthy which made me smile, before I had left, I asked my Niece, Chelsea, to take care of my plants three times a week. I’m glad she kept her promise.

I started to strip my clothes when my phone went off, “Hello?” I answered while removing my pants.

“Hi baby! I’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up. Daddy wanted me to go to a meeting with him. I just left the building. Are you home? Have you eaten?” Chloe was as energetic as ever.

“I just got home. I am about to shower but I haven’t eaten yet. I am a little tired as well. What time will you be here?” I asked.

“I can’t come over tonight. I have last minute plans with my mom. You know how she is.”

“Its okay.” I laughed softly. “I’ll get something from downstairs and get some rest. The 30-hour flight drained me.”

“Okay baby. Make sure to catch up on your sleep and eat good. I gotta go. My mom is here.”

“Alright, I love you! Have fun!” and the call ended.

I put my phone on the counter and plugged in the charger. I connected the Bluetooth to the speakers in the house and played music by the Arctic Monkeys. I walked to the bathroom, turned on the water and removed my boxers. I touched the water to make sure it was lukewarm before jumping in. When I shower, I tend to be in my head, washing myself only taking one song before I jumped out. Drying myself I walked to my bed and just laid down not caring to put on boxers before falling asleep.

My mind randomly being filled with glimpses of my best friend’s brother being above me in my dreams. One of the biggest reasons why I can never look him in the eyes. It also makes be question my sexuality on if I am completely straight since they started appearing when I first met him.