Page 82 of Savage for You

I’m working on a new book cover for one of my favorite books. It’s about this girl Katerina who’s a ballerina, and Julius who’s a hip hop dancer in New York. The cover I’m designing for this book is simple but beautiful. There’s a contrast between blue and black with gray, I added in a boom box and motorcycle to represent Julius and a ballerina and a swan for Katerina. The background has a girl with black tears running down her face, but it will be faded to where it’s noticeable just not in your face.

I check my watch and see it’s after five pm. I’m starving. I order some clam chowder with a Caesar salad, and sit on the couch to turn on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. It’s the episode where Will’s dad comes back into his life and then leaves again. This episode always makes me cry. Asshole.

I’m wiping away tears when there’s a knock on the door.

Opening the door, I expect my takeout not Dylan’s sister, Heidi.

What is she doing here? I hope she doesn't think she can come here and talk me into getting back with her asshole brother.

“Heidi, what’s up?” I try to keep disdain out of voice because I have always liked her, but the timing is shit. Especially when her brother won't leave me alone.

“Can I come in?”

I chew on my bottom lip unsure, but I’ll hear her out before I just slam the door in her face. “Umm, sure.”

I open the door and wave her to come in. I turn the volume down and I cuddle up with my blankets.

“What’s going on?”

“Umm, I miss you. And I'm so sorry for what my dumbass brother did to you. I think you should know that he hasn’t been the same since you left. He’s changed, and I just want you to be careful. He isn’t letting you go.” She sighs.

“Baby, I got the order for us; the delivery guy was at the door when I got here.” Rocky walks into the house with the food.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Heidi says.

“No, you are always welcome. Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it.”

“Just please be careful. I don’t think he would ever hurt you, but the way he says he wants you back is unnerving. I know you’re happy and I’m happy for you,” she says, smiling at me.

Rocky comes to sit next to me on the couch.

“Rocky, this is Heidi. Heidi, this is my boyfriend, Rocky.”

“Nice to meet you, Heidi.” He shakes her hand.

“Well, I’ll let myself out.” She gives a shy smile.

“I mean what I said, Heidi, you are still welcome in my life.”

“Thanks, Monti. Umm…hey, Rocky?” He turns to look at her. “Please take care of her, she’s something special.”

She smiles and leaves and Rocky looks at me with his eyebrow raised.

“What was that about?”

“That was Dylan's little sister. She just came by to let me know that he isn’t letting me go.” I sigh and continue. “She said that he hasn’t been the same and she’s worried about me. I don’t know why he won't let it go.” I shake my head.

“Baby, he won't hurt you. I’ll always protect you.”

“You won't always be with me but thank you anyway. I’m sure it’ll be okay. He’ll get over it. If not, you didn’t give me my nickname for nothing.” I shrug my shoulders with a smile.

We eat dinner while we watch The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and then all I remember is being carried to bed and snuggling Rocky.

Falling asleep next to him will always be my favorite.

Fuck, why does it feel like I got hit by a truck. I’m going to be sick again. I rush out of bed and empty my stomach contents into the toilet which wakes up Rocky. He moves behind me and gently pulls my hair out of my face. I’m crying because I hate throwing up. Rocky’s rubbing my back and then says he’ll be right back.

I’m sitting on the floor next to the toilet trying to wrack my brain thinking back, when was the last time I had my period? I snap out of my daze when I hear Rocky talking.

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