Page 74 of Afterglow
“No, I’m fine. But I gave him a piece of my mind,”
My face was probably stained with tears and yet, a smile formed on my lips. I am so far gone for this girl. “You stuck up forme, Princess?”
“Yeah, I did,” Jazmine cracks her knuckles—another nervous tick she has—and swallows. “You’re my favourite person, Theo. I won’t let anyone, even your father, think they can walk all over you.”
My vision blurs with tears as I take in Jazmine’s comment. I’m her favourite person. God, all my dreams are coming to fucking life.
“You’re my favourite person too, Princess,”
We turn our heads towards the horizon. The sky is a canvas of colours: pink and orange combining, while yellow is being drained behind the mountains.
Jaz and I sit in silence as we bask in the afterglow, hoping our problems will disappear like the sun.
Chapter 34
Jazmine Allen
Theo’s limbs are entangled with mine as we lay in his bed.
We’ve been in a self-imposed exile for a week because of Theo’s panic attack and breakdown. It’s been nice to have time to ourselves without outside pressures.
We did have to venture out to attend classes but other than that, Theo’s bed has been our secret hideaway.
Waking up every day in the arms of my boyfriend as the ultraviolet morning light shines through the blinds—it’s the definitionof peace.
We talked, wanting to put everything on the table so we know what the other needs in the relationship. I don’t want a stupid miscommunication to ruin the chance to find love.
And falling in love with Theodore Knight isn’t the scary prospect I thought it once was.
Theo and I agreed he should see a therapist to finally deal with the trauma of losing his mum and at this point, his father too. Matthew Knight hasn’t contacted Theo yet and I don’t know whether to be happy or sad.
I’m also seeing Dr Gray again. Clearly, missing sessions isn’t helpful and avoiding my problems makes everything worse. Theo and I will keep each other accountable as well as provide another safe space to share our thoughts and feelings without judgement.
December is a busy month for Theo and I. Today though, nerves are knotted in my stomach. Theo’s arms are wrapped around my waist, his head resting on my chest. I fiddle with his hair, distracting myself from the potential outcomes the day could bring.
“We should be getting our marks back for the research project,” I say.
Theo’s voice breaks me from my thoughts. “I suppose that is a good enough reason to leave bed for the day,”
A smile tugs on my lips. “You’re an idiot,” I tease, pushing at his shoulder.
“Yeah, but I’myouridiot. You do realise you are stuck with me now,”
Being stuck with Theodore Knight forever? Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Reluctantly, I climb off Theo and pull him to his feet. “Come on, we don’t want to be late to class.”
Theo shakes his head. “You’re lucky I like you Princess,”
My smile never fades as we get ready for the day. Lucky is definitely how I feel.
***
Butterflies flutter in my stomach, thrashing against my rib cage. The only thing stopping me from biting my nails to the quick is Theo. He took hold of my hand when we entered the lecture theatre, never letting it go.
“Hey,” Theo says as he rubs my thigh. “It is going to be fine. Our project was great,”
I stare at my boyfriend, my face serious. “You literally have to say that. Not only as my research partner but as my boyfriend.” I sigh.
