My Therapy

Chapter 19

Adriane's POV

Winter class just started, I don't have work for the next couple of days but starting next week I'll be sandwiched between my work and studies. Ella's been busy lately, she said that she has a lot of clients. We still go out but for this past week we barely saw each other, she said that she'll make up to me today after my classes and insisted on picking me up. I spoil her too much so I agreed and just took the bus today going to the university.

On my way to my first class, I recalled what Margaret said during thanksgiving. She said that Ella's been too hard on herself since her dad died. She said Ella's been blaming herself for what happened and she hopes now that I am in the picture, it'll change how they look at thanksgiving day. Margaret didn't go into details, all I know is that thanksgiving day is also the day Ella's dad died. I asked Margaret why would Ella blame herself for something that we cannot control - like having a heart attack but she wouldn't tell me. She said that Ella would let me know when she's ready. I respect their privacy but I am still wondering why would Ella do that to herself.

I reached our classroom and went in to sit on an empty chair near the window. There are just few students around, probably because it's a minor class in Educational Psychology. 

"Hey, it's you" I heard someone say, I looked back and saw a familiar face. "Oh, hi! Didn't expect that we would have the same class" I said to the girl with tanned skin and brown pony-tailed hair. It's the same girl that asked me to play basketball when Ella and I went to the gym on our tour. 

"It's a minor class I need, I'm majoring in Physical Education. I'm Stephanie, by the way" she replied and reached out her hand. "I'm Adriane" I replied and shook her hands. "Come by this afternoon around 4PM, our tryouts are during weekends but our coach will be here. I already mentioned you to her, our team will be happy to have you" she continued to speak, then I saw our professor entering the room. "I'll think about it" my short reply to her offer.

Classes went by so fast for today, I only have one class with Stephanie and she asked me again to go to the gym this afternoon before we parted ways. I am still undecided whether to join the team, I mean - my work, studies and sports might be a lot and Margaret would definitely choke me to death if she sees Ella crying because I don't spend time with her. I checked my phone and received a text message from Ella.

"I'll be there around 5PM, I'll be out of work for the next few days so I need to make sure everything is settled before I leave."

My class ends at 4PM, I still have time to check the basketball team before Ella gets here then decide from there. I went to my last class for today which is a 3 hour long class about Abnormal Psychology. 

I went to the gym after class and as soon as I entered the gym I heard Stephanie "Alright! you came! I thought you'll never show up" 

"It's not yet the tryouts right? I'm still thinking about it but maybe if I speak with your coach it can help me decide" I responded to her. "That's cool, she's right there" she pointed to the person near the benches wearing a blue track jacket matching her jogging pants holding a clipboard. 

She's about as tall as me, has short dark brown hair and the sides are shaved thinly showing her scalp and has two piercings on her right ear. Just by looking at her, I know she's a stud like me - my gay radar is perfectly working. 

I walked towards her "Hi, I'm Adriane. I'm thinking about joining the basketball team, Stephanie said you're their coach" I reached out my hand to hers "Hey there! I heard about you. The team said you kicked my star player's ass when you visited here. I am looking forward to meet you and have you on my team. I'm their head-coach, my name's Amber" she replied and shook my hands.

*****

Ella's POV

After thanksgiving, I thought about moving back to my apartment. I told my mom about it and as expected she's excited to pack my things and take it back to my apartment - I should feel offended but I know she just wants me to continue living my own life. Since Adriane came into my life, I've always wanted to live with her. 

For the past few days I have been moving my stuff back to my old apartment and even asked Julia to help me out in fixing it. I tried my best not to meet with Adriane while I was hiding this surprise cause I know she'll notice it when I'm lying. 

Today, I'll pick her up from the university and take her to my apartment and ask her to move in with me. I know it's too soon but I've never wanted anyone in my life like this. Adriane is different from my previous partners, she gives me emotions I have never felt before. Julia and my mom were really supportive about it, they both said that it's about time for me to be in-love again.

I parked my car near the gym and saw Adriane stepping out as soon as I placed the gear on Park. She said that she went there to talk with the head-coach about joining the basketball team but she's still not decided if she'll continue. I don't want to stop her from what she wants but work + studies + sports are just a lot and I'm scared of her not spending time with me. That's new - I suddenly realized, usually I am the one not spending enough time with my partner, now I am on a whole new different position. I'm the one who's afraid that my partner will not spend time with me. This "Adriane roller coaster ride"  is really making my world upside down.

"Hey, love. How's your day?" I asked as I placed a kiss on her lips "Not too bad, 1 minor and 2 major subjects packed for today. I still managed to survive" she replied slightly laughing. "So where are we going? It's unusual for you to pick me up, I know you're up to something" I knew she would sense it, that's why I decided not to see her while I was keeping the secret cause she would have definitely found out even before I could pull off the surprise. 

"It's a secret and I want you to put this on" I handed a blindfold over to her "Oooh, I like this. Are we going to a place with a lot of girls dancing around in their lingeries?" she joked and I elbowed her shoulders. She may act shy around others but she's really naughty when she's with me, a side of her that I know I am the only one who can see. 

"Just put it on and behave" I commanded her. I drove towards my apartment, Adriane still trying to guess where we are going. It's just about 10 minutes drive from the university to my old apartment, I parked and helped her out of the car. "Can I take this off now?" she said trying her best not to trip on the stairs. "Not yet, we're almost there" I said. "I swear! If you take off this blindfold and I see a lot of frogs around me I'll run the hell away from you!" she threatened and I felt her hands gripping me tight. Adriane's deadly scared of frogs and I always tease her about it.

"You just need to trust me. Now, stop here" I positioned her in front of my apartment door and opened it. Then, I slowly removed her blindfold. I let her eyes adjust to the light as she slowly opened them. "Welcome to our new home. P-Please...move in.. with me?" she read the banner aloud and looked at me. "Are you serious? You want me to live with you?" she stupidly asked. 

"Of course, are you surprised?" I asked, then she suddenly grabbed me by my legs and lifted me from the ground. "Adriane! Put me down!" I screamed as she continue to twirl both of us going to the living room. "I definitely want to be with you, always" she said still holding me up from the ground. I leaned down to her face and gave her a passionate kiss. 

"Well, maybe I should go now? I don't want to witness a live porn show" Julia said as she emerged from one of the rooms. I totally forgot she's still here, she stayed while I picked up Adriane to get some rest, she's been helping me out with the apartment for the past couple of days. Adriane smiled at her and put me down the ground. 

Julia grabbed her bag and I hugged her "Thank you for helping me set this up" I said. She smiled back at me and walked towards Adriane and looked at her with all seriousness. "Treat her right, I'll be the first one to hunt you down if you make her cry" she threatened Adriane. I looked at Adriane and instead of seeing a frightened face, I saw her smiling "I will, she means much more to me. More than you can imagine" she then looked at me and made that gorgeous smile I've always loved.

Julia left and Adriane decided that she'll stay with me starting tonight. She said she doesn't want to leave me alone in this apartment even for just one night. I didn't want to rush her to move in with me but that made me happy. She went out to go to Andrea's house and grab some of her things, also to let her sister know that she'll be moving in with me. She said her sister would definitely agree, cause it's much closer to the university and she said Andrea have always wanted her to have a new girlfriend - much like my mom I guess. Adriane and I haven't really talked about our past, but I guess what we have right now is more important than what happened to us.

I browsed my phone to look for recipes, I plan to cook dinner for Adriane tonight. I'm really bad at cooking but I want to take care of her. I decided to cook a simple dish for our dinner, spaghetti and meatballs. I suppose I cannot screw this up, right? Or so I thought. 

*****

Andrea's POV

Adriane came home driving Ella's car, "What are you up to? You took the bus to go to the university and drove back home Ella's car?" I said to her after I opened the front door. "Sis, I'm moving in with Ella. I'm just here to grab some things, I'll be back for my other stuff in the next couple of days" she replied with a big smile. 

I didn't had the chance to react, it was so sudden. She went to her room, grabbed her gym bag and stuffed it with her clothes. "Addie!" I heard Lyle screamed and ran towards her as soon as he saw her aunt. 

"Hey little buddy!" Adriane grabbed Lyle and threw him up in the air. "Addie going?" my son asked her. "Yeah, I'll stay with Eya. Don't worry, I'll make sure to see you every week and we'll get chocolates!" she promised Lyle.

"No chocolates! Now go to your room, Lyle. Addie needs to pack her things" I ordered my son and he ran up to his room. "You sure about this? I mean, I'm not against it or what, I'm happy that you have a new girlfriend now but it just seems so fast don't you think?" I asked Adriane. 

"Maybe? But don't you think it's been a while since I gave anyone a chance? I am giving this love a chance, who knows maybe she's the one" Adriane said with a smile on her face. 

I am happy for both of them, it just concerns me a lot because my sister always gives her all when it comes to love. I don't want to see her suffer again, I maybe always treating her harshly but it's just my way to show my concern. 

"Okay, if you're decided then I won't get in your way. But if ever she hurts you, I promise that I'll slap that face so hard she'll forget she was even born. Even if she's Lyle's therapist" Adriane chuckled, maybe she thought I was joking - no I am not.

Adriane left the house with a gym bag full of her clothes, Lyle gave him a tight hug before leaving. As soon as Larry came back from work I told him that Adriane will be staying with Ella moving forward. He's happy for my sister, I always talk to him about Adriane and he knows what she went through. Larry said she deserves to be happy and I agree with him. 

I sent a message through sss to my mom and told her that Adriane will be living with her new girlfriend from now. My mom and dad are still staying in the Philippines with our other relatives, so it's either  we video chat them or just send  a message through social media. 

I was surprised when I received a response from my mom as soon as I sent the message.

"I hope she won't hurt Adriane. I told your dad and he's worried, he asked you to check Adriane once in a while even  she's not living with you anymore. Also, her ex-girlfriend sent me a message a few days ago. She's asking about Adriane."

What the hell?! I shouted causing Larry to look at me. I told my mom not to respond to that girl and don't ever tell her where Adriane is or even her social media account. That stupid girl still has the guts to reach out to my family after everything she did. I need a drink! I told Larry and he immediately grabbed one for me and him.