The Bodyguard

Chapter 33 - Anniversary

When I finish work on Saturday, I’m not as excited as I would normally be. I have nothing to do since Gabriel is away.  I plan on having a lazy afternoon with a few movies and maybe some studying.

I arrive home and the whole household seems to be congregated in the kitchen and the noise is deafening. I enter the small, crowded hub to find all my housemates looking at the most enormous and exotic display of flowers I’ve ever seen in my life. Amy catches my eye and a smirk plays on her lips.

“For you,” is all she says.

“For me?” Surely not. It’s not my birthday or Valentine’s or any other holiday that would warrant the sending of such an over the top gift.

I make my way through the crowd to see a white card nestled among the brightly coloured foliage. It says my name and my heart jumps into my throat. It really is for me!

I open the card trying to be discreet, but knowing there’s no way they won’t harass me until I share its contents.

My beautiful Kristen,I’m so sorry I can’t be with you today to celebrate, but I wanted you to know how much I love you. You’ve turned my world upside down in the last month and I wouldn’t change a single thing.  Happy one month anniversary baby.  I’ll be home soon to celebrate with you.All my love,G x

One month anniversary, is he joking?! Who celebrates that? He’s so full on, but I do kind of love it and I show Amy the card as I blush intensely.

“One month anniversary?” Kate yells. “My god he’s got it bad.” She rolls her eyes as she laughs, I know she's only teasing me though so I don't feel annoyed with her.  I'd do the same to her so it's only fair.

“Jeff didn’t even remember our one year anniversary,” Sophia laughs and Jeff scowls.

“If he’s like this after a month, you’ll have a ring on your finger before you graduate!” Kate screams enthusiastically. She loves weddings more than anything and can’t wait to find her future groom.

“Don’t be ridiculous, we’ve only been together a month!” I snap in defence, I’m not getting ahead of myself even if she would in my shoes.

“I’m not sure it’s all that ridiculous actually,” Amy interjects. “Dex said he’s convinced a ring is on the cards not too far down the line. Gabriel has always been intense and with you it’s like it's magnified by around a hundred! That guy is totally gone.”

“I can’t get married! I’m 21 and I’ve known the guy a month. You are all being totally ridiculous.”

I take my flowers and storm upstairs. I’m angry that they are being so nosey, but also a little terrified that there may be an ounce of truth to the conversation. I will have to talk to Gabriel and get him to calm down, although how I can even approach that subject without sounding insane I have no idea.

I text my Mom that Gabriel is happy to meet her and she sends back a party emoji. Whoever taught my Mom to use emojis needs shooting, she’s worse than a teenager.  She replies again this time thankfully emojiless and suggests we have dinner at hers the weekend after next. I tell her I’ll check with Gabriel and get back to her.

I need to message Gabriel anyway to thank him for the over the top flowers that although I think he sent them for a crazy reason, I absolutely love.

Hi, thank you so much for the beautiful flowers, they are just stunning! I was so shocked and they made my day. I can’t believe it’s only been a month as it feels like longer. Mom suggested the weekend after next for dinner at hers, no pressure though. Love and miss you, K xxTen minutes later my phone pings and I see he’s replied.

Just a very small token of my affection my love. You have stolen my heart and you are mine forever. Yes, to dinner with your Mom, that sounds great. Perhaps you could meet my parents next weekend when you come to my place? We won’t do dinner, just a short visit. That ok? G x

A short visit. That sounds bearable so I reply that that’s ok and then get out my notes so I can get my latest assignment over with. I want to get it out of the way so my relaxing evening can begin.

An hour later Amy sticks her head through the door saying something about a bar in town, I’m really not up to going out right now so I decline. She won’t take no for an answer though so within 20 minutes I’ve changed into a simple black dress and I’m being dragged into a cab.

The bar is a student bar, it’s small and inelegant but the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is good.

I sip my bottle of beer, the cheapest drink on the menu and watch the interactions on the dance floor. I’m relieved I don’t have to take part in this meat market any more. It’s quite nice just going out and having fun, not having to worry if I’ll meet someone. Not that I ever really went out with that alone in mind.

My phone vibrates in my bag and it’s a message from Gabriel.

What you up to beautiful? I miss you. G x

I reply:

Amy dragged me to a student bar and I’m having a beer laughing at all the drunk idiots. K xx

Within seconds he responds:

I don’t like you in those places Kristen. Those boys only have one thing on their mind and you aren’t safe there. Please go home and text me when you’re in bed. We can still have fun over the phone...

Fun over the phone sounds interesting, but no kisses and an angry tone have made the stubborn side of me come out fighting.  If there’s one thing that is making me do the opposite of what he’s demanding right now it’s that he used my name, he never does that. He’s mad that I’m in a bar? Well tough. I down my beer and order another plus a shot of some bright green liquid, it looks disgusting but I don’t care right now. He might own my heart but he doesn’t own my life.