Realism Fan Fiction / Romance Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny ❯ Dashed Dreams ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: I own all characters and story ideas. Please respect this and don't steal my work. Thanks!

 

A/N: This is my first creative story and I appreciate any comments and constructive criticism. Thanks for reading!

 

Dashed Dreams

 

I look upon the dark stranger before me. “Who are you?” My voice sounds shaky and my breathing is heavy.

 

“Why do you run from me? We are destined to be together” spoke the darkness.

 

“I don't even know who you are?” I replied.

 

The dark stranger came towards her and wrapped his hand around her throat lifting her off the floor as her white dress dangled on the ground.

 

“I…can't breathe?” I tried to gasp out but soon everything turned black.

 

“Wake me up before you go go. Don't leave me hanging out like a yo yo.” SLAM! I turned off my alarm clock and sat up groggily as if I didn't get any sleep.

 

“Why do I keep having that dream and who is that guy? Oh its way to confusing this early in the morning,” I say aloud to myself as my head hits the pillow again. “Maybe I should just sleep all day.” I turned to my side so I could look out the window, but then I suddenly sat straight up. “Wait. I'm supposed to go house hunting today with Adrian.” I jump out of bed and hurry to the bathroom and take my shower.

 

While getting dressed my mind wanders to our dinner last night and that pause at the doorway. What is this feeling? I feel it whenever I'm with Adrian. It's almost like I…Snap out of it Gwen. Adrian and you are just starting to become really close friends, that's all that's there, or ever will be there. I continue to get dressed in some warm comfortable clothes and then proceeded to do my hair nice.

 

Just a few moments later a cab arrived that I had called once I got out of the shower. During the ride, my mind wandered to the previous night. I just couldn't seem to get Adrian out of my mind as our parting continued to replay itself over and over. I wonder where he will take me to look for places for rent. I just hope I can find a place today that is ready for me to move in soon. I can only take so much continental breakfast mixed with the smell of chlorine.

 

“We're here miss,” the driver said snapping me back to reality. I quickly thanked him and paid the fare. I stood outside the apartment complex for a moment. It looked so different in the daylight. Even warmer and more inviting. I soon hurried up the stairs and to the door that was providing the only object separating Adrian and I from each other. I knocked lightly.

 

No answer.

 

I tried knocking a little louder and there was still no answer. I hope he didn't forget about me coming over. Maybe some last minute deadline came up, but I would think he would at least leave a note or some sort of message.

 

The door suddenly opened revealing Adrian in a baggy t-shirt and jeans with a towel lying on top of his wet head. “Sorry I took so long answering the door. I had just gotten out of the shower and had to throw something on,” he said with a smile as he started to dry his hair with the towel. “Please come in and make yourself comfortable while I finish up getting ready.”

 

I just stared at him as bad thoughts began to creep in my head. Stop it Gwen…you shouldn't be thinking those things about him. I shook my head slightly and proceeded to come in and sit on the couch. Adrian then went off to his room, I presumed, to change and finish up.

 

A few minutes later Adrian came out in his normal attire of a button up black shirt and dark blue jeans with his dark tame less hair. Just by looking at him he reminded me of a mystery. One that you would have to dig deep to find any answer.

 

I cleared my throat to stop staring. “So what location are the places that you have heard about?”

 

“Well they are actually not to far from here,” he said with a smile while grabbing his jacket which signaled it was time to head out.

 

“Oh well lets go check them out then,” I said while following him out the door.

 

“The apartments that I have heard for rent are actually in a great location for you. It's not too far from the hospital either. Kind of in-between here and the hospital. They seemed pretty nice from all I have heard.” He started to describe the apartments to me as we walked. It was a nice day for a walk, not too cold and not extremely hot. The sun was high in the sky and not a cloud was in sight. It was perfect.

 

“Well here we are” he said suddenly stopping in front of the apartment complex.

 

I turned to look towards it. It was almost better than he described. The apartment complex itself had this colonial vibe to it. It wasn't too big so that I would hardly ever get to know anyone, yet not too small to the point that everyone would know my business. The apartment complex itself was fairly new in the aspect that it was just refinished by its owners.

 

We soon made our way up the steps and to the owner's apartment. The couple that owned the place was fairly young and had just recently started a family. They were quite kind and I could tell they truly cared for one another and the place they called home. I grew quite fond of them right away and felt like this was the perfect place for me to start over in. A place that I could call home and truly mean it. After the couple showed Adrian and me the empty apartments we headed back to their place to have some tea and discuss me moving in. I was sold that very day.

 

“So when would you be wanting to move in?” Charlie, the landlord asked as he handed Adrian and I some tea.

 

“As soon as possible,” I replied.

 

“Oh why the rush deary” Linda, the landlord's wife asked while cradling her tiny son in her arms.

 

“Well a lot of things have been going on in my life lately. Some not so good and it kind of left me homeless. I'm just ready for a fresh start so to speak.” I smiled at the happy couple.

 

“Well the soonest you could probably move in would be within a week. That would give us plenty of time to figure out all the paper work and finish cleaning up a bit,” the landlord replied.

 

“That's perfect. So where do I sign?” I smiled and laughed slightly. I felt wonderful inside.

 

“Both of you will have to take these forms and fill them out. You can return them tomorrow if that suites you better.” Linda stated while handing me some forms.

 

As if on cue, Adrian and I both looked at each other and smiled nervously. I blushed slightly and looked back at Linda who seemed to be a bit confused.

 

“Well you see, I am the one that is in need of the apartment. We…us,” I indicated by pointing back and forth between Adrian and myself, “we're not together like that. We're just friends,” I said with a smile.

 

“Oh I'm so sorry. I could have sworn you two were together, but now that I think of it you guys do seem like really close friends,” her face turning beat red in embarrassment.

 

“It's ok miss. I probably would have thought the same if I were in your shoes,” Adrian spoke up to try and help relieve Linda of her unease.

 

After some much long discussion of what was expected of me leasing an apartment there, Adrian and I decided it was time to leave and head back.

“So what do you think of the place?” Adrian asked while walking next to me.

 

“Oh I love it already, it's perfect for me,” I replied looking up towards him with a smile. “Now all I need to do is go back to my place next weekend and get my things and move in.”

 

“Do you need some help with that?” he asked firmly.

 

“Um. Ya I might. I'm not even sure if Drake is still staying there or not. I will probably hire a moving van, but I could use a friend for moral support, if you don't mind that is,” I looked up at him questioningly.

 

“It's no problem. I'm here for you anytime you are in need, whether for support or just a laugh,” he said smiling. “Oh would you like me to walk you back to your hotel? I have some work I need to take care of this afternoon, or I would have loved to have lunch with you,” he said while he stopped walking.

 

“Sure. I wouldn't mind the company,” I smiled.

 

As we started to walk towards the hotel I was staying at, Adrian took my hand in his. I about froze at his touch. It was completely unexpected. Well friends do hold hands, I kept telling my internal self, but it felt like more and my mind didn't seem to care. I seemed to be in my own little world the entire walk to my hotel, since I didn't even notice that we were there.

 

“Well I guess it's time to part ways,” he said while giving me a quick hug. “I'm not sure if you will see me much at the park this week, but just give me a call about when you need me this weekend and I will be there,” he smiled.

 

I gave him another quick hug in thanks. “Thank you so much for your help Adrian. I don't know where I would be without you.”

 

“You would be just fine, even if I wasn't around. Just have faith in yourself. You are stronger than you realize sometimes.” He said as he held me closer.

 

We both pulled away and said our goodbyes. I watched him walk away towards his place and then retreated back to my room with a feeling of happiness that was indescribable.

 

It seemed the last week had gone by so slowly. I only got a chance to talk with Adrian once, even though we ended up talking for hours, I smiled at the thought. It had started off being about getting together to help me move, but of course it turned into a long conversation of randomness, which I have now grown fond of. The rest of the week turned out to be pretty uneventful. Adrian was right about not being at the park at all that week and I also have not seen Drake at all. Maybe he wouldn't even be at the apartment to cause trouble. I can only hope.

Well its now the day of the move and I could hardly wait to see Adrian again. It felt like a lifetime. I never realized how close we had become so quickly, yet I could feel a shift in my feelings towards him. I have not decided in words how I truly felt for him, but I did know my feelings were growing stronger with each passing moment we spent together. I just wonder if it is the same for him.

 

Ring, Ring, Ring. I grabbed my cell phone and answered. “Hello?”

 

“Hey Gwen. I am almost to your place with the moving van right behind me, so I hope you are ready to get packing” Adrian laughed a bit on the phone.

 

“Oh I am more than ready. I'll wait for you guys outside the apartment. I am about there myself.”

 

“Gwen. Just don't go inside by yourself…ok. Just to be on the safe side,” he said with worry evident in his voice.

 

“I won't. I promise you that.” I replied as a slight blush appeared on my cheeks.

 

“Ok I will see you soon. Take care Gwen.”

 

“Ok I shall see you in a little bit,” I replied as we both hung up.

 

It didn't take me much longer to reach the apartment building. I stood outside the complex and stared up at it as memories of my last time here filtered through my mind. The thought of those events made my cheek burn in remembrance. I definitely did not want to go up there alone.

 

“Gwen” came a voice behind me.

 

I jumped slightly and slowly turned around to find Adrian there with the two movers right behind him.

 

“Oh that was faster than I thought,” I said putting on my brave face for Adrian, which he saw right through. He walked up to me and put his arms around me.

 

“It's ok to be scared, you have every reason to hate this place,” he said soothingly.

 

I pull away slightly to look up at his smiling face which brought a smile to mine. “Thank you again Adrian for just being you,” I giggled and wiped away a tear that had made an appearance in my eye.

 

“Well shall we go up then?” he asked

 

“Yes lets” I replied

 

He then took my hand in his as we started to go up to the apartment together, the two mover guys slightly behind as they readied their equipment. As we made are way up the stairs to my apartment a sense of dread encased my body. It felt the same yet different than the last time I walked up these stairs. The last time I had no idea the man that Drake was, but now that I personally got to witness the dark man inside; it terrified me more.

 

We got to the door and knocked. As we waited for an answer I had this feeling of being watched. I looked around and found nothing so I brushed away the feeling. No answer came as we proceeded to knock a couple more times. I grabbed my key and decided that it was safe to go in.

 

We entered together and found no sign of Drake being there. He was obviously still living there since the place was a mess. He never really got into cleaning figuring that was a girl's job. We gathered up what boxes were mine. Thankfully Drake and I were about to move after we were married, so most of our things were already packed. The mover guys came up and started hauling everything that I labeled mine into the van.

 

I headed to Drake's and my room so I could pack up the remainder of my clothes. I had this sick feeling as I stood outside the door way, remembering what I had seen of his affair. I jumped as I felt Adrian place his hand on my shoulder.

 

“Need some help packing up in here,” he said calmly

 

“No. I should do this part myself,” I said placing my own hand on his.

 

“Ok I will finish up packing the kitchen then if you need me just call.”

 

I nodded my head as he went towards the kitchen leaving me to my nightmares within my room. I knew I had to face them alone. I had to be strong. I finally walked inside after a long moment. Looking around, all I felt was cold. It wasn't a place of rest anymore or of happiness. It was an empty, cold, and hurtful room. I started to pack up my suitcase with my clothes, my pace quickening for some reason.

 

“I finished up packing the kitchen and the mover guys are already finished and have started to head to your new home. I will let you finish up here while I give the place a once over.” Adrian smiled from the doorway.

 

“Ok. I shouldn't be much longer.” I stated looking at him over my shoulder.

 

He just smiled and left me to my work as he wandered around the apartment.

 

I hurried up what I was doing and was almost finished when I heard voices coming from the living room. I froze as I heard a crash. Drakes home. I hurried out to the living room and saw Drake and Adrian both full of rage at one another.

 

It didn't take long before Drake noticed me in the hallway and he gave me the most heart wrenching look.

 

“Well look who finally decided to show her pretty little face at my doorstep. Now would you like to explain to this man who I am and get him out of here?” Drake said with a sneer.

 

“Drake I'm not staying here. I…I'm leaving.” I said shakily from the hallway.

 

Adrian looked at me with sadness. He knew how much I didn't want to see Drake, especially here at our once home. He then returned his attention to Drake.

 

“Like hell you are leaving,” Drake said as he started to approach me.

 

Adrian cut him off, “I think it best to leave her alone, if you know what is good for you.”

 

“Who do you think you are? Her night and shining armor? How pathetic.” Drake looked towards me, “I see you need others to fight your own battles these days my dear Gwendolyn.”

 

Drake started to push pass Adrian, but Adrian didn't budge and pushed Drake away. This got Drake's blood boiling as he started to rush towards Adrian. They began to fight as I stood helpless at the entranceway.

 

With one last final shove, Drake ended up pushing Adrian who stumbled and fell back hitting his head on the floor passing out. I screamed in silence at the sight of my dear friend lying helpless on the floor, but Drake didn't bother with him; I was his target.

 

He rushed towards me and grabbed my neck pinning me to the wall. I began to struggle though it was helpless.

 

“So this is how you repay me for all those years I put into our relationship. You leave me for some pansy ass. I told you that you will be marrying me! Maybe I have to help get that through your head,” he stated in a crazed matter as he started touching me with his other hand, feeling my body underneath my shirt, while at the same time tightening his grip on my neck.

 

I couldn't do a thing except look into his eyes with terror as all I saw was emptiness behind them. What had Drake become, I thought to myself as the scene started to go black.

 

Before I passed out from him choking me, I saw Adrian grab Drake from me and pulled him to the ground blocking Drake's path to me.

 

“I suggest running since the cops are going to be here any second,” Adrian stated while dangling his cell phone from his hands.

 

Drake glared at Adrian and decided it was best to leave knowing that Adrian was probably not bluffing. “I will find you Gwen and you will be mine. I will not let you ruin everything that I worked hard for!” he yelled back at us as he hurried out of the apartment.

 

Adrian and I watched as Drake left. Once he was gone and out of our sights, Adrian turned to me and took me in his arms.

 

“I'm so sorry I let him hurt you again,” tears were evident in his voice as he held me tighter, as tight as he could without hurting me.

 

I leaned into his embrace and started to cry, so heavily that I started to sink to the ground. Adrian sat and leaned against the wall, cradling me in his arms, letting my heart leak out through every pore of my body. After a few moments my sobs started to fade and I looked up at Adrian and looked into his compassionate eyes. The eyes that I have begun to fall in love with. He wiped away my lingering tears and just looked down at me. His face leaned closer towards mine as a tingling sensation replaced the fear within my body. Within seconds I could feel his lips brush against mine in the slightest touch, as if asking permission to touch mine; permission that I granted. I leaned up to meet his lips as we shared our first kiss, not fully understanding what it completely meant. Was it the moment that took control, or were true feelings starting to worm through to the surface of our hearts. Whichever it was my mind and body didn't care as they were consumed by his gentle touch.

 

The moment was soon cut short as the cops broke through the doors of the apartment, which startled us both to consciousness. Adrian I could tell became uneasy, as he started to get up while helping me to my own feet. Adrian glanced towards me, a look of confusion dashed in his eyes, but then left as he started to approach the cops explaining everything. I just leaned against the wall, a bit in shock as I could still feel the tingling in my lips from our kiss.

 

The cops ended up asking us many questions and told me it was best to file a restraining order against Drake just in case. They then left Adrian and me to ourselves.

 

“We should head to your new apartment and help with the movers” he said like nothing had just happened. I agreed even though more than anything I just wanted to talk to him and have him hold me once again.

 

For the rest of the evening, Adrian and I hardly talked except for the every now and then question about where I would like certain items to go. It soon was over and Adrian offered to take me back to my hotel room since I still had furniture to purchase before I was officially moved in. The drive was silent and it felt so awkward, like we took a step over the line of our friendship. He didn't even walk me to my room.

Once I was inside my hotel room I crashed on the bed sobbing, not just for what happened with Drake but more so for what had happened with Adrian and I. I feared our friendship was over before it had just begun. I ended up crying myself to sleep for the second time.

 

The next morning I had a voice mail on my cell phone. It was from Adrian as I noted from my caller ID. I listened to it and a tear fell from my eyes as the words lingered in my mind.

 

“We need to talk.”