It has been a long ass month.
Tyler hasn't let up with his phone calls, and I think he's actually been following me.
I tried not to let it get to me.
I won't let him control my life.
I won't let anyone do that to me.
I pulled up to my apartment complex and got out of my car, making sure to lock my car before I walked up the stairs.
I was almost to my door when I saw something on the doorstep.
I walked slowly over and saw a big bouquet of red roses.
I looked around quickly, trying to see if Tyler was anywhere around.
"Stupid son of a bitch." I growled.
I picked up the roses and opened my door.
I closed the door quickly and locked it along with the dead bolt.
I turned on the lights and threw the roses in the garbage can.
My phone rang and I rummaged through my purse looking for it.
I snapped it open.
"Hello." I said in a tired voice.
"You sound tired babe." Brian said.
"Hey baby." I said, my voice instantly turning light.
"How was your day?" He asked me.
"Long. I have to get used to the nine to five thing." I told him.
He chuckled.
"I miss you so much Cynthia." He told me.
"I miss you too. Can't wait for you to get home." I said.
"Me either." Brian murmured.
I heard a knock at my door.
My eyes widened.
"Who's that?" Brian asked.
"I don't know. I'm gonna check." I told him.
He stayed quiet and I went over to the door, checking through the peep hole.
Someone was blocking it with their finger so I couldn't see them.
"Goddammit." I cursed.
I opened the door and my phone fell to the floor.
I threw myself into Brian's arms, breathing in his scent and squeezing him tightly.
"I love you." I murmured over and over as I pressed kisses to his face.
"I love you too. I'm sorry I was gone for so long." Brian said.
"It's okay." I said, my voice getting thick with emotion.
My eyes started filling with tears that I couldn't hold back.
I had no idea why I was reacting this way.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Brian asked me as he pulled away and cupped my face.
"I just missed you, so much." I chocked between tears.
"I'm here now baby." He said.
I couldn't explain the relief I felt, just having his arms around me.
I felt safe again.
Felt like nothing could hurt me.
I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck, not wanting to let him go again.
He picked me up and moved us in to the apartment, shutting the door behind us.
He took us over to the couch and cradled me in his arms.
"Did you get the roses I sent you?" He asked me.
I looked up at him with a shocked tone.
"Of course it was me. Who else would it have been?" Brian said.
"I, just-- well,--" I stuttered.
"What's going on Cynthia?" Brian asked me.
"I don't really know who to explain it." I told him honestly.
"Why don't you start from the beginning." He suggested.
"Two months ago, Tyler contacted me at work. He kept telling me that he loved and missed me. That we belong together and nothing is going to keep us apart. Not even you. He's been calling me non stop, at work and on my cell phone. He's gone completely crazy. His calls have been getting worse and worse and I actually think he's been following me the last few days." I told Brian.
I felt Brian's entire body stiffen and he moved me on to the couch and stood up.
He started pacing in front of me, rubbing his hands over his face.
"Why didn't you tell me what was going on?" Brian asked, anger clear in his voice.
"At first I didn't think it was a big deal. Just Tyler being Tyler and trying to get a reaction out of me. When he didn't get one, that's when things started getting worse. I didn't want you to worry and not focus on what you need to do." I said.
He came down to eye level and cupped my face.
"Cynthia, this is a serious thing. There might be something wrong with him. He could've hurt you." Brian said sternly.
"I know. I'm sorry." I said, looking down.
He wrapped his arms around me and held me close.
"I love you. I just don't want anything to happen to you." Brian said in a soft voice.
"You're here now. Nothing bad is going to happen." I told him.
"You're damn right. Because I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." He said in a strong voice.
I laid my head against his chest, knowing Brian would do whatever it takes to keep me safe.
And with that knowledge, I fell asleep in his arms.
