We arrive back at Blake’s place and head inside. I know I agreed to stay, but I don’t know how long for. I can’t expect Blake to take care of me. We only just met. I don’t know what I will do while here because I don’t have my things.
“Do you want some joggers and a tee to change into?” he asks.
“Um, yeah, please. I may need to sneak back home and get some things since I don’t have any clean clothes or toiletries.” I can’t keep wearing the same clothes or only rinse my mouth with mouthwash.
Though, sneaking home will be easier said than done because Max doesn’t have set hours. They change every day.
“I have a spare toothbrush, and you can borrow my clothes until we sort something out. I don’t want you to risk going back. I could get you some clothes,” he sighs, “But if you would rather have your things, I understand. We can arrange something.”
“I would rather have my things. I just need to try stop by when he isn’t home. I have medication I need.” I whisper.
I am on antidepressants and Naltrexone. Without them, I go to a dark place. I have enough in my bag for tonight and tomorrow morning, but after that, I either need to get them from home or see if I can get a new prescription.
“What kind of medication? Do we need to get it tonight because if so, I will work something out. I don’t want you to miss any.” I can see a look of concern on his face.
“Antidepressants. I take four a day. I have enough for tonight and the morning,” I answer softly. I didn’t want to tell him about Naltrexone because he may know why I have them. I don’t know him well enough to tell him about my addiction issues.
I have been on antidepressants for a couple of years now and Naltrexone only for a few months. If I don’t have them available, that’s when things change. I find other things to replace them, drink and drunks. I try not to touch either of them often because, this time last year, I was dependent on them badly. I took a drug overdose last year. Max took me to the hospital, and I went into rehab for a couple of months, much to his dismay. He hated me being away, but he knew if I didn’t follow the orders I was given, there would be an issue. I haven’t touched drugs since, but I still turn to alcohol sometimes.
Sadly, I have struggled with addiction since I was a teenager.
“Okay. We will get them tomorrow. No, I will get them tomorrow. I have friends too. I will take a couple of them with me and pick up your things. You can write me a list.”
I was thinking about protesting, but with the serious look on his face, I realised there would be no point. He will go, no matter what I say. I could always not give him my address, but somehow, I think he would find a way to make sure I told him. I chose to nod instead.
“And you are sure you have enough to do you?”
“Yes. I promise. Do you want me to show you?” I don’t mean to, but I sound slightly irritated because he had to ask even when I told him I did.
Regret flashes in his eyes, “What, no, of course not. Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you, Chloe.”
“No, it is okay,” I reply, smiling softly at him.
“Come on. I will get you something to change into. What would you like to do tonight? You can go to bed, or we can watch a movie or even go out if you want?” he smiles.
“I am not in the mood to go out, but if you have made plans, I will be fine here alone,” I shrug. I don’t want him changing his plans because of me. He already cancelled them last night.
“No plans tonight. I am sure we can find something to do.” He smiles.
“Yes. We can watch a movie if you like. I am not tired, so no bed quite yet.” It was still quite early.
Blake nods, “Awesome! We can change, find one to watch, and I can microwave some popcorn for us.”
He grabs some clothes, handing them to me. I thank him with a smile and head towards the bathroom.
“What are you in the mood for, movie-wise?” he calls after me before I enter it.
“Something funny, please. Do you have an extra washcloth or wipes I can use?” I wanted to take my make up off because I knew Blake wouldn’t judge me for the marks on my face.
“Yes, you will find one under the sink, along with a toothbrush.” He smiles.
I finally enter the bathroom, stripping down to change. I stand in front of the mirror, removing my makeup; the bruising on my face has gotten worse. I am not surprised, though. I stare at myself for a moment and shake my head. I hate my reflection and the brokenness in my eyes. I felt like crying, but I wouldn’t.
I finish up and head to join Blake. He is sitting at the bottom of his bed, in only a pair of joggers, trying to find something for us to watch. I quickly found myself glancing over him. He is a beautiful man. You can tell he takes care of himself, but he isn’t too muscular, and I notice a couple of tattoos. I quickly divert my attention before he catches me staring. I see a little smile creeping on his lips. Damn it, he did catch me, but thankfully he didn’t say anything regarding it.
“Jump in, angel. Make yourself at home. How about Red notice? Have you seen that? It is an action comedy and good?” he asks.
“No. I haven’t seen many movies. I will need to trust your judgement on this one.” I snicker.
Blake smiles brightly at me, “You will love it, promise.”
I climb into bed, and he sets the movie up for us. He excuses himself to go to the kitchen. I make myself comfortable, enjoying the warmth of the covers around me. I felt relaxed, not having to worry about what will happen next like I do at home.
Blake soon appears with popcorn, cheese puffs and two bottles of water, climbing in next to me.
“Do you want an icepack for your face? It looks sore and swollen,” he sighs, reaching in and gently stroking under my eye.
I wince because even with a soft touch, it still hurts, “No. I will be okay.”
He pulls back, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He sighs.
“It is just a little sensitive. I know you didn’t mean it.”
There is a look of guilt on his face, but there is no need for it, “Honestly, Blake, don’t look so guilty. You did nothing wrong.” I say softly, kissing his cheek.
He nods, smiling sweetly at me before getting himself comfortable too.
Blake glances at me, “Ready to start watching?”
I answer him with a nod, and he hits play, setting the snacks between us. It isn’t something I have experienced, movie nights. I have heard all about them. It will be a new experience for me. I don’t have much free time at home to do much, so it would be nice.