Chapter Nine

I leaned my head against my locker, feeling absolutely defeated. I felt a presence next to me and I didn't bother looking up, knowing it was Tori.

"I can't believe everything that has happened today. First, when we got in that fight with Stacey, then the Coke getting poured on me and then I had to wear these clothes; and finally, Stacey tried to fight with me again over clothes. People will get suspicious if the year continues like this," I complained with tears threatening to spill out. My head felt like it was going to explode from all the stress I was currently feeling.

"Awe, it's fine, babe. Don't worry, it's almost Friday and soon enough we'll be on our way to New York to get away from everything and everyone. Tomorrow starts a new and exciting fashion adventure." She shook my arms, forcing me to look at her. “People are going to forget all about everything by next week. Now, about the clothes part, I already told you, you're fine. And about Stacey, she won't ever forget what happened today, but that's Stacey, it won't last long before she will find some other person to pick on for a while. Now, shut up and be excited for New York!" 

I looked at her with absolute awe. This girl doesn't fail to amaze me. "Thanks, Tori. I definitely needed that," I said, hugging her.

"I know," Tori said, shrugging with a smile on her lips. She was about to add something, but was cut off by my phone ringing. Really loudly, I may add,

"Hello," I said, my face red as a tomato from my phone going off playing “The Year 3000” by Busted.

"Hey, babe," a husky voice said from the other side of the phone.

"Who is this?" I asked, confused, as my eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

"Wow, I'm hurt you don't remember me," the husky voice replied with a teasing tone clear in his voice.

"Listen, I don't care who the he—"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down, Angel," the voice said and I paused. There was only one person who calls me Angel.

"Damien?" I questioned in a small voice.

"Yeah, babe, it's me," Damien said, and I broke into a huge smile.

"Oh, my gosh," I mumbled, my body feeling numb. "It can't be,” I said, shaking my head. "You scared the hell out of me." Tears slowly started to fill my eyes. 

Tori quietly led me to the bathroom.

"Yeah, it's me, Cloves. I'm back in town and this time I'm not leaving so soon," Damien said, and I felt my body shake from the thought of seeing him again.

"Oh, my gosh," I mumbled again. "Hold on, I just need to process this." I let the line fall silent. "So, you're out of the National Guard?  For good? And you're alive?" I questioned.

"For the time being, I'm out on a short break they’re giving me to visit my family and friends before I go back to training for the next several months. And yes, obviously I am alive." he chuckled. "I didn't go to war or anything, but it's cute that you worry."

"Where are you?" I demanded.

"I'm about to get on a plane and when I get home, I'm going to have my own house. So, I won't live a street over anymore, but it's only a few streets away," he said.

"As soon as you get your ass back here you better come visit me and we are catching up. I've missed you," I said, smiling so huge people probably thought I’d gone crazy.

"Of course, I will come see you, Angel. I should be home by midnight tonight," he confirmed and I felt disappointment fill my heart knowing I probably wouldn't see him till tomorrow now.

Hearing my silence, he continued, "If you're still up, I will swing by and maybe we can get some coffee. Is that twenty-four/seven coffee shop still open on the corner of town?"

"Yeah, it's still there. Make sure to call me when you step foot in this airport!" I demanded.

"I promise I will. Now, I have to go, the plane’s about to take off. I'll see you soon, okay?"

My cheeks hurt from the sincerity in my smile but I couldn't get it to disappear even if I tried. "Okay," I replied.

"Bye, Angel," Damien said before the line went dead.

"What was that all about?" Tori questioned.

"He's coming back," I said happily.

"Is he who I think he is?" Tori questioned and I nodded.

"It's been like a year," she said with wide eyes.

"He's still alive and he's coming back," I said as we released our hug. I didn't know much about the military, but after boot camp, they forced him to go to another state for training. I was completely devastated when he left. Damien was like a best friend, someone I've always been completely in love with. He was like my imaginary prince that a girl in a tower waits for. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but he always did have a soft spot in my heart.

"This is amazing," she exclaimed.

"I wonder how he looks like now. Or how his hair looks. Does he have a six-pack still? Does he have a girlfriend? Is he single? Is he injured? Did he lose an eye?" I rambled but Tori interrupted.

"I'm sure he is fine and not injured. He most likely still has his eyes. The boy is probably fit as hell. Girl, I can only imagine those arms." Tori grinned and my smile widened.

"He's really coming home?" I asked softly, looking at my soft blue eyes in the mirror. Those eyes held every secret I can hold and with one look into them, Damien would know every single one.

"Damien is coming home."