My First Apartment Chapter 19

9 hours later we were home. Tony offered to unload my overloaded car. While I was feeling better, I was still under work restrictions.

When Tony opened the door I was hit with "Surprise!"

There was a Welcome Home banner hanging in my apartment living room. My Dad, Chloe, Dana Bunny were there. Moments later Stan and Charlie showed up.

Did we miss it? Charlie asked.

Only by a few seconds! Chloe said.

I missed you! Charlie said! He lifted me up and kissed me. My legs bent upwards off the floor while he held me in his arms. It felt better than I imagined.

Charlie let me down slowly, his arms still wrapped around me. You're even more beautiful than before! Charlie said.

I missed you too! I said. I kissed his lips softly.

I glanced towards Bunny. She was smiling. Stan had his arms around her. At that moment I knew we were each a couple! I was alright with it!

My Dad hugged me and kissed my forehead. You're more beautiful than your mother! I love you sweetheart, welcome home!

I love you too Dad! I said.

Everyone was happy I was home and in one piece again. No one was happier than I was. Dad had dinner delivered from the Chicken Shack.

We ate dinner by the pool. It was so good to be home. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. It was almost 8 pm when the party broke up. I was exhausted. Charlie rarely left my side. It almost felt a little overprotective. But I wasn't complaining.

My Dad and Charlie had a nice conversation. A few tenants came by and welcomed me back. Bunny and I had a quick and quiet conversation about Charlie and Stan. She was a little worried about things.

Bunny, you're my closest friend, If Stan makes you happy, then be happy! I love you, Bunny!

We kissed with an understanding and supported agreement.

As we were walking back to our places Chloe stopped me.

Come by the office after you drop off your dad at the airport. I have some paperwork to go over with you.

Okay I said!

Detective Perez, needs you to call him too! Tony said.

Okay! No problem. I said.

Dad and I walked back to the apartment.

I was really worried about you, Lana! I'm so sorry I haven't been around more. Things in Europe have been blowing up! I've been busy organizing new offices in Germany, France and Spain.

It's okay Dad! I know how much your new job means to you. You've worked so hard to get where you are. Mom would've wanted you to take the job! I wanted you to take the job. You deserve it.

Thank you, sweetheart.

We settled in my apartment for the night. I made up the couch for Dad.

Lana, I want you to know, I'm very happy for you! You've built a nice life here. You have a wonderful group of friends.

Thanks Dad.

I was a little confused when I heard about your transition. I wasn't as surprised as I thought I would be. You and your mom were always very close. I always saw a lot of your mother in you. I can see you are making the right decision.

Thanks Dad! I was blown away with my dad's acceptance and understanding. I was still a little worried about him and my blossoming relationship with Charlie.

Charlie seems like a nice young man! Dad said.

He's very sweet Dad! He's very brave too! I said.

I heard! He and Stan stopped those guys before things escalated.

The next morning, Dad and I were getting ready to drop him off at the airport. Chloe texted me and offered to drive us. I accepted.

We were on the way to Brown Field International airport. We dropped off my Dad. He thanked Chloe for watching out for me.

Dad and I hugged tightly. He kissed my forehead. I'm very happy for you! I love you sweetheart! I'll be back at Christmas time!

I love you too Dad! I can't wait! I'll make Mom's ribs for dinner! I promised. I stood and watched as my Dad disappeared into the terminal.

Come on, Lana! Chloe called to me.

I got in and we drove away. I had a small tear in my eye.

Everything alright, sweetheart? Chloe said in her caring voice.

I'm alright! I just wished he could have stayed a little longer, that's all.

That's understandable! Take a nap, we have a a few things to do today. We can talk when we get home. Chloe said.

Thanks Chloe! I squeezed her hand and closed my eyes and went to sleep.

I slept for over an hour and a half on the way back. I woke up as Chloe pulled in front of my apartment.

I have to check messages and my emails. Meet me at my office at noon, we'll get lunch! Chloe said.

I'll be there! I said. Thank you!

You're welcome, Lana.

I went back to my place and took an actual inventory of my kitchen. While my place was fairly clean, my refrigerator was in need of purging. I started cleaning it out. I made a mental note to go grocery shopping.

I dumped my old food in the dumpster and headed to the office. Chloe was on the phone. I waited outside quietly as she finished up. I caught myself more than once checking my face. I couldn't believe how much different I looked and yet I still recognized myself.

Let's go girl! Chloe said as she exited the office.

We took her Camaro to Zoups for lunch. We made small talk in the car. I could tell she had more to say. I was a little worried, but her tone was even and friendly.

We got our food from the buffet and sat down in the booth

What's going on? I asked.

I had a chat with property management company. We talked about your assault, and security at the complex.

Am I in trouble? I asked.

No, of course not. You were on the clock when you were attacked. This means you're going to receive workman's compensation and medical coverage for your injuries and treatments.

The Ellington Group, the management company is going to be pressing criminal charges against your attackers. They also want me to assure you that your employment record will not be negatively impacted by this incident.

They have asked me to hire a consultant to improve security for the complex. On your request. They will pay for any legal representation you need, civil or otherwise.

Wow! I wasn't expecting that! I said shocked.

Apparently, The Ellington Group has a lot of connections. I was told to give you this!

Chloe pulled out a large manila envelope. It had the same Ellington Group logo on it with my name Lana Simmons under the logo.

This is the companies contact information and instructions for any assistance you might need. If anything isn't covered by regular insurance, you to contact need to Matt Elgin or Anita Lopez.

Thank you! I said with gratitude.

Don't mention it! Chloe smiled.

When can I get back to work? I asked

After Doctor Hill clears you. Until then, you take it easy and relax.

But I need a paycheck! I said.

For now, you'll answer the phone in the office and assist me. No physical labor. School starts soon and you need your strength.

If you say so! I just don't want to be a burden! I said.

You're not a burden, you're a victim of a violent assault. I've been where you are. I know first hand what you are going through. Trust me! Have I ever let you down? Chloe asked.

Never! I said.

I'm not going to start now, either!

Thank you, Chloe! I mean it! Thanks! I said.

Come on! Detective Perez needs to speak with you!

We drove to the police station. We waited about twenty minutes.

Detective Perez was with Amy Rutherford from the DAs office.

Right this was ladies! Detective Perez said.

We walked into an interview room.

Ms Simmons, we need to go over your statement again. Amy said.. The pre trial hearing is Wednesday. We'd like you to be there! We can give you a ride to and from the hearing.

We went through my recollection three times. They tried tripping me up with different questions trying to get me to change my story or trip me up. It didn't work. I was telling the truth.

Nice job, Lana! Sorry I had to put you through the ringer again. The accused pled not guilty. They claim you antagonized and threatened them. They said you pushed them first and charged at them.

I didn't even see them coming. All I saw was a shadow, next thing I knew I was in the pool! I did kick the man that grabbed my hair from the back of my head in crotch.

He spent two nights in the hospital. Amy said. I smiled when I heard that!

We believe you, Lana! Detective Perez said. We finally have a chance to put these guys away.

I'm happy to help! Do I need a lawyer for Wednesday? Not for the hearing, but if you want to file a civil suit,but wouldn't hurt to get started immediately. I can't imagine how much suffering you have been through. Amy said.

It's been a rough few weeks, I'm not going to lie! I said.

We'll pick you up at 8 am Wednesday morning. Wear something nice, a suit if you have one. Amy said.

I have the perfect one! I said.

Actually I have several thanks to Rianna! I thought to myself.

I'll pick you up 8 on Wednesday, Lana! Get some rest! Detective Perez said.

Chloe took me back to apartment complex. We went into her office. She laid out all my mail for me. I checked my bank account and found I was being paid for my full forty hour weeks while I was gone.

Chloe, why am I still getting paid? Is this a mistake?

No mistake! Mr Elgin insisted you be paid while you recover. You were working on the clock. He didn't think it was right for you to miss out on a paycheck when you were doing your job!

Should I start tomorrow? I asked.

No, you can start on Monday next week. Just rest for now. I'll pick you up for yoga tomorrow night. No aerobics for you until Dr Hill clears you!

Do you mind if I use the front desk to pay my bills?

Sure, whatever you need. Just pick up everything when you're finished.

Thanks Chloe!

I proceeded to start paying my bills. After two hours I was finished.

I called Rianna and told her about what the police and the Prosecutor said.

I'll be there! She said.

I went home and started getting things more organized. I filled the closets in both bedrooms with clothes. My dresser was over stuffed with clothes. I ordered two shoe racks from Amazon for all the shoes. My front closet was stuffed with all different boots she gave me.

I was just about to scrape up something for dinner when my phone rang. It was Charlie! Yay!

Hi Charlie! I said with music in my voice.

Hey Lana! I wanted to know, if you're up to it? Would you like to have dinner with me?

I I'd love too! But can we order in? I'm a little tired. I said.

How's Mexican sound? He asked

Mexican sounds great. No beans or olives for me, please!

No problem! He said. See you at 7?

7 is great! I said.

Now I had to get ready! While I was really tired, I didn't want to go out, but I still had get ready for him. This would be only the second time I have been alone with him. My face was still sore, but it was torrable. The rest of my body was a little weak but not bad.

I took a quick shower and started my makeup and hair routine. I wore my pink leather skirt and my white half-tank top with my white sports bra. I wanted to look casual but sexy for him. I left my makeup light and did my bigger lips in hot glossy pink. I wore sneakers with my lace top ankle socks.

Charlie showed up with two bags of groceries and two containers of takeout food.

I kissed his cheek and tried to take bags.

Relax, Lana! I got it! Just sit!

I'm not helpless. I smiled.

I know you're not! But I did ask you out for dinner!

If you insist! I smiled again. He is too sweet for words.

Charlie put away the groceries and set the table.

He pulled out my chair as I sat at the table. We talked about school and what happened while I was gone. He hooked his leg around mine under the table. He told me that Stan and Bunny were an item now.

He told me that he missed me terribly and apologized for not coming to visit me. I told him I missed him too. I told him how much I loved the Flowers and the beautiful teddy bear he gave me. I told him what Mary and Rianna said about the bear, and how much I loved it.

After dinner he cleaned everything up. We watched TV for a little bit. Before either one of us knew it, we all over each other. Charlie carried me to my bedroom. It felt like second nature to me as we started making love.

His body responded to my touch. I responded with equal excitement. He was very soft and gentle. I gave myself to him for the second time. He made me feel like a real woman. I loved how I felt as we made love. It was two hours of blissful passion.

When he got up to leave I stopped him.

Stay! Please! I said softly. I grabbed his hand gently. I'll make us breakfast! I offered.

Are you sure? I don't want to push you! He said.

I'm very sure! Please! I never got to make you breakfast the last time!

If your sure! He said.

I'm very, very sure! I smiled and pursed my lips.

Charlie got back in bed. I preceded to show Charlie how sure I was! I made certain he was satisfied and exhausted before I cuddled up with him. His muscular body was warm. His arms around me made feel secure. What I have been dreaming about while I recovered came true.