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Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 23
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If anyone gets confused when I talk about the kitchen having an island and stools, look at the picture above, that's how I picture the kitchen. Obviously with a more 50s aspect to it, but I wanted to give you a better visual (:

2.9k words

(Y/n)'s POV
The sound of a glass clanking against tile pulled me away from my slumber. I opted to ignore it at first, until I heard my Aunt quietly cursing—her voice echoing up the staircase from the kitchen. Curious as to what she's still doing awake, I tossed my blanket off of me, prompting the warm summer night-time air from my open window to softly caress my skin.

I tip-toed out of my room so I wouldn't disturb my father; whose low snores could be heard from down the hall, letting me know that he was still asleep. Wine always knocks him out and causes him to snore, he's a bit of a lightweight.

I went down the stairs as quickly and quietly as I could before entering the kitchen. My Aunt had her back facing me as she stood in front of the sink, the water was running on low. My eyes momentarily drifted to the counter where there was a broken cup laying next to two empty wine bottles.

I know for a fact the adults at the dinner table only finished one together, meaning she drank a whole other one on her own.

"Are you okay?" I asked in a low tone, trying my best not to startle her as I walked closer. I noticed red running down the sink and mixing with the water before disappearing down the drain.

She laughed in embarrassment, avoiding eye contact with me, "I'm fine, I just had a clumsy moment." Her words came out in a slur and I knew she was way past tipsy.

I opened the drawer next to me and pulled out a disinfectant ointment. I had it placed here since my dad has a habit of hurting himself when he cooks, "I don't think you are." I handed her the ointment.

She finally glanced up to meet my gaze and I was now able to see the dark circles under her makeup-less face, as well as her tear stained cheeks and red eyes.
This woman has been through more than she deserves, she's a woman with a heart of gold and that ex of hers took advantage of it for far too long, "Thanks." She smiled sadly, accepting the medication.

I backed away and walked around the island to sit on the stool while she turned the water off and turned around to face me, "You can talk to me about it you know," I offered as I watched her apply the cream to her small wound, then a band-aid, "I know I'm not a wise adult and I probably can't give you the best advice, but I think talking to me is better than drinking your feelings away." I gestured to the empty bottles, "That's not the best solution."

Her eyes noticeably watered as she breathed out a long exhale, then she smiled softly, "You don't need to be an adult to be wise (y/n), you've always been a brilliant girl," She pushed herself off of the counter and walked towards me, before sitting down in the stool next to me and facing my direction. Her elbow was on the island as she rested her head in her hands.

"Well I wasn't awarded the honor of being at the top of my class in third grade for nothing," I joked and to my delight, she laughed.

But her laughter didn't last long, and soon her smile slowly dropped back down to a frown, "I-" She began, and I could see it in her eyes that she was thinking about what to say and how to say it, "I'm not upset about the divorce," She revealed, "I'm actually so grateful that I no longer have to spend my days with that narcissistic ass." She rolled her eyes as she reached forward and brushed her fingers through my hair, pulling it over my shoulders.

"Then why are you so sad?" I asked, mimicking her by resting my elbow and the island and laying my head in my palm.

She dropped her hand down to her own thigh, "Because of how he made me feel for so long drained me and I—" She paused as she quickly wiped a stray tear from under her eyes, "Just make me a promise that you'll never let another boy abuse your heart, you're too pure for that."

I nodded, "Trust me, I learned my lesson the first time," I sighed heavily with an eye roll, "There were so many times I should've left Clovis. So many obvious warning signs that I completely ignored because I was obsessed with the idea of being in love."

Constantly reading romance novels will do that to you.

"Well, you're not the only one to fall for a morons tricks," She got up from stool and stumbled towards the mess she made, attempting to clean it up.

I quickly got up and stopped her, "Don't even think about it," I grabbed her shoulders and spun her around before nudging her towards the stairs, "I'll clean it in the morning, you need to go to bed before you hurt yourself again."

To my surprise, she didn't put up much of a fight and allowed me to lead her up the stairs and to the room that she was staying in with Cal. He was already in the bed, fast asleep and hugging a stuffed animal to his cheek.

"What if I'm not enough for him?" Satine questioned self-consciously in a whisper as she stood over him and gently rubbed his cheek with the back of her hand.

"You're more than enough," I assured her as I pulled her away from him and took her to her own side of the bed.

I felt horrible for her, I knew exactly how she felt. She got her heart broken and now she's questioning her own self-worth. I hate that man for doing this to her - breaking down the strongest woman I have ever known.

But even the strongest have their weaknesses.

I helped her take off her shoes since it seems the alcohol was gaining more control over her and she was giggling almost non-stop, "Shh or you're going to wake up Cal." I chuckled quietly.

"This boy can sleep through a thunder storm," She drunkenly smiled, "I'm sorry you had to see me like this." She apologized, her smile shifting into a sad one.

"Don't apologize, we're family. Family takes care of each other," I pulled her comforter over her. I've had practice taking care of my drunk father when he has one too many on a night he goes out with his friends. And he's a lot less compliant, so this really was no bother to me.

She took a relaxed breath, "I like him you know."

I smiled, "Who? Obi-Wan?" I teased with a push to her shoulder.

She chuckled as she closed her eyes, "I'm talking about Anakin, he seems like a sweet guy and he also seems to really like you."

I tilted my head, "So would you say that you approve?"

She remained quiet for a moment, before fluttering her lashes open once more and locking her gaze with mine, "That depends on what he's keeping to himself."

Confused, I furrowed my brows, "What do you mean?"

"I've dealt with my fair share men in this long life, so it's not very hard for me to tell when they're holding something back. Which he is, I can tell just by the way he looks at you. He's present, but guarded." Her voice began to drift off as she slowly started to fall asleep.

But me being stubborn and wanting to know more about we she has to say. I shook her, causing her eyes to open fully after nearly closing, "Im going to need you to elaborate on that Aunt Satine."

She sighed heavily before speaking in a defeated tone; she was exhausted, "I'm not saying it's something bad (y/n), don't lose your head thinking about it," She raised her brows as she turned on her side and placed her arm under her pillow for comfort, "Just talk to him." She yawned before closing her eyes, "Now go to bed, I love you brat and thank you for bringing me up here. I probably would've had a third bottle if you didn't."

"I love you too Satine." I stood up from the edge of the bed and quietly exited the room, even though that's the last thing I wanted.

I wanted to stay and press more for her opinion, but I just had to remind myself that she's drunk and probably doesn't know what she's saying. But I'm already traumatized from Clovis, so hearing something like this about Anakin was the last thing my paranoid mind needed.

She could be right though, it could be nothing. So I should just go to bed and not overthink.

✦

"Baby, it's three in the morning."I held the house phone to my ear and listened to the sound of Anakin's angelic voice.

So the plan to not overthink didn't go very well, and I needed reassurance, "I know, but I miss you and I want to see you," I spoke softly and I didn't have to see him to know that he was smiling, "Do you think you can you come get me?"

He didn't say anything for a moment, but I could hear him yawning on the other end, "And go where?" He asked curiously.

I thought for a moment before one place came to mind, somewhere I've been dying to go again, "Can we go see the stars?"

"I don't know babe, Obi-Wan will kill me if he sees me trying to leave this late." He groaned, but I can hear it in his voice that it's something he wants to do. He's just worried about the repercussions his brother would bestow upon him.

"Sneak out of your window and walk your motorcycle to the corner before turning it on. I'll do the same and meet you on the corner of my street, by the Orange house." I suggested with hope that he would agree. My dad would be pissed knowing I snuck out this late too, but Anakin is worth the risk.

"And I thought I was the rebel." He chuckled and his tired voice made it sound deeper.

"I can be a rebel too."

"That's hot," He commented and I could practically hear the smirk in his voice, "Alright you've convinced me. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes, don't go outside any earlier than that, I don't want you waiting out there all alone." His voice was caring but stern, and it made my heart skip a beat.

It seems like a silly thing for me to get excited about, but I love that he cares so much about me - everyone wants to be cared for this way.

I had to stop myself from leaping with joy at the fact that he agreed, "Okay, I'll see you soon."

I went to hang up the phone, but his voice stopped me, "Wait." He spoke quickly and I paused to see what he else he wanted to say, "I'll bring snacks, you bring blankets?"

I smiled with a nod, "Sounds like a plan." I agreed before finally hanging up and placing the wired phone back on my nightstand.

My heart was racing due to my nervousness. I was excited to see him, but I was also scared. I just hope that whatever it is he was going to tell me earlier isn't too serious and that my Aunts intuition was clouded by alcohol.

I hopped off the bed and went to my closet, picking out a comfortable outfit that was light in weight due to the warm summer air. Once I changed into the fresh new outfit and grabbed the blankets, I began descending from my window and doing my best not to look down.

I know Anakin said to wait, but I was impatient, and I wanted to quickly get out of here while everyone was still asleep. He doesn't live too far so I know I won't be standing out there for too long.

✦

I spoke too soon.

I was standing at the corner waiting for Anakin, and the darkness around me was eerie. My neighborhood is relatively safe, but as a woman, standing anywhere in the dark, alone, can be quite unsettling.

After about five minutes of me counting the cracks on the sidewalk to ease my nervous mind, a pair of headlights could be seen coming down the street. I paid no attention to it since I knew it wasn't him. Instead, I placed my gaze back to the floor and waited for the sound of his motorcycle.

"Now what is a pretty lady like you doing out here all by yourself?"

I snapped my head up to the voice, and my eyes landed on a young man with piercing green eyes in the drivers side of a Chevy. There was someone in the passenger seat as well, but the darkness hid their identity from me, "Just waiting for someone." I answered and quickly looked away.

"Would you like us to wait with you?" He offered kindly, but his tone felt off, "Being out here alone is far from safe."

"Really I'm okay," I assured him, "He'll be here any minute," I looked down the direction his motorcycle should be coming from, "But thank you."

Just then, the passenger door opened and a man got out. He didn't come near me though, he stayed on the other side of the car and had his eyes on me as he rested his arms on top of the car, his body facing my direction, "We insist," He shrugged his shoulder before pointing at me, "You look familiar, you work at the bakery on fifth street don't you?" He tilted his head and his black hair flowed over his blue eyes that shined under the street light.

I'd be lying if I said he wasn't attractive, but there was something else to his appearance, something darker, his demeanor alone felt like a warning.

I swallowed and nodded, "Yes I do." Although at least I hope I still do, I'm not entirely sure anymore thanks to todays events that prompted me to get arrested there. I have to talk to my boss in the morning and see where we stand.

He eyed me up and down while his friend in the drivers side was also watching me with an unsettling smirk, "And you're Anakin's friend?" He asked after me a few moments of silence, "I've noticed him going there to visit you, a lot."

I furrowed my brows, "How do you know Anakin?" And an even better question; how the hell does he know he's been hanging around me? Suddenly I was feeling even more uncomfortable around these men than before. Or maybe I shouldn't call them men, they looked like they're similar in age to me.

His smile widened, and I finally heard the sound of my boyfriends motorcycle and relief instantly washed over my body, "We go way back," He turned his attention to the same noise I was hearing, "And it appears your friend has arrived," He turned his gaze back to me, his sadistic looking smile never faltering, "Have a good night sweetheart, I do hope I get to see you again, and please tell him that Andres said hello." He winked before getting in the car and they sped off just as Anakin arrived.

I power-walked to my boyfriends bike as he came to a stop not too far from me, "Who was that and were they talking to you?" Anakin asked as he took off his helmet and shook his head to free his hair from being stuck to his forehead.

He kissed my cheek as a greeting while I nodded, "Yeah, they said they knew you."

His brows furrowed, "Did you get a name?" He questioned, placing my own personal helmet that he bought for me over my hair and tightening it securely for me.

"Andres." I repeated the name he gave me and Anakin visibly stiffened with a look in his eyes that I've never seen before, "Judging by your reaction I'm guessing you're not friends?" I asked with a raised brow.

"Definitely not friends," He slowly shook his head, before averting his eyes in the direction they took off in, "What the hell are they doing over here," He mumbled under his breath before turning his attention back to me and ushering me to join him on the bike, "Let's get out of here."

I wrapped my arms around from behind after getting in the bike and brought my lips close to his ear, "Are you going to tell me how you know them?"

He nodded with a low sigh that I'm sure he thought I couldn't hear, "Yeah, but I want to move first. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to come back and see me." He roared his motorcycle back to life before speeding off down the street—the complete opposite direction that the car went.

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I missed writing for this story, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter ❤️
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