Joining Hands: Chapter 1
Nellie's POV
Quite honestly, I'm not the type of person who really digs deep on a regular basis. Attempting to escape what I'm sure I wished had never been, and running away from it all became who I was for a while. When I look at the bigger picture of it all, though, my story doesn't exactly seem to stand out. It's important, I will admit, so I suppose that counts for something. Anyway, I'm probably just nervous for what tomorrow will bring, and as hard as my optimism tries to overpower those negative thoughts, I can't necessarily say that it's a success.
As it's getting pretty late, I decide to change into some comfy basketball shorts and a warm, fuzzy sweatshirt. I had the whole apartment to myself tonight since my roommate, Abraham, went out with a couple friends. I don't mind a quiet night in every once in a while, though. And after lighting a to die for espresso scented candle, I decide to focus on my breathing for a few minutes before bed time, as a relaxation technique.
Just as I let out a subtle exhale, my midnight downtime is instantly interrupted. I glance over at my phone screen, nearly jumping out of my skin to put its crazy, obnoxious buzzing to a stop. That is, until I see that the person ringing for me is actually a very close friend of mine.
"Hey Blake!"
"Nellie! I've missed you so much these days. How have you been?" He responds in his usual chill, yet upbeat tone.
"Good, you?" I ask, and he answers the same.
I let out a slight giggle, "You know it's kind of funny I actually just got a call earlier from this great non-profit organization, and um, they invited me to come in and talk with some kids. I don't really know…"
Blake excitedly chimes in, "Oh hey, I'll be there too! I got the same call earlier. Awesome, right?"
"Oh my gosh, for sure! I can't wait to see you, this will be great."
"Yeah totally, and Shanna and Ali will be there too. I guess they all thought we would relate well with the kids, and you know…" Blake trails off a little, and into what I sense to be a near uncertainty.
"You seem a bit nervous, huh? I mean, no worries though, I'm freaking out over here. I even had to break out the espresso scented candle to calm me down."
Blake and I simultaneously laugh at that, and try to help each other get into the appropriate mindsets for tomorrow. About an hour passes, and we figure it's best to get a substantial amount of rest for tomorrow. I don't have the slightest idea as to what I would have done if Blake hadn't of called me. He even lent me some of his super sexy confidence. That's the thing about Blake; he's always there when you need him the most. He reassured me that I know who I am, and I'm willing to put myself out there in order to make a difference. Of course, it won't be easy. In fact, I envision it to be a repeat of vulnerability week with a twist. That's exactly what Blake was thinking too. I really do like him. I mean, he's so ridiculously close to the absolute definition of perfection that it hurts. And with that fresh in my mind, I doze off, predicting I'll run into Mr. Perfect somewhere in dreamland.