April , 2008
Atlanta Georgia
Joe knew that his college days were dwindling down and he had high hopes of playing in the NFL , but even one month after seeing Harlee again he could still feel her lips against his . He truly believed that she felt their bond and that was the only thing that lead to their kiss . Joe walked towards his mirror and removed his shirt just after letting his hair loose , he decided to check his phone and saw a missed called from Matt . " I wonder what he wants " he picked up his phone but was interrupted by a knock on his door . " Come on now who is knocking on my damn door ? " he put his phone into his pocket and went to see who was there .
" Amaris ? hey " he ran his fingers through his hair and half smiled at her " What's going on Joe … I just figured I see how you were doing " she shrugged " I'm aight , just alot of shit on my mind . You wanna come in ? " he asked " Did you have to ask me such a thing " she giggled and made her way inside of his dorm " All alone today I see " she looked around and admired his room " Yeah , I promised I'd meet the guys later on . I just wanted to avoid the chaos at the bar , I'll get there when I know it's cleared out " he picked up a bottle of whiskey sitting on his dresser and poured a shot for himself " You want some ? " he offered Amaris " I'm good sweetie thank you … " she raised her arm .
Joe took a much needed shot and cracked his neck afterwards " I had no idea you were related to a wrestler … I mean you are practically royalty " she leaned back on the bed . " Well it was never a secret , if people ask me I'm honest about it. But I don't want my lineage to drive the bulk of everything that happens in my life you feel me ? " he took a deep breath and leaned up against the dresser . " I hear you " she stood and approached him .
Joe was still longing for Harlee and missed her a great deal , but at the end of the day he was still a young man with an intense drive . It hurt him but the fact was that Harlee was just not an option at the moment and if by some chance she did end up with Alfonse , he would have to let the future take it's course as much as it hurt him to do such a thing. " You bored ? " he chuckled " … Can we just skip this small talk and get straight to it ? " she smirked and wrapped her arms around him " Big boy ? "
Joe took her was it into his hands and licked his lips " What you got for me ? " he smirked and trailed his hands to her rear end " Just wait and see …. "
New Orleans , Lousiana
Harlee sat in the passengers seat of Alfonse's vehicle , they had spent a day in his hometown where he had a few shoots to do as well as media appearances . Pretending as if he never threatened her was truly difficult , where was her backbone ? was she that desperate for financial assistance ? " Sorry for dragging you all around New Orleans , I wish that I had time to take you dancing " he chuckled as she remained silent " But I think you will enjoy our next trip … we are off to Atlanta , Georgia . Oh yes … your professionalism will be tested my sweet " he turned to her and quickly caressed her cheek . She felt herself cringe and remained in silence , she had absolutely no idea how to react to the way she was being treated . " …. I am giving away another scholarship and of course Joe will be there … don't you want to see him again ? " Harlee took a deep breath and folded her hands into her lap , what was the meaning of all of this ? " … Alfonse … I don't understand … " her reaction angered him and he cut her off " I knew you would respond once I mentioned his name . So now we are going to play a game Harlee , if you dare interact with him for any reason other than getting me good publicity I promise to make your life a living hell … and I don't want to do that to a beautiful girl like you " his tone sounded almost demonic and she was truly terrified . Alfonse behavior made absolutely no sense to her and she had no idea where to begin trying to escape , she wondered if anyone would believe her against him considering how much fame and power he had . She looked outside of the window and began to cry due to the trouble she had gotten herself into , she dug her nails into her skin and felt ill on the inside , she thought cutting ties with her uncle made her strong but she was in for a world of trouble .
Harlee felt something gushing inside of her nostrils , she hadn't had allergies at all and the fluids inside seemed to be rushing . " Crap " she said to herself and began digging into her purse " What are you doing ? " Alfonse asked " My nose , I need something " she turned her head away and held her nose to try and avoid ruining her dress and making mess in the vehicle . Alfonse got frustrated and pulled over at the nearest corner .
" …. Are you bleeding ? " he yanked her wrist to make sure there was blood on her hands " Ouch … Alfonse… please " she cried out . Alfonse smirked and squeezed tighter , his grip was unexpected due to his slender physique " You are hurting me …. Alfonse stop it … " she tried pulling away only for him to slam her hand against the metal area of his hand break . The pain she felt wouldn't even allow her to release a proper scream , she held her head down in embarrassment and hurt " … Why are you doing this me ? " she sobbed. Alfonse slowly released her and leaned back , he tapped his knees and began stroking his chin " Oh Harlee … I'm protecting you … " he chuckled and grabbed a tissue as Harlee remained frightened . " Come here little lady …. " he took her chin and forced her to face him " That blood does your lovely face no favors … now sit still " her body was shaking and her face was drenched in her own tears as he cleaned her off . " All better now … and I'm sorry about your hand " he gently lifted her arm that he bruised and placed a soft kiss on her hand.
Flashback
December 2001
Chicago , IL
Celeste had just finished preparing dinner for Harlee , a few months had passed since the accident and she was fortunate enough to wake up from her coma . As she was preparing to place the dish on the tray she heard a crush in the living room " Oh my god " she quickly flew through the door of the kitchen and into the living room " Harlee ? " she called out in panic mode . She spotted Harlee next to a broken vase on the floor , she was on her knees and holding her nose " Oh my god , sweetie " she ran over and immediately took her into her arms " It's okay mommy is her " Harlee just rested against her chest and removed her hand from her face . Celeste took her wrist and noticed blood in the palm of her hand " Oh god not again " she shook her head . " I'm sorry … I'm bleeding again … all I wanted was some ice cream . "
Celeste tried her best not to cry infront of Harlee , but it was painful to see her daughter in such a sad state " Come on sweetheart , you need to lay back down . Come on over to the couch " she helped Harlee get on her feet and lead her to the couch " Come on " she lifted her legs and helped her become comfortable " Thank you … mom … " she rested her head on the pillow and turned on her side as Celeste grabbed a clothe and held it against her nose . The nosebleeds had slowed down since October but they still made Celeste very paranoid . The holiday decor and lights did nothing for Celeste , she almost didn't want to celebrate Christmas but she knew how much Harlee loved the holiday and hoped it would help her somewhat.
" I'm really hungry now … is there anything to eat ? " Harlee asked " Yes sweetie , I just need you to stay put " she caressed Harlee's face and smiled . Now on her own , Harlee found herself watching a wrestling program on the television as she awaited her meal.
The next chapter will take place on the ground of Georgia Tech and things get truly chaotic from there , but not for long
