Page 41 of Imbalanced Minds

Chapter Twenty-Two

Iris

It’s been over two months since I danced with Cory at the club, and although I don’t think I’ll ever go back there, we’ve managed to venture out much more low-key since.

I managed to leave his bed, much to both of our dislikes, and get my arse back home. Life with Cor in it is so much better than what I’ve endured in the past. He brought my spark back.

I also went back to work, this time I have full clearance for everything. I think Dad knew all along that something was amiss, however, he’s pretty good at knowing when I should and should not push my physical boundaries.

Mum’s been very supportive too and always checks up on me. She says she can’t have her Petal losing her character, so I often indulge her. Cor and I have messaged every day. He’s so protective of me and if it was anyone else, I’d find it overbearing but I honestly find it comforting. He excites me in ways I never thought possible, and he says I drive him so crazy that he finds it hard to stay away.

At my request, I asked to go slow. After my last serious relationship, the memories and getting my head around everything are still an obstacle I have to face.

Did I mention he gives me the best orgasms? OMG!! He gives me THE BEST orgasms! Like, blow your top off, shooting stars, electrifying orgasms.

We’ve been talking about the future and what we want in life. I told him I want to get better, mentally, before I think about too much else and I also told him I do know he is my forever. He feels the same and it makes me all gooey and love-struck.

I’ve been really good lately that I started taking less happy pills. Okay—antidepressants. The only things to come from my attack were the scars and the nightmares. I seem to have those the most when I’m away from Cory, everything else faded and healed well.

I’m trying really hard not to be a clingy girlfriend too. I don’t want to be what I had escaped from. I’m putting too much pressure on myself to make this relationship work and be perfect, though, I would say we’re more perfectly imperfect. We both have issues of our own to deal with and fight through.

I’ve been spending less time with Nat, namely because she and Justin announced they’re officially moving in together which means she’ll be leaving the apartment. She hasn’t left yet, but she’s been packing and spending most of her time with Jay. I opted to stay here alone instead of finding another roommate. It’d be so weird and almost like I’d be replacing her if I did. I’m so happy for her, she deserves so much happiness, and Justin is good to her. The best, actually. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a ring or even babies soon. Eeep, I’d be an Aunt!! How cool would that be!

I’m pretty happy now. I think I’m on the up and up, can finally leave that rabbit hole where it belongs—in the dark. I’m getting better and I have lots of positivity in my life to help guide me.

I’m content.

I’m grateful.

I’m in love y’all!!

Until next time,

Iris x

I’ve kept using my writing as a coping mechanism to express my feelings, moods or anything that is stuck in my head. It’s always so therapeutic to be honest. I used to light the note on fire, that was always the final fuck you to myself but the last few I’ve kept. Whether I’ve been too careless, or if it’s an unconscious decision, I’m unsure.

As I go to put the pen and paper away, Nat knocks on my door and sticks her head in. “Hey hon, just checking to see if you had any plans?”

I find her behaviour so odd, normally she would barge right in.

“Why…?” I ask, dragging out the word. My instinct tells me she’s up to something mischievous.

“Oh, just thought seeing as we haven’t spent much time together that we could maybe celebrate!” She jumps in the room (in true Nat style) yelling the word celebrate with a bottle of wine in her hand. Not just any bottle though, my favourite bottle of Sauv.

“O.M.G. Nat, you’re such a good bitch! God, I love you.” I jump up off the bed and legitimately tackle her to the ground. We hoot and holler as we try to get off each other, suddenly quietening when we hear a throat clearing.

“As much as I’d love to see two chicks wrestle, I’m not all about watching my girlfriend and sister, so up you get.” Justin comes over and helps us up. While that’s happening Cory walks in.

“Why are you two on the floor?”

“She tackled me then tried wrestling the wine from me,” Nat laughs, while being pulled into Justin’s embrace. Not a moment later Cory is pulling me to his side for a kiss. One that has Justin choking on his own tongue and leaving the room with Nat in tow, making snide remarks.

“Hey, baby girl,” he whispers while peppering me with kisses.

“Hey yourself, big guy,” I sigh.

“Damn, if you keep doing that, I’ll have to kick everyone else out. But apparently, we’re here to celebrate, so celebrate we shall. Oh, and Iris?” he looks at me all serious. “We’ll finish this later. Get dressed, we’re going out.” In a blink of an eye, he’s out of my room and I’m plonking my arse on the bed.

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