Page 50 of Imbalanced Minds

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Iris

Hey, me again! So, my life has become pretty crazy over the last month or two. So much has happened I’ve lost count. Shit just doesn’t go away!

I’ll just admit it, I suffer from depression. It’s such an ugly word, suffer, but it’s exactly how it makes you feel. Like you’re suffering. At least it’s my version. I’d even go to the length and say it’s suffocating. I always thought of it as a curse. How does it even become? I mean I know it’s to do with a chemical imbalance in the brain blah blah blah but seriously, it fucking sucks. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if this ‘disease’ never existed? I do—all the damn time! I always think about the whys and what-ifs, probably more than I should too. But seriously, when you’re so down, don’t you wish there was something to bring you back up and erase all that is numb and all that is damaging to your soul? Once again—I do.

I’ve been through some pretty hard times in my life. I never really speak out about any of them, not unless it’s due to Nat bringing me out of the dark hole. Even then, it’s the brief version. I owe a lot to that girl. She’s been the most amazing best friend to me, more like a sister and for that, I’m actually okay with her and Justin being together; I can’t wait until I can actually call her that—my sister.

I probably shouldn’t keep secrets either. I’ll be in the shit if anyone finds out. Oh-well.

For now, I’ll leave you with this little pick me up.

Love no matter how hard, smile no matter how shy and speak up no matter the obstacle.

I should lead by example.

Be back soon,

Iris x

I put my journal away, deciding to deal with that input later. That’s definitely one to burn. Maybe I should get rid of all the others I’ve recently kept, too. I become lost in thought as I gather them all together, going over how my life has changed.

I think I’ve made the right choice by asking Cory to move in. It felt right at the time and still does. I suppose I shouldn’t worry now because he said yes.

Things are moving pretty fast for us, but with everything else happening it’s hard not to. I did want this, and still do like nothing else. After all the things we’ve discussed—about our pasts and our current uphill struggle—I couldn’t be without him. Not now. Taking things slow is a hard feat so we’re making our own pace.

Cory should be home from work soon, he sent me a message saying he was on his way. Hopefully, he’s had a good day and we can both relax; I sure need to. Work for me today was tiring. Dad had a bunch of paperwork to go through and to top it off, there’s a bachelor party coming in next week which means I was head down with Dad helping to get that ready.

Keys in the door alert me Cory’s finally home, and I’m super excited to see him. I slide off the couch and run to him, throwing my arms around his neck and giving him a welcome home kiss, he won’t forget.

He’s so warm and welcoming. I love the softness of his lips. The hardness but warmth of his body pressed against mine and the searing inferno that runs through my body.

“Good to see you too, Angel. That was quite the welcome.” He gives me that smirk that weakens my knees and I can’t resist kissing him again.

“Mmm, that was good,” I say incoherently. This man makes me dumb. Must be all that maleness.

“Hey, Iris, wanna go grab some take-out and head to my place? I came straight here after work, so I have no spare clothes. I thought you might like to come help me?” Cory asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s up to something. I go along with it anyway; a girl needs to eat, and I’ve only been to his house once before, but we were that invested in each other I never took the time to appreciate it. Going to his place is a no brainer. “Sure. I’ll grab my purse and we can get going.”

I knew it! The cheeky fucker raised his eyebrows in surprise. He is up to something.

—

“Wow, this place is gorgeous. Cory, it’s beautiful.” I’m totally mesmerised by his stunning modern house; I look around with my mouth open like a fish. As I walk past the entryway, I’m seeing the open plan living in new light. The dining and kitchen (a huge kitchen) with stunning dark marble-topped counters and matching island scream man cave. Now that I notice it, the interior is painted mostly dark greys or black. The appliances and small amount of décor are the only touches of colour I can see.

I stand frozen in the middle of it all. His house—no, his home—is stylishly simple with its exposed concrete flooring, black leather furniture and minimal personal touches. It’s a man cave alright, but it screams elegance. I turn and find Cory staring at me.

“Glad you like it, Angel.” He says, watching me in awe. I ask him again why I’ve never been here longer than a hook-up because this is so much better than my apartment.

“Um, I’m not actually sure. Aside from that one time, I always seem to end up at your place or Justin’s. Never really thought much about it.”

“Well, you should have, holy cow. Seriously, baby, this place is breath-taking.”

He comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, rests his chin on my shoulder and whispers into my ear. “Move in with me, Angel.”

Amazed by this whole conversation, my whole body turns in his embrace so I can look up at him.

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