Rising Above *Graveyard*

[Ally3772]

Chapter List:

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One

[Ally3772]

I listened to the buzz of the elevator.

DING!

The doors slid open to reveal an ugly yellow striped wall. On that wall hung a notice board filled with papers tacked to it. I browsed the papers, it was mostly job postings, festivals, and snarky notes between tenants. I gripped the keys nervously in my hand as I reached door number 23, this was mine. I took a deep breath and opened up the door, it was a nice open layout with a black, white, and blue color scheme. All of my things were already here, my parents set everything up for me. The first time I moved away from home I left all my belongings and moved to another city in hopes to find a job. A few months later, here I was, only this time I didn't want to be home. So I got my own apartment and moved back into the city.



I set my bag down next to the shoe rack and walked around the apartment. This was it, I was truly on my own. I grew up in a stable home with a mother and a father who loved me, well most of the time. You see my father wasn't the easiest to get a long with. My mother on the other hand was my best friend. In her eyes I could do no wrong, but in my fathers eyes most of what I did was wrong. I sat down on my bed and slid my shoes off. I thought about the elephant in the room, I believe that is the saying at least. The elephant in the room would be myself however, and that is something I try to keep hidden. I wasn't your normal barbie model, nor was I even skinny, and that is why I disappoint my father. I should mention that my name is Clara, a name that my father picked out ironically. Only I didn't turn out to be the perfect skinny daughter that he had in his imagination.




School was another nightmare. I'll save you from your typical bully story though, but it wasn't pretty. I stood up and walked into the kitchen and opened up the fridge. I grabbed a can of soda before walking to the laptop that my mother bought for me. I needed to find a job, but I needed something I could work from home. I didn't like dealing with people because the first thing they see is my weight and then the whispering starts. I scrolled down the page as I passed several applications, mostly for clerks or food service.

Did you get your present? -M

No? -C

Look under the pillow! <3 -M

I got up from the chair and slipped my hand under the pillow. I pulled out a white box and opened the lid to reveal a tablet. It just wasn't any tablet though, it was the new model of the drawing tablets! You see art has always been my passion, I wasn't the best at it yet, but I was slowly learning.

Oh my god thank you mom! -C

You're welcome sweetie, we're so proud of you. -M

You don't have to lie for him mom. -C

Your father is proud of you C, he loves you. -M

I just looked at the phone and clicked it off.



She means well, but it hurt knowing that she was lying. He probably didn't even know I liked art. I sat back down at the computer and began searching for art jobs, maybe some kind of freelance work was available. Sure enough there was an art job available and it was online! All I had to do was fill out this application with a piece of art to show my talent. I chose one of my better pieces I've done in high school and submitted it with my application. It said that they typically replied within a day so I shut my computer and stood up. I walked outside to check the mail.

"Hey! You must be new!"

I froze in my tracks. This was my nightmare, I knew how this started and ended. I slowly turned around to see a guy standing there.

"Hello, yeah, um, my name is Clara." I stuttered.

"Atticus." He said.

"Unique name." I said, adding an awkward giggle.

"Thanks! Well, it's not the nicest apartment building but for the most part if great. The downstairs neighbors can be a bit loud though." He mentioned.

"Ah, that's fine as long as I can sleep."

"Just bang on the floor, that usually gets them to shut up."

I nodded.

"Well, I'll let you go."



I walked back into my apartment before even checking the mail.

...

It's been about a week since I've moved into the apartment. I ended up getting the job as a freelance artist! Not sure if that is what it was called, but it was close enough. I was still confused at how it paid, but I'm sure it would be fine. Tonight there was a local spice festival and I decided to be brave and venture out of the apartment for once. The weather was nice thankfully as I walked into the court yard. There was tables of food set up neatly with people gathered around. Maybe this wasn't the best idea.

I turned around to go back home.

"Excuse me? Miss?"

Crap.

"Would you like to try some?" A guy with a black hat, brown shirt, and purple gloves asked.

"Uh, well, sure." I nervously said.

I grabbed a small dish and he spooned some food onto my plate. If I hated anything more it was eating in front of anyone. I smiled before taking a bite.

"Oh my!" I gasped.

"Spicy?" He asked.

"Big time." I giggled.

"Here's a glass of milk." He offered.

I took it and smiled.

So maybe spicy food wasn't for me. But that didn't mean that I couldn't enjoy it from a distance!



"Mommy, why is that lady so big?"

"Austin! That isn't nice!"

I watched as the lady escorted her kid away from me, I smiled nervously as I felt the shame sink in a little more. I walked over to the next booth where this guy was playing guitar, he was pretty good at it! I threw a few dollars in the guitar case and clapped when the song ended.



The night ended. I was finally back at the apartment, safe in the four walls.

Mommy why is that lady so big?

Stop it Clara.

But it was hopeless, the words were deposited into the "reasons people hate me" bank. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that they were deposited into the "reasons I hate myself" bank as well. I sighed and crawled into bed, shutting the lights off and laying down. Tomorrow was a new day, and tomorrow I really started working on my art.

Hey guys! So I hope you like the first chapter! I'm breaking out of my comfort zone with this one or at least going to try too! I can't wait to see where this story goes!

[Ally3772]

Dear Clara,

We have a client requesting logos for the upcoming business launch. Down below are the requirements of the clients. Submit the three required for approval to collect payment!

-Llama
-Apple
-Cotton Candy

Pay: $113

Due: Three Days



It wasn't the greatest pay of all but it was at least something. Rent still wasn't due and I wasn't even sure as to when that was due. This apartment only costed about four hundred a month which wasn't that bad for the size of it! I grabbed my tablet and opened up the drawing pad and started getting to work.



How are the paintings going? -M

Great! The pay is not the best yet, but it'll get better! -C

And you're eating your salads? I know you talked about starting that? -M



Yeah! It's been going great! -C

That's awesome sweetie -M

I felt bad for lying to her, and I knew that I should start eating healthier, but I was just struggling with it.

There was a knock on the door.

I stood up from the table and walked over to the door.

"Hi!"

I jumped a little.

"Hello." I said.

"My name is Frankie! I'm your new neighbor!" She introduced.

"Oh, you just moved in?" I asked, walking into the hallway.

"Yeah! Right there!" She said, pointing behind me.

I smiled.

"What's your name?!" She asked.

"C-Clara." I said.

"Nice to meet you!"

She seemed so nice.



The other neighbor Atticus walked out.

"Why are you dressed like that?" He snarled at Frankie.

"Why don't you mind your business?!" Frankie snapped.

I almost laughed. She had spunk.

"Okay, my bad."

He walked right back into his apartment.

I laughed.

"People don't get me." Frankie shrugged.

"Me either." I said sadly.

"Well that's silly of them, you're beautiful."

My eyes widened.

"Uh- Um, would you like to come in?"

"Sure!"



...

"So what's this movie about?" Frankie asked.

We hit it off right away! Normally I did not make friends easily, if at all, but with Frankie it was almost like we knew each other for years.

"Some horror film." I said looking at the case.

The opening scene came onto the screen.

"Always a graveyard!" I giggled.



"Typical everyday horror film." Frankie said.

I nodded.

The movie turned out to be horrible. But we had fun making fun of its horribleness.

"Well, I should get going! I start at the diner tomorrow." Frankie told me.

"The one down the street?" I asked.

"Yeah, not what I'm going for but it's something to start."

"What do you want to be?"

"A cop, my dad was one and I've always looked up to him."

I smiled, "That's nice."

"How about you?"

"I'm a freelance artist." I told her.

"That's awesome! I'd love to see your work sometime!"

I smiled as I closed the door behind her.

My phone rang.

"Hey mom! Yeah, yeah I'm doing okay!" I said.



"I made a friend! Her name is Frankie! She seems great. I'm happy too. Yeah, well goodnight mom!"

She hung up, she missed me and wanted to say goodnight. I sometimes felt bad for leaving her at home with no one but dad to talk too. I picked up my tablet and started working.

"These paintings aren't going to paint themselves." I said, to myself.



Things were slowly starting to pick up pace!

Nothing to do tonight so there will probably be at least one more chapter later!

[Ally3772]

What are you doing tonight? -F

Chilling at the apartment. -C

Wanna hang out? -F

Maybe after my nap, kind of a rough day. -C

What happened? -F

I don't want to talk about it, I'll be fine. -C

C, come on, talk to me. -F

I just looked at my phone before putting it down. I was in no mood to deal with anything at the moment. I laid on the bed and closed my eyes ignoring the pain in my chest.

I decided to go out for a walk. I heard a few snarky comments, but I was able to shake them off and continue on. Until I fell, in front of at least twenty people. I was suddenly back to high school where everyone stood in a circle and laughed at me. Not a single person helped me up, I went into the bathroom of a coffee shop where I called home. Mom was able to calm me down until dad mentioned that if I lost weight maybe it wouldn't be so hard for me. So I hung up and now I was here, in bed, wanting to forget the world.



"Clara?"

I had only been laying down for five minutes.

"Clara?" Frankie said through the door.

"Go away!" I said.

But Frankie being Frankie ignored that and the next thing I knew she was laying in bed across from me.

"Now you've only known me for a short amount of time, but you know that I don't listen very well." She said.

I smiled a little.

"You going to tell me what happened?" She asked.

I looked at her.

She just looked at me back.

"I fell, in front of twenty people who, instead of helping me up, laughed at me." I said, looking down.

"Why didn't you call me?" She asked.

"I didn't want anyone else to see me." I told her.

"Look, I could care less about how you look, you are beautiful either way, but if you are unhappy then maybe you should change it."

"I don't know how."

"Well, thankfully you have me." She smiled and booped my nose.

...

"Are you sure about this?" I asked.

"Come on!" Frankie said, dragging me by the hand.

We were at the local gym.

"There's people here." I groaned.

"Yes, typically there are at a gym." She giggled.

We went over to the machines.

"You start with the treadmill and I'll work on my skinny arms." She told me.




It didn't take long for my body to feel like it was dying.

"Alright, break time." Frankie said.

"Good, I wanna sit down." I said.

"Oh no, we're going to play some basketball." She said.

"But that requires moving and I'd rather just go die on that bench right there."

She snorted and grabbed me by the hand.

"Let's see what you got!"

I grabbed a ball.



"That's how you throw?" She giggled.

"Hey! What's wrong with it?!" I asked.

"You throw like a girl!"

"Because I am?"

She laughed.

"Well then let's see what you got big shot!" I huffed.



"Nothing but net!" She said as the ball swooshed into the net.

"Show off." I rolled my eyes.

...

"REJECTED?!"

I gaped at my phone. It had been the first time anything of mine had been rejected. Apparently all I had to do was edit the picture and resend it in so thankfully I had a second chance. I touched up the picture and sent it back in.



I waited for the email from the client, if they knew that the submission was coming generally it didn't take long for approval. Thankfully this time they were happy with the changes and they approved it with an added bonus to my check. I was able to make rent easily this time, but it took a huge chunk of my money so it would take a bit to catch back up on. Especially since it costed me money each time I wanted to paint something on the tablet. I was just glad though that everything seemed to be going well being on my own. I was a little worried that I would fail again at it, but it helped being back in town. At least this time I was familiar with the surroundings.

Seems like things are going great with Frankie and Clara!

[Ally3772]

"It looks stupid." I said.

"It does not!" Frankie scolded.

I sighed.

We stood there looking at my first ever picture. It was a donkey, or maybe a horse? I wasn't even sure myself and I was the one to paint it.

"I can't believe you made me frame it." I groaned.

"You should be proud of it!"



I needed to work on painting, and by work I meant grind. A lot of the better paying gigs required skill levels way greater than I'm at.

"I need to go check my mail." Frankie said.

Moments later I heard her sputter some cuss words.

"Everything okay?" I called out.



She walked back in and sat at the computer desk and put her head in her hands.

"Frankie, what is it?" I asked.

"I'm so screwed Clara." She said.

"With what?"

I looked up from my tablet, little did she know she was my next experiment.

"I thought that I could afford my own place, and I've been looking for a roommate and there's no one who wants it. I can't afford my rent."

She was upset, and I've only known her a short time but I've never seen her upset at all. She's the kind that can take anything you throw at her and dish it out twice as hard.



She stood up and started pacing.

"I'm so stupid you know?" She screamed.

"You are not!"

"I was always the freak in school. I always got told that I wasn't going anywhere in life! I wanted to finally prove to everyone that they were wrong! But I guess they were right!"

I stood up, setting my tablet on the bed, and I walked over to her.

"Frankie, you are amazing." I said.



"If I was so amazing, then why am I going to be kicked out when I just moved in?" She said, her voice shaking a bit.

I looked at her.

"I know a little about having something to prove. So I tell you what, I have a deal." I told her.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"You move in with me, it's a small place but we can fit your bed over here. You move in with me and we both can help each other out with rent. In return you help me work out and lose some weight. That way I can help you with your goals in life, and you can help me with mine." I smiled.

"You would do that?" She asked.

"What are friends for?"



"Best friends." She smiled.

I smiled back.

"I didn't tell you, but I applied to be a cop." She said.

"You did?!" I gasped.

"Yeah, I start tomorrow."

"That's great!"

She smiled.

"To being roommates and best friends!" I said.



...

"This is silly." Frankie said.

"You're worrying too much." I told her.

"Do I look stupid?" She asked.

"Far from it!"

She fussed at her uniform.

"It's just a detective position for right now." She said.

"We all have to start somewhere."



"What are you going to do while I'm gone?" She asked.

"Paint, paint, and more paint." I said.

"Any gigs?"

"A few."

"Good!"

I smiled.

"Well, wish me luck." She said.

"You'll do great!" I smiled.

So, I had a roommate and a best friend. When I moved into the apartment I didn't even want to interact with anyone, but now I am glad that Frankie popped up into my life. We seemed to click right from the start. I knew that it took a lot of worry off of moms shoulders as well because she didn't like me not having anyone to talk too. I just hoped that her first day went okay!

Frankie moved in and took her first steps towards her dream job!

[Ally3772]

A Few Months Later

"I can't believe that you hung it up." Frankie said.

"It fits well there!" I giggled.

"It is amazing." She grinned.

She looked at me and I smiled before looking away.



I walked into the kitchen and sat down. She followed me, because it was Frankie and she didn't enjoy being alone for too long.

"What are you working on now?" She asked.

"A client wants a picture of her sister drawn for her birthday." I told her.

She leaned over and looked at the tablet.

"Clara! Look at that!" She gasped.

"It's not that good." I mumbled.

"Girl please!" She snapped.

I laughed.

"Look, it ain't no donkey looking horse on the wall, that is amazing!"

"Hey! You leave donse alone!"

"Donse?" She questioned.

"Donkey and horse together, donse."

She just shook her head.



Frankie's POV

Living with Clara has been amazing.

I've had plenty of friends in life, but none that got me the way she does. It's like I don't even have to try with her, she just understands. Her art was really progressing as well! She claims otherwise but that was Clara. Another big part of my life was finally taking the steps into being a police officer. It was actually going really well! I was a cadet in training, and I was still in my first few days of training.



Everyone at the station was super nice and patient with showing me the ropes as well.

"Hey, you must be Frankie!"

"I am, who are you?" I asked.

"Sammie, I'm new here too." She said.

"Welcome!" I smiled.

She smiled.

"What is your mission?" She asked, looking at her notepad.

We each got our own notepad to write important clues or notes down.

"I have to go to a crime scene." I told her.

"Lucky!"

...

"Yo! I don't recognize you!" A guy in a green jacket called out.

I walked up to the sidewalk.

"The name is Officer Frankie." I introduced.

"Cadet Frankie." Jameson corrected.

"Cadet, eh?" The guy giggled.

"Okay, I'm still in training, but soon I'll be out here on the streets with you!"

"I'm Julie." A girl in a bright yellow and grey winter gear said.

"Hello, so what seems to be going on?" I asked.



I was there for a few hours at least.

We searched the house for clues about what happened, it looked like a robbery. I took pictures of busted vases and wires hanging from the wall where electronics used to be. Once back at the station I got called into the chiefs office to go over my notes.

"The owners gave me a list here..." I said, trying to find the page.

I scanned the page.

"Ah! Here it is! I got a list of electronics that were missing. It looks like a few televisions, gaming system, a laptop, and a cell phone." I told her.

"Were there any signs of violence or kidnapping?" She asked.

"No ma'am." I said.

She typed something in her computer, and I began to worry.

"Well Frankie, it seems to me that your notes match up with those of Jameson's notes."

"Is that good?" I asked nervously.

"Going over your file it appears that you are doing quite well here and your training appears to be paying off! I have high reviews on your personality and character from a good portion of the staff here!"

I was smiling like a little kid on Christmas.

"I'm glad I am doing well ma'am!"



"Well, you're doing more than well. So well that I am now removing you from training." She said.

My smile fell, "What?"

"Welcome to the team, Officer Frankie!"

I covered my mouth.

"Keep it in your pants rookie." Jameson said, standing behind me.

I shot up from my chair.

"Thank you! Thank you so much ma'am! I won't let you down!" I squealed.

"One thing Officer Frankie." She said.

I nodded.

"If you ever feel over your head you come to me, okay? I know a good one when I see it."

"I will!"

I couldn't wait to get home to tell Clara! I grabbed my gear and rushed out the door and hailed a taxi. Truth be told, I was feeling a little bit more than friendship with Clara. I haven't told anyone, not even family, but I was pretty sure that I was gay. I never felt the way I feel with women that I should with men. But I didn't think that Clara liked me more than a friend, so I was stuck in the friend zone without even having a chance of coming out of it. But that did not stop my excitement.

Clara's POV

"CLARA!"

I shot my head up to see Frankie burst through the door.

"I had the most amazing day!" She said.

"What happened?!" I asked.

"I got promoted!" She squealed.

I gasped, "That's amazing!"

I listened as she paced back and forth energetically telling me every step of her day. I just sat there listening happily as she got excited with every word she said.



I wish I could say that my end was going as well as hers.

"Don't give up hope." She said as we headed out to the gym the next day.

"It's not working." I said.

"You need to give it time."

I sighed as I pushed the doors open.

"Start with the treadmill." Frankie said.

I didn't know why I was doing this, because we worked out a lot and I haven't been losing any weight. I climbed on to the treadmill and started it.



We stayed at the gym for an hour or so until we finally left. It felt so good to just go home, shower, get some work done, and then go to bed.

Frankie is an officer now!

[MarianT]

I hope things continue to go well for Clara and Frankie. They're both very likeable.

[Ally3772]

"Come on! You can do it!" Frankie cheered.

"I wanna stop!" I grunted.

"No! Keep holding it!"

It felt like she put the maximum amount of weights she could on here.

"My arms are going to break."

"They will not."



"And release!" She said.

I gasped for air as I let the machine go.

"Ready to do the treadmill?" She asked.

"Can I just rest?!" I gasped.

"Nope, remember our deal?"

I groaned.

I chose a treadmill, that happened to be right next to the skinniest blonde I've ever seen.

"Look at her." I whispered.

"Ignore her." Frankie said.

"She's so skinny."



I was never going to be that skinny, was I? It was finally time to go home and I hit the shower and changed into my pajamas right away.

"So girl, how do you feel?" Frankie asked.

"It's not working." I groaned.

"You blind then." She said.

I looked at her, "Really?"

"Yeah, you are losing weight!"

I looked in the mirror.

"I am!" I gasped.

"Let's take a picture!" She said, jumping up to get her phone.

"Do we have too?"

"Yes! We have to keep track of your progress!"



"Time to get going on my gig." I said.

"What do you have to do?" Frankie asked.

"I have to make logos for a company." I told her.

"Does it pay okay?"

"Not really, but I'm starting to get the better paying ones available."

I was really enjoying working from home. I got to set my hours and pick the ones that had good pay outs. Mom was glad to hear that we were making our rent and still have a decent savings going on. Having Frankie here helped a lot because I don't think it would be so easy to pay rent without her.

...

"I got you something!" Frankie said.

We were walking up to the apartment after going on a nice walk around the block.

"What? What did you get me?!" I asked.

"Close your eyes!"

I closed my eyes and felt her start to lead me into the apartment.

"Okay, now open them!" She said.

I opened my eyes and gasped.

"Frankie!" I screamed.

"Now, I know it's not the most exciting gift, and I know that our apartment is small but I wanted to get you it!"

"You didn't have too!"

"I'm just proud of you and I want you to feel comfortable enough to keep going."

"I can't wait to try it out!"



She got me my own treadmill!

She was so amazing, and I didn't know if it was the excitement or what but my heart was racing.

"Thank you so much." I told her.

"I'm glad you like it!" She smiled.

"I do." I said looking at her.

I hope you guys are enjoying it =] (I'm horrible at ending chapters and saying things haha)

[Ally3772]

"Stupid. I am so stupid!"

I messed everything up. EVERYTHING.

"How are things going at the station?" I asked.

"Good! Jameson says that I am earning high marks on almost everything!" Frankie said, proudly.

"That's great!"

She was beaming, I was glad that she was having such an amazing time.

"I still have to work on my speed, but that shouldn't be too bad."

"No, it will just take practice."



"So, I was thinking of doing a prank." Frankie said.

"What kind of prank, and on who?" I asked.

"Jameson. He put a whoopie cushion on my chair today and I need to get him back."

"Oh, we'll get him back."

"Partners in crime?" Frankie asked evilly.

"Til the end!"

She threw her head back and mustered up her best evil laugh.



A Few Weeks Later

"He fell for it!" Frankie yelled.

"Well hello to you too." I laughed.

"He never saw it coming! He thought I would get him back right away but the joke is on him!" She said.

I laughed.

"Thank you for helping me." She said.

"Thank you for being amazing." I giggled.

She hugged me out of no where and I had to admit, it was kind of nice.

"I'm so pumped right now!" She said breaking the hug.



"Was he mad?" I asked.

"No! He laughed afterwards!" She said.

"Oh man I wish you got pictures!"

"I wish I did too! Clara you should have seen his face!"

"How did the others react?"

She laughed, "Oh man they were dying of laughter."

I laughed along with her and the next thing that happened shocked us both.



I pulled back.



"Clara! I'm sorry... I-I should go." Frankie said.

She rushed out of the door so fast that I didn't have time to process what had happened and stop her at the same time.

Frankie's POV

"Stupid. I am so stupid!"

I messed everything up. EVERYTHING.

She wasn't going to want me to stay after that. I walked around the park even though it was freezing cold out. Maybe I would find a place to sleep and just move my things out tomorrow, that way I wouldn't make things more awkward. Then she wouldn't have to kick me out and I wouldn't have to face her. Stupid. I don't even know what came over me.

"Hey Frankie."

I turned to see our neighbor.

"Hey." I said.

"What are you doing out here?" He asked.

"Look I just need some time alone? Okay?"

I felt bad for snapping but I was just in a state of panic and stupidity.

"I hope things get better." He said.

I gave him the best smile that I could come up with at the time.

Clara's POV

What just happened?

...and why did I like it?

I finally was able to close my mouth before I decided to think about it while working out. Where did she go? I hoped that she was okay. I wasn't mad at her, I was confused, and excited, and my head was spinning. I didn't even know I liked girls, I didn't even know Frankie liked girls. Did I like girls? Would that explain why I never felt the need to have a boyfriend? I did find girls to be beautiful, but I just chalked it up to be me jealous of how they looked.



My phone rang, my heart skipped a beat hoping that it was her. It was mom.

"Mom?" I asked.

She was just calling to check up.

"Mom, Frankie kissed me."

Silence.

"Are you there?"

She asked how I felt about it.

"I don't know! I don't think she meant to do it, and she left in shock right away. I mean, I didn't hate it. Is that weird?"

She told me that I should do whatever makes me happy and that she would love me either way.

Frankie makes me happy.

...

The door opened hours later.

"I was getting worried!" I said, standing up from the couch.

Frankie just awkwardly stood there.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm sorry about what happened Clara, and it will never happen again, but if you want me to move out that's fine. Can I have some time to find a place though?" She asked.

"Frankie! I don't want you to move out!"

"You don't?"

"No! Sure what happened was shocking, and I'm still processing it, but I didn't hate it."

She just looked at me.

"So, what do we do?" She asked.

"See where it goes?" I suggested.

She smiled, "I would like that."

I didn't know what kind of label you would give that. But there was definitely some kind of spark between us now that I think has always been there. I moved closer to her and took one of her hands and played around with it. I could feel the nervous energy bouncing off of each of us as I smiled.

"By the way, you look amazing! You're losing weight by the second now!" Frankie complimented me.

"Right?!" I gasped.



"I like you however you look though." She said.

"Thanks." I said blushing.

"Are you scared?"

"Terrified."

I grabbed her hand.

"But, as long as you are here I'll be fine." I reassured.

"Good because now it's time for a makeover!" She said out of no where.

"What?"

So there I was a few hours later... In a skirt. Me, in a skirt.

"It's a skirt." I groaned.

"You look adorable!" She said.

"My legs are chunky."

"Girl, I'm going to kill you."

I laughed.



Here is to finding out the future and what it held for us. I hope it was good things.

Ooooooo

[Ally3772]

"So, the guys at work are having a get together tonight after work. You should totally come!" Frankie said.

"I don't know." I said nervously.

"It'll be fun." She said.

I looked at her, she seemed to want me there but I don't think I was ready for that.

"Frankie, I- I want to it's just I don't think I'm ready, you know?"

"Oh! Of course, yeah."

"You don't hate me, do you?"

"No! Of course not!" She smiled.

"Good."



"Well, I have to get going." Frankie said.

"I'm sorry, again." I said.

"Clara, it's okay. Really, I want you to be comfortable."

I smiled and grabbed her hands.

"Be careful, okay?"

"Always."



I watched as she walked out the door. I took a deep breath and went to change. After Frankie left for work I usually worked out for about an hour. I was super excited about my progress, I felt better too! I had more energy which let me get more things done in the day. I grabbed my bottle of water before stepping onto the treadmill. I put it on the hill climber setting and got started. I thought about how things were going with Frankie. It was crazy how things work out in life and how someone can just walk into your life. She was the best friend I never even thought I would have and now we were exploring a whole other side of it. She gives me butterflies and made my palms all sweaty, was this normal? Guys never made me feel this way growing up but with her I just couldn't get enough.



I took a shower after working out and sat down at the laptop.

One New Email...

I opened it and it was a client from one of my previous jobs wanting to inquire about another job. They wanted me to make up some logos for one of their new products and then meet up with them to talk prices. They gave me an example of what they wanted and I clicked the link.

We want three logos for our new baby clothing line, we were thinking an elephant, a bear, and a tiger. Have them drawn up and we will talk about pricing.

I opened up the link and looked at rough drawings of what they wanted.



"That seems easy enough." I said to myself.

I grabbed my tablet and began working.

DING!


I grabbed my phone, always at the worst time.

How are things sweetie? -M

Fine, how about you and dad? -C

Same as usual! -M

That's good -C

And Frankie? -M

I stared at the phone. I hadn't told her about us just yet, but I wanted too. I guess this was normal for people to be scared to come out to their parents and loved ones. But it shouldn't, why is this any different than getting a boyfriend?

Going great! Hey, can I call you another day? About to get started on work. -C

I look forward to it! -M

I put the phone down and began drawing.

I must have lost track of time because before I knew it the door opened. I stood up and looked to see Frankie walking in.

"Is the party over already?" I asked.

She closed the door behind her.

"No, I decided not to go." She smiled.

"What?! Frankie, you should go!" I told her.

"Nah, I'd rather be here with you."

"You would?"



"Without a doubt." She grinned.

We looked at each other before she pulled me in.



"I could get used to that." Frankie smiled.

"I'm glad you like it." I giggled.

She noticed my tablet.

"More work?" She asked.

"Yeah! I have to go in a bit to meet with the client."

"That's great, and who knows maybe before we know it we can get into a better apartment."

"That would be amazing."

I smiled.

...

It was late.

The meeting took longer than normal. Frankie would already be asleep by the time I got home. I just hoped that I didn't wake her. The clients approved of the drawings and even gave me an added bonus. I fiddled with the keys and quietly opened up the door to the apartment before shutting it silently. I set everything down and went into the bathroom to change into my pajamas. I went to crawl into bed before stopping in my tracks. There was Frankie, in bed, in my bed. I giggled before covering my mouth, she was so cute.



I climbed into bed carefully and looked at her for a few minutes before closing my eyes.

Sorry for the late chapter! I've been battling a sinus infection that's kicking my butt!

[Ally3772]

"Hey mom, it's me. You must be out and about, um, can you give me a call when you can? I need to tell you and dad something. Thanks, I love you."

I hung up the phone.

"Are you sure about this?" Frankie asked.

"Yes, it's now or never." I told her.



"I'm proud of you." She said.

"Thank you."

She smiled.

"Enough about that though, today is a big day!" I cheered.

"Ugh."

"No ugh! This is exciting! You've made it to Corporal!"

"It's not that big of deal."

"To me, it's huge! You've wanted to be a cop and you are kicking butt at it!"

She smiled, "Thank you."



"I have to go get dressed!" Frankie said.

"Okay but I need a picture!" I said standing up.

"My uniform is the same." She told me.

"I don't care! We need to mark this date!"

I smiled and walked over to the desk to grab my phone. I smiled as the background came to life, it was a picture of Frankie and I kissing. Frankie had tears rolling down her cheeks. You see, her being promoted wasn't the only big thing to happen lately. I asked her to be my girlfriend officially, no more holding back. She said yes and we spent the entire night cuddled on the couch and watching cheesy romantic comedies. I also made her a deal, and that deal was that I would tell my parents that I was a lesbian.

"Okay, here I am. But I am going to be eating so you'll have to deal with it." Frankie said.

I followed her into the kitchen where she grabbed a plate of eggs and toast. I held up the phone and snapped the picture before she could even smile at me, I don't know why but I loved pictures where people weren't ready. To me that is when you got to see the real them, and not the rehearsed version of themselves. Frankie hated it though and most of the time made me delete them.

"I'm keeping it!" I said before she could intercept.

She huffed.



"You look so cute!" I squealed.

She groaned before finishing her breakfast.

...

I decided to go outside and get some fresh air now that summer was here. I hated winter so I stayed inside as much as physically possible which was a good thing that I worked at home. Across the street at the court they were setting up the next festival, I couldn't really tell what the theme was but I'm sure Frankie would want to go. She loved festivals and trying new foods and experiencing new cultures. Frankie didn't open up much about her childhood and I didn't feel it was my place to push it much. If she wanted me to know then she would tell me but the only thing I really knew for sure was that her dad was a cop. I noticed a small child carrying a plate of food from the festival and they walked over to the bench and sat down next to a woman sleeping.

"Hey little man, what's your name?" I asked.

"Lucas." He said.

"Hi Lucas, I'm Clara." I smiled.

He smiled holding his plate of food.

"Are you all alone?"

He shook his head, "No, this is my mom."

I saw him glance at the sleeping woman.

"I see, do you guys live in the apartments?"

"No, well, you see we kind of don't live anywhere." He said quietly.

"You're homeless?"

He nodded.




"Stay right here, okay?" I said.

He nodded.

I hurried to the elevator and pushed the button several times thinking it would go faster. Once I was in the apartment I grabbed my wallet and got fifty dollars out of it before rushing back to the elevator. I ran outside and back to the park bench where Lucas was still sitting there.

"Here, I want you to give this to you mom okay? It's not much but I hope it'll help!" I told him.

He looked at me before taking the money.

"I can't take this." He said.

"Of course you can!"

"Thank you Clara."

"And I live in 2B in that building right there," I said pointing, "If you need anything, please come find me."

He looked at me like I was a ghost.

"Okay, well. Good luck, and be safe okay?" I said.

He smiled and nodded.

Once back inside my phone went off.

Mom.

I took a deep breath.

"Hey mom." I said.

"Hey sweetie, you wanted to talk? Dad is here."

Great.

"Yeah, um, I actually just wanted to tell you guys something."

I bit my thumb.

"What is it?"

I took a deep breath.

"Well, um, mom, dad, um, I just wanted to tell you that I am in love with Frankie, and I'm a lesbian."

Silence.

I heard dad start to get riled up.

"Mom?"

"Wow, if you are happy honey that I am all for you guys! Are you happy?"

"I am beyond happy!"

"So she loses the weight, and then shacks up with some girl she barely knows!" Dad roared.

"I've known her since I moved in dad."

"Don't start with this!" Mom said.

The next twenty minutes I sat in tears listening to the two of them argue. Mom was supporting me, but like I feared, dad wasn't happy. I told them that I would call or text them tomorrow and hung up the phone.



I was happy, so why couldn't everyone be? I should have figured that dad wouldn't be happy though because everything I did or said was wrong in his eyes.

"I'm home."

I looked around to see Frankie standing there.

"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked.

I hadn't noticed that I had been crying. The second she walked up to me I just lost it and she pulled me into a hug.

"I take it you told them, and they reacted badly?" She asked.

"Mom is fine with it, but dad freaked out." I cried.

"I'm so sorry."

"Don't be, he has always been that way. I guess I shouldn't really be shocked."

...

"Are you going to show me?!" Frankie groaned.

"One second!" I giggled.

I made the decision to buy a new outfit, however this outfit was going to be my work outfit. I know that I didn't have a so called normal job, but I did meet with clients often and I wanted to look professional. My name was being spread around more now which was super exciting! So I wanted to look professional.



"Are you ready?" I asked.

"DUH!" She screamed.

I walked into the kitchen.

"Whoa." Frankie said.

"You like?"

"GIRL. I may need to walk away. WHEW!"

I giggled.

"You look, wow. Just amazing."



I beamed.

I had come so far from where I was when I moved into this apartment building. I was as big as a house, jobless, friendless, and only one supportive parent. While I still have one supportive parent I now was at a weight I was happy with, I had a job that I love, and an amazingly beautiful girlfriend.

"Wow." Frankie said.

"I'm glad you like it!" I told her.

"I do."

I smiled.

"By the way, before I forget. I saw a house the other day.." She hinted.

"A house?"

"Yeah, it's small but cute! I thought maybe it was time for a change?"

"How much is it?" I asked.

"About 65,000."

"Frankie, we don't have that yet."

"I know, but we are close! A little more hard work from both of us and we could be in there in no time!"

I thought about it for a moment.

"Okay, let's go for it!" I smiled.

"YES!" She cheered.

This was my life, and I was going to live it my way, support of my dad or not!

Go Clara!

[Ally3772]

"Do you have to work today?" I asked.

"Nope, off for the next two days!" Frankie told me.

I took a bite of my salad.

"You wanna do something today?"

"Like what?"

I shrugged.

"We could go to that park in the next town over." She suggested.

"Yeah, let's do that!" I smiled.



It was summer now, so we finished eating and got changed into our summer outfits before heading out. The taxi ride was a bit long but we finally arrived and we got out. It was quite popular today, the park, but it wasn't too bad.

"What do you wanna do first?" Frankie asked.

I looked around. There was a nice lake, and I wasn't big on fishing but they had free fishing poles for people to use.

"We could fail at fishing together." I suggested.

"Oh god, let's do it!"

I giggled as she led the way.



"I caught one!" I gasped.

"Hold on!" Frankie said.

She set her pole down and rushed to me.

"I think it's a big one!"

I struggled as I pulled on the pole. The fish finally flew out of the water and I reeled it in, it wasn't big after all. In fact it was quite tiny.

"Oh." I said, disappointed.

"It's cute!" Frankie told me.

I sighed.

She took a plastic bag, put some water in it, and plopped the fish in, before tying the bag closed.

"What are you doing that for?" I asked.

"We are going to keep it!" She beamed.

I looked at her.

"I love you." I smiled.

"I love you more."

"Not possible."



"I'm going to go to the bathroom." Frankie said.

I nodded.

I decided to head over to the water fountain. Several coins laid at the bottom of the fountain and I dug into my pockets for one. I held it in my palm before closing my eyes, thinking of a wish to make.

I wish Frankie's dream of the house comes true.

I took a deep breath and tossed the coin in.
 


I felt someone grab my hand, I looked up to see Frankie. I smiled as she led me over to a bench by the playground. We sat down and watched the children play pirates as their parents played the sea monsters. I smiled and glanced over at Frankie, she had a huge smile on her face as she looked at the kids. I wondered if she wanted children, I could see her being a mother. The thought about us being parents made my stomach flutter with butterflies. I wanted everything with her and it was like I wanted everything to speed up, but everything to slow down at the same time. I just wish I had the support of my family, I knew mom supported me because she would always support me, but dad was so cynical to everything I did. I know that I shouldn't let it bother me but it did.

"What are you thinking out?" Frankie asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"The future." I smiled.

She looked at me, "Am I in it?"

"If I get my way you are."

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it.



Frankie's POV

Today was wonderful.

I was at the park with my favorite human on the face of the earth. I still to this day couldn't believe that Clara agreed to be my girlfriend. I knew it was a huge step for her and in the beginning I didn't know if she even liked girls that way, but I am glad that she does.

"Hey! No fair!" A girl with blonde hair shouted.

"I was here first!" The girl with dark black hair argued.

"We can all take turns, here I'll even be the sea monster!" Clara said.

I giggled.

I stood up with her and we walked over to the pirate ship. Clara began to wave her arms around like crazy and make all these weird noises yet I couldn't love her more.



"Oh man." Clara laughed a little while later.

"Tired?" I asked.

"A little."

"We could go back to the apartment." I suggested.

"No, I wanna check out the skating rink!" She said.

"Let's do it!"

I grabbed her hand before we headed to the skating rink. This park had a lot to offer and I was sad that it wasn't closer to us.

"I'm going to be horrible." She said.

"Oh I will too." I told her.



...

It was starting to get dark out.

"Should we head home?" Clara asked.

We were now sitting at the beach at a picnic table.

"One more thing." I said.

I looked at her for a few moments before kissing her.



"I had an amazing day." I told her.

She smiled, "I did too."

"Let's head home."

I held my hand out and she took it.

I was so lucky to go home with this woman every night.

I hope you guys are still enjoying the story!

[Ally3772]

Frankie's POV

"This is Frankie, I'm bringing in a young female for obstruction of property." I called over the radio.

Dispatch confirmed and I placed the radio back in it's holder.

"I said I wouldn't do it again." Lacy, the suspect in the back, said.

"You shouldn't have been doing it in the first place." I said, looking at her in the review mirror.

I turned my attention back onto the road. We were so close, and I wasn't talking about the suspect. Clara and I have been working our butts off to scrape together enough money to buy that house. It had become our new dream together and our first thing we would do as a couple. I loved her more than she would ever know, and if I could make her even a little happy then I was going to do that. Sadly that meant working more hours at work which in turn meant less time with her. By the time I got home, if I even went home, I was so tired that I had to sleep. I felt bad for her and I had hoped that she didn't feel left out. I sighed to my self as I pulled into the parking lot before getting out of the car.

"Alright, out." I said as I opened the backdoor.

Lacy groaned and I led her into the station.

"We'll be at the finger scanner first." I told her.

"I'm aware." She said.

"Ah, we have a veteran then."

She snorted as we began the process.



"Alright, up to the board." I told her.

She walked up to the board, placing her hands up and spreading her legs apart a bit.

"Just a quick pat down."

Even if the criminals have been here before I always let them know what I am doing before I do it. That way no one can turn around and say that I mistreated them in anyway.

"You won't find anything."

"I hope you're right."



"Frankie! You eat yet?" The chief asked from her office door.

"Not yet, but I'm fine." I told her.

"Andrews, take over for Frankie! Go eat." She ordered.

Andrews stepped in and finished processing Lacy. I headed upstairs and grabbed a sandwich from the refrigerator. I was tired, but the day wasn't even close to being done. I was required by law to go home after this shift and I could not wait to go home and sleep in a bed instead of a chair. I was excited to see Clara as well, I kept tabs with her throughout the day through text but it was off and on. She was grinding with freelance jobs and trying to get the higher paying ones as much as she could. Higher paying jobs meant a lot more work as the clients were so much pickier so she ended up having to edit them multiple times before they finally accepted them.



Lunch break ended and I was back downstairs.

"Your name?" I asked.

"Sarah." She replied.

"Hold up the sign please."

She raised the sign and I snapped the picture.



"Okay, follow me to the cells."

She put the sign down and I led her to the cells.

"In here."

I closed the door behind her.

I went to walk away but there was loud banging.

"HEY!"

I groaned, "What Lacy?"

"How long am I in here for?!" She snapped.

"Andrews should have gone through all of that." I told her.

"I don't accept that time limit."

"Well, tough luck."



Clara's POV

"Ouch!" I hissed.
 
I shook my hand and stretched my fingers. My hand hurt so bad from constantly drawing. I was getting sick of drawing at this point but I wanted that house for Frankie. She was working so hard and I wanted to pull my weight. I yawned as I took a moment to watch whatever cheesy dating show was on the television. This client wanted a painting of mountains with water for her landscaping magazine project she was doing. I was having a difficult time getting the water right though and I was worried that they would flat out deny it. My phone dinged.

Coming home tonight, I am so tired. -F

I will have the bed ready for you! -C

I can't wait to sleep, but I can't wait to see you either! -F

I miss you bunches. -C

Gotta get back, love you! -F

Love you too! -C

I smiled and put my phone back.



She had shown me pictures of the house that she wanted and it was pretty. Mom loved it as well and pitched in a little money to help even though I told her no. She wouldn't listen though and I loved her for that. Dad still refused to mention Frankie or even that I was on the phone with mom half of the time. I tried not to take it to heart, but it was hard because he was my father. I wasn't going to let him stop me from being happy though. I was going to move into that house with Frankie and hopefully spend the rest of my life with her whether he liked it or not. I had a meeting with a client in about an hour but I was still working on this piece even after I had gotten dressed to leave.

"CRAP!"

I made a mistake, and I had no time to really fix it. I chewed on the end of my pen and thought of a solution impressively fast. I just hoped that they wouldn't notice the mistake.



A Month Later

Things happened so fast!

In fact, so fast that we were able to purchase the house! It had been the craziest month of our lives but we finally pulled it off!




I had my own office! With a painting easel as well as my tablet! Frankie wanted me to have my own space to just focus and be me and I loved her even more for that.

"I cannot believe this kitchen!" I gasped.

"I know, I know we don't cook much but I was super excited about it." Frankie smiled.

"We have our own home!" I squealed.



Frankie walked over to me and grabbed my hand.

"Come here." She said.

She pulled me into a soft kiss. I smiled as we broke apart.

"I have a surprise for you." She told me.

She tugged on my hand and led me to the stairs that led downstairs. I figured we would just use it for storage for now.

"The basement?" I asked, following her down the stairs.

"It's more than that." She told me.

We reached the bottom step and I gasped and covered my mouth.

"Clara, this is your own personal gallery." She smiled.



"I even got you an extra tablet for when you just want to be down here for some inspiration." She told me.

"Baby!" I gasped.

I twirled around, only the back wall had paintings so far but I suddenly couldn't wait to paint for personal fun and fill the walls up.

"It's not the biggest space, but maybe we can somehow expand it when the time comes!" She told me.

"I love it so much, and I love you." I said giving her a kiss.

"I love you too!"

I was beaming with excitement. I had a house, a office, a beautiful girl, and now my own personal gallery for my drawings! What else could I wish for?

God the grind for that house took FOOOREVVERRR. I didn't want to do another chapter before getting the house but I finally was able to do it, no cheats at all.

[Ally3772]

The doorbell rang. I looked up from my laptop and stood up, I walked to the door and opened it.

"Mom?"

Sure enough, mom stood in front of me.

"Hi honey." She said, smiling.

"Uh, wha- come in!" I stammered.

I stepped aside so that she could come in. I led her to the living room where she sat down almost immediately, like it wasn't strange that she was here at all.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Come sit down sweetie."

I looked at her before sitting down on the couch.

"I'm so confused."

"I'm only here for today, but I needed to talk to you in person."

Was this some kind of dream?

"What is going on?" I asked.

She looked at me, and it was only til then I realized that she was crying.

"I'm leaving your father."

My eyes widened.

"Things have not been good, and it's even gotten physical at times."

"What?! When did all of this start?" I asked.

"Shortly after you moved back, and it's gotten worse since."

I covered my mouth.

"Was this my fault?" I asked.

"No sweetie, your father, he's just a different person than I married. I wasn't fond of the way he treated you and then after Frankie came along he just got worse."

"Mom I'm sorry." I cried.

"Oh no, sweetie! No don't cry!" She said scooting closer and pulling me into a hug.

"I didn't mean to ruin anything!"

"You didn't! Your father is a very opinionated man and he needs to know that we're not going to be his punching back for him."

I was blind sided by all of this.

"Are you happy?" I asked.

"Honestly? Yes. I've felt lonely in a marriage but now I feel, free." She said.

I searched her face for signs of her lying, but she seemed like she was at peace with this decision.

"So, where are you going to live?" I asked.

"With a friend for now, but I am searching for an apartment." She told me.

I nodded.

"I just needed to tell you this in person." She told me.

"It's good to see you mom."

She pulled me in a hug.

...

"So that was it, and then she left?" Frankie asked.

"Yeah, it was so sudden I didn't even have time to react." I told her.

"You should have called me! I would have came home!" She told me.

"No, you were busy."

"I would have loved to meet her."

"I know, and I wanted you too."

She smiled and rubbed my arm.

"My parents are getting a divorce and I feel like it's my fault."

"How?"

"Because I was fat."

She looked at me.

"Clara, you lost the weight and it still happened. You did not cause this, okay?"

I wiped a tear away and nodded.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

After that it was back to work for me.



"Do you need anything?" Frankie asked.

"No, but thank you!" I told her.

I continued to type as I searched this company that contacted me. It seemed sketchy to me how much they were offering for how little work they wanted done. So instead of accepting the gig, I researched it. Almost every single review came up with the words: scam, fraud, ripped off, and the list went on and on. So how come the site was still up?

"Babe?" I called.

"Yeah?"

Frankie walked in.

"How would I go about reporting a possible scam artist?" I asked.

She looked over my shoulder and glanced at what people were saying.

"I could ask the chief, she may know. There should be a way to report them to the people that run the free lance agency."

"Can you look into it tomorrow?"

She nodded, "I'm going to go make dinner."

"Sounds good."

I worked for another hour before heading into the kitchen.

"What in the world are you doing?" I giggled.

Frankie was literally scrapping the fish from the pan.



"I don't think you're suppose to scrape the fish off the pan..." I laughed.

"I burnt it!" She laughed and then groaned.

I giggled, "Babe, it's okay!"

"I wanted to make something nice."

"It was the thought that counts! We'll just order a pizza!"

"I'm sorry!"

"Don't be!"

So that night, we spent on the couch with a cheesy romantic comedy eating greasy cheesy pizza.

Who likes fish anyway?

Short chapter with very little pictures, but hopefully you still enjoyed it!

[Ally3772]

"I'm home!"

I heard footsteps and turned around to see Frankie standing at the door in my office.

"Hey honey, how was work?" I asked.

I got up from my desk and kissed her on the cheek.

"It was pretty horrible actually." She said.

"Aw, I'm sorry."



"It's fine."

"Come tell me about it."

I grabbed her by the hand and led her into the living room where we sat down on the couch.

"Everything started off fine, but then this criminal escaped during the cell transfer and no one fessed up to it. Somehow it was all blamed on me even though I wasn't at fault." She told me.

"Did you tell that to the chief?" I asked.

"Yeah, and we all had this huge meeting about it. Turns out one of the new kids did it and was too afraid to speak up and let me take the fall."

"That's crappy."

"Yeah, he's benched for a week for it. But it wasn't a good feeling having things blamed on me."     

"Well, you're home now." I smiled.



Frankie's POV

I was nervous.

I stood in the bathroom and looked down at a small square velvet box in my hand. I glanced at myself in the mirror and took a deep breath. I was ready for the next step, but I wasn't sure if she was. We have been dating for a good amount of time and everything just felt natural with her. I was also wary because of her parents getting a divorce and I wasn't sure if she was too upset to even think of getting married. We'd never get divorced though, I would fight like hell for her and make sure she was loved. I never was close to my parents, my dad being the tough guy cop made it hard to relate to him and my mom was never really a mom to me. She would never admit it, but she never wanted me. She loved me sure, I never doubted that, but I think if she had to do it all over again that she wouldn't of had me. That's why I wanted this to work between us because I believe that all love doesn't fall apart.

"Frankie? You've been in there for a while are you okay?" Clara asked.

I looked at the door.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a moment. Meet me in the backyard." I told her.

"The backyard?" She questioned.

"Yeah."

I took a deep breath.

"She'll say yes." I whispered to myself.

I checked myself in the mirror once more before opening the door and heading outside. I walked over to Clara who looked beautiful even from behind.

"What are we doing out here?" She asked.

I smiled and grabbed her hands.

"Well, it's a beautiful day, I have the day off, and there is a beautiful girl standing before me." I smiled.

"That was cheesy." She giggled.

"You'll have to live with it." I grinned.

"For the rest of my life."

My heart leapt.



"Do you mean that?" I asked.

"Mean what?" She questioned.

"The rest of your life?"

She grinned from ear to ear, "I hope so."

I took a deep breath before smiling.

"Well, that's good because I have a question for you." I told her.

She gave me a inquisitive look before I slowly went down on one knee.



"Clara, we started out as friends and roommates. I watched you achieve your weight goal, and even though you were stunning before, you are beautiful. I love watching you paint, and the little smile you get when you finally got something just right. I love you and the though of us spending another minute not married to you, I just can't take it any longer. So Clara, will you marry me and become my wife?" I asked.



"I thought you'd never ask!" She grinned.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes!"

I laughed and stood up before kissing her.



She said yes!

She said yes!

What other adventures lay ahead?