A New Beginning
by Mishelle

I sighed as I looked around the restaurant at all the happy people laughing and  talking.  I look at them with there great big lunches and plates piled high.  I looked down at my plate of pie and milk.  I picked up my fork and took a piece of my pie.  I looked at the empty chair across from me.  I was sitting alone in one of, what I thought, was the cutest restaurants in New York.  My stomach growled and I looked down and rubbed my pregnant tummy. 

I sighed and put my money down on the table and left the restaurant towards my apartment.  I had nothing.  No family.  No friends.  No one to talk to.  After my family found out I was pregnant they freaked out and never called me.  They really were  upset when I moved to New York, so I guess they were just looking for an excuse not to talk to me.  And my friends well, they all disappeared after I couldn't go to any clubs or parties.  That's the thing about being nineteen and having responsibilities.  But it's not that I asked for them, but it happened. 

It's been three months since that night.  The night when everything changed, when he changed it.  I had went home for a week and a month before that  I had broken up with my boyfriend Reg.  One night I was home alone, my parents were out at some dinner party.  He came over and pleaded for us to get back together when I refused he threw himself at me.  And raped me.

Now three months later I walk down the streets of New York trying to get a job while I live off the money I've saved since I was twelve years old.  I stopped as screams filled the sidewalks.  A big large man came running out of a shop with a pile oh cloths in his hands.  He ran quickly away from the store and bumped into me.

I felt a queasy feeling come over me as I bent over holding my stomach.  I looked around to see

everyone passing by me.  Suddenly I felt two arms grab my shoulders.  "Are you ok?"  I looked up to see a concerned young man with piercing blue eyes looking down at me.  His hands  rested on mine intently as he waited for my answer.  I was at a loss for words as I felt his hand on my back.

He repeated his question.  "Are you ok?  You look a little out of it."

I nodded.  "I'm fine." I smiled at him.

"Are you sure?  It looked like that guy hit you hard."

"It just startled me."  I said trying to stand up but felt a little dizzy so I quickly sat back down again.

"I don't think you're fine, maybe I should take you to the hospital or something." He said really fast.

"No no no I'm fine." I assured him.

"Do you want me to help you get home?  My car is just over there."  He said standing up.

"No I don't think so I don't really know you.  I'll just wait here till I feel better and then I'll be off."

He put his hands on his hips. "I'm not going to hurt you.  Please, just let me help you."

I breathed loudly.  "Fine."  I said giving in.  He helped me stand up and walked over to his car.  He opened the door for me and went over to the other side and got in. 

"Soooo what way."

"Uh straight."  I said.

He started up the car and headed down the direction I had pointed.  I gave him directions to my apartment and when we got there he hopped out of the car before I could say something.  He opened the door and helped me out.  I walked over to my apartment door and he followed me.  I walked in with him following me.  I stopped at my door and turned to face him.

"I'd like to thank you for helping me today."

"You're welcome."

I smiled up at him shyly as I opened the door to my apartment.  I was stopped when he spoke.

"When can I see you again?'

I turned around startled by his question.  "You want to see me again?  Why?"

He shrugged.  "Well I don't know.  You just seem like an interesting person, I'd like to get to know you."

I tugged at my straight blond hair as I thought.  "Uh I was going to go shopping tomorrow for some cloths for my baby.  You can tag along if you like." I said.  I couldn't believe that I’m trusting this man that I didn't even know.

He smiled at me.  "That sounds like a lot of fun.  I'll pick you up at noon."

"Yeah that would be great....uh.."

"Justin."  He said

"Yeah.  See you tomorrow."

"Yeah."

I looked at him one more time before I closed the door.  I sighed as I leaned against the door.  I walked over to the couch and sat down with a smile on my face.  Usually when I meet people I don't trust them in any way.  That's just the way I am. But today I totally forgot about that, and I don't know why.  Ok maybe it's because he's so hot!  I started to pick up around my apartment since I'm in such a great mood.  That night I went to bed at peace and with a smile on my face, looking forward to the day that was to come.

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