He Found Me

I sat alone crying and shaking in one of my university's corridors. Just outside of the library where I should've been studying for my end of year exams. I knew that and the pressure of performance didn't help on top of the fear i felt. i had just moved out of my parents house because they were abusing me. In order to move out i had saved enough money working when i could at a diner, they had become my family but the taxman did not care, so when my Father's company opened three new chains of a fast food restaurant it had to close. Naturally leading me to panic, I have rent to pay and I am in my second year of university. Running away from home and going no contact with my family also didn't help the situation. Survival mode was only good for one thing, avoiding pain, which with the agenda's of some in my life was difficult to avoid.

Anyway, as the tears fell down my face, passing footsteps reminded me that I should go back to studying. Wiping them off I shook some of the tension out of my hands and tried to stand. As I got up I was stopped by a form blocking me. It was Graham, he was in my class and treated me like trash. He was friends with everyone, always talking, always laughing, basically universally loved. His family was rich and he had confidence - basically everything I was not. He held me in contempt every time I spoke in class and never interacted with me socially. I was an object that relayed information in his classes and that was all.

Looking at me long and hard it was like he was trying to conceal a laugh, his wide shoulders and height unsettling me as he said "Why are you crying? It's just assessments. You don't need to do that."

I felt heat rush to my face, totally mortified that this was the only time he has ever chosen to see me. Rising I avoided looking at him, "I'm fine thank you"

I said before picking up my bag. I began to walk away and he followed and asserted "No you're not."

This angered me so I snapped "Why are you talking to me? You don't know me and you are always incredibly rude. Go and pick on one of your friends or something, you have enough."

He persisted after me "Summer, wait."

I still had classes with him so I sighed and turned around "What? I'm okay now. I mean it."

He looked down on me with the first shred of empathy I have ever seen from him "Tell me what's wrong." He commanded.

Unsure what to say, my lip wobbled "I can't. It's personal. Good luck with your exams."

I don't know why I said the last bit, but it gave me some power back. Before my head immediately went to solving my current problems on the never ending list of worries that I held in my mind at all times. My head lowered and shoulders caved in due to the anxiety, but, back to the library it was to try and scrape together this degree I couldn't afford.

He patted me on the shoulder. "Why were you crying?"

"I need to study and find a job. It's stressful, please let me be. I didn't think anyone would see me, or care. I am sorry that I embarrassed you, it won't happen again."

I rolled my eyes and continued walking, he picked up the pace and began to walk with me, "Why do you need a job? You have university that should be your focus. No one I know works."

I looked at him and rolled my eyes, "I have to survive and life isn't cheap."

Seriously, he looked at me shocked "Why does your family not pay your bills for you? I thought your Father was in business?".

How did he know that, I responded slowly because the subject made me stutter "He is. I don't live with them, and I don't want to talk about why. I don't see them."

We reached the library and I began to search for my pass. He put his hand on mine and stopped me from entering. "You seem stressed and need a break, let's get coffee."

I scoffed "I can't, I have too much to do."

I was shaking a little, but I didn't think he'd notice. He had never had a conversation with me outside of a seminar.

Resolute to take some of the time I didn't have he doubled down saying "Allow me to buy you a coffee..." my stomach rumbled "... and a snack. Please. You look so upset, I can't in good conscience allow you to go and sit in there alone without trying to help."

I felt my heart beat for the first time in months, a heavy thud.

Batting the tears back into my skull, I sighed "Okay, but I can pay for myself."

We continued walking down the corridor to the elevator, it was awkward, I didn't feel like talking. But he had to break the silence

"Do you need help studying literature? because that's enough to make me cry. We can go through it and discuss it together if you like."

He never offered anything like that before and this scrap of attention hinted at equality and support that I never thought I would have access too.

The elevator door opened and he gestured for me to go in, I giggled a little.

"That wouldn't be so bad. I'm just concerned about remembering it all. I was mainly upset about personal issues."

He coughed "We can talk about that if you like. Have you thought about therapy?"

I blinked and contrived my answer; was he born yesterday? How out of touch was this man?

"It is very expensive. And I need to have a safe place to live and a job that I can balance with my studying. It's ok I have it under control. Although I imagine therapy would be useful. One day I'll get it."

We reached the bottom of the shaft and stepped out into the foyer, I tried to turn to go into the coffee shop in the building.

He stopped me "No, no, no, too loud in there. Let's go somewhere else."

I was so exhausted I just followed Graham out. Stepping back into the day I hadn't seen in hours, the sun struck my face and wind blew my hair. We walked away from campus and into a quieter coffee shop where he found an isolated table, gesturing to a chair he said "please, sit."

I did and I didn't know what to think, being asked to sit by him felt like a treat, some kind of special care that he'd never shown before - so, basically bare minimum was what I was internally elated over. I did not know this guy and what I did know I didn't like. Yet, he was acting so out of character. Being kind to me, never had he ever given me any attention.

"What would you like?" he asked and I froze.

"I... um... I can get myself something."

"Please" said he.

"Okay, I'll have a cup of tea."

He began to walk off seeming disappointed with my selection "thank you" I called after him.

Being left alone with my thoughts was stressful, so I pulled some flashcards out and revised them, they shook in my anxious hands but there was nothing I could do. Coming back with two disposable cups he put milk and sugar down by mine.

"You can do that for yourself. I didn't want to get it wrong."

Smiling at him I thanked him as he sat, there was such an easy way about him usually I ignored him as he infuriated me. To my mind he represented everything that frustrated and distracted me in education. His arrogance left me feeling subhuman, worthless and invisible most of the time. It wasn't just him - his friends as well. But this, this was a new side to him that even for a moment was making me feel safe and valued. Like I was meeting him for the first time and all the annoyance he caused me dissipated, rendering him and I hate to write this... tolerable.

"I didn't like seeing you so upset. Is there anything I can do to help you? Do you need money? A shoulder to cry on?"

Putting some milk into my tea and taking out the bag while I responded:

"Thanks for this by the way. You're too kind. Not really. I get overwhelmed sometimes and there is nowhere for the emotion to go. It's embarrassing that you saw me crying. Like I say it won't happen again."

He took a sip "No one should be getting that upset. You should have someone to talk to about your problems, some support. I'll try to help you if you need it. I never see you with friends, being alone all the time isn't good for you."

I was puzzled by what he said "I just want to be able to work and live in a safe place. Not have to tell everyone how miserable, pathetic and poor my life is."

He looked like he was about to spit the coffee he'd just taken in his mouth out "I'm sorry for being such an asshole. I didn't realise things were that tough for you."

"When you've always had to cope, you can. But at times it becomes a lot. I appreciate the drink Graham but I don't need any favours if that's what you're insinuating. I overhear you, I know you're rich, but I don't need your charity. It would humiliate me."

He smiled at me, "I could give you a job. It wouldn't be a favour and it would be honest. Help you finish uni. I can be very understanding, no one would need to know and you wouldn't be humiliated."

He looked at me solemnly and I didn't know what to say.

"If it's not what you want then it is not what you want."

"What would you want me to do?"

I was scared, I didn't know whether to trust him or not.

"Mainly cleaning, running errands, I'm so tired with uni tha..." he realised we were doing exactly the same classes in that moment.

"Basically the chores I don't want to do myself. You could cook for me too. Sort of like a waitress. Your hours can be flexible and you can work when you want."

I nodded and responded "I get tipped in restaurants." Then I bit my tongue, worried I might have messed up.

"I would tip you and I'll pay you very well."

"wouldn't it be strange?"

"No. You said you need help, I'll offer you higher pay and shorter hours, I'll even pay for transport. Where do you live?"

I didn't want to tell him I was paying through the nose to live in a hotel which was around the corner from campus.

"I'm in between places at the moment."

He told me "You can stay with me. As long as you do your chores for me, your schoolwork and try to chill out. Hustle culture isn't healthy. "

"I will need another job."

"You won't I will pay you enough. And if would like one then you may find one. But first, exams."

Realistically he was describing heaven to me. This sounded ideal. For a moment, then the realisation came crashing down that I would be his servant and everyone at university would know how pathetic my situation was. Then again it was better to be his friend and take the opportunity than to run away and be beaten by life again and again.

"It's a kind offer. I'll pay you rent. I can't live off you for free."

"No. There's no need, I'll pay you minimum wage that you can save and you'll live rent free. You don't have to say yes. It isn't like we are close or anything, but you're pretty cool Summer and nobody should be so sad."

I thought about it, "exams are so close", he looked at me and nodded "if you like you can move in today."

I was so overwhelmed I laughed - "Are you being serious? So I'd be your maid?"

Shaking his head "Call it what you want, I prefer the term housekeeper, but before we get into any of that I'd like you to be my friend."

He nodded. Consenting to be his maid could be a really bad choice, if I felt bad now, then the likelihood of having to follow his orders 24/7 could be worse, at least it meant for now I could get my education and he probably wouldn't hurt me.

"Okay, if you're sure. I'll say yes also I don't mind. You can tell me what to do, technically you're my employer."

He extended his hand to shake mine "If you'd like to come and get the car with me we can collect your things. Once you're finished with your drink of course."

"Sure... are you sure... what will you tell your friends?"

"That you moved in and are my tenant."

It had all moved so fast. Before I knew it we were leaving the coffee shop. I couldn't believe what had happened, "does this mean you'd like me to start calling you sir now? Address all your friends as master and mistress when I wait on you at parties. Wear a uniform in front of them."

Graham laughed, "You are very funny Summer. Not at all, how do you know I have parties?"

"I see things. The internet is where the perception of my quality of life is formed. So far I'm 20% happy with my experience based on the comparisons I'm making."

Graham looked at me swallowing a laugh "If I have parties you can pretend to be a guest. You don't have to wait on me in public."

That was gracious to be fair.

He turned to me "This is my car."

It was very nice and we got in, I directed him to my hotel "Oh. This is it?" he said.

I nodded and got out "I'll be a few minutes. Need to check out."

"Okay."

My mind was intrusively telling me he would not be there when I got back, anyway this was a chance at some peace and a new job so I grabbed what I had and left the room. I gave the receptionist my key and paid up before leaving, he was still there in the car. I sighed a sigh of relief. He even got out and helped me put my bags in the boot.

"Thank you Graham."

We got back in his car and he drove us to his apartment complex, parking in the lot underneath.

Getting out he took my things. Graham turned to me "you're sure you are ok with this Summer? I want you to be happy and comfortable at all times."

"It's fine sir." He was inviting me into his home and paying me to do the least. I felt that I owed him the respect.

He said nothing, probably used to hearing it and walked me over to the lift. He typed in a code and swiped a card, as he was doing it he said "There's another entrance from the street, I'll tell the front desk you're moving in with me, get you a key once I've shown you the place."

"This is it. Please come in take your shoes off. I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."

He led me through "The kitchen is through there and there is also a sitting room, alongside a utilities cupboard where all the cleaning stuff is."

"Are you sure about this? We barely know each other."

He looked at me and sighed "I don't want you to just think of this as a job. I want you to be able to finish university happy and comfortable. Enjoy yourself. You've still got loads of time and you should feel supported by someone."

He reached a door and opened it "This is your room."

It was big and light and airy. "There is a bathroom through there. Where would you like your things?".

I was embarrassed "Here is good. This is a lot. I don't know if I did the right thing by saying yes.",

"I can't stand the thought of you living there alone, stressed and frightened."

He held my waist and look me in the face. "I hope you will be happy here."

Then he kissed me. It was so wrong it felt right, then, I kissed him back and we made out. Pulling away he looked at me with glassy eyes "You're beautiful Summer".

It struck me that my boss had just kissed me, not only that I was now living in his home and we had class together the next day.

The only thing I could say was "Thank you sir."

His hands explored my body and the kiss deepened from both sides. He reached for my shirt and pulled it off before I did the same to him and before we knew it we were rolling around on the bed enjoying each other's bodies. The way he touched me was the softest and most careful touch of anyone I'd ever felt and as he was loving me there was nothing in the world that could harm me.

Taking my hand he led me to his bed where he made love to me all night, just us between the sheets. In those moments I forgot all the pain and worry, he was holding me with such care the likes of which I had never experienced. Both of us drifting off into a deep dreamless sleep.

The next morning the sun was up and he was out of bed. All feeling from the night before drained in his absence and I panicked, having an intrusive thought that all he had said was to sleep with me. And I couldn't help thinking that it had all been a lie, the consequence of which was my humiliation. I sat up and swung my feet off the bed, noticing my nakedness. Fear shot through me and I shivered. As I stood he entered and smiled at me. Instinctively I tried to hide myself before he came over and took me in his arms. Noticing my distress he moved the hair from out of my face and looked at me with the kindest look I'd ever seen him give.

"I made some breakfast. Pancakes. And some bacon. But if you don't like or want them I can do toast. Or eggs. Or whatever you want."

I couldn't help but to start crying. This man - who usually intimidates me and makes me feel irrelevant was showing up and being nice to me - really caring.

"Why are you crying?"

Realising I was being silly, I stopped.

"Aren't I supposed to do that?"

"You only just got here and last night was special. Allow me for now. Do you want a robe?"

He didn't give me time to answer before getting me a thick towel robe. It warmed me up and I followed him, my hand in his to the table where he had laid out an incredible breakfast just for me. We sat and discussed what the arrangement would be, I could choose when to do my chores, he also told me that it was optional because he loved me. Honestly, what else was I to do??

After that, I decided to be in love with Graham, something I had never felt safe enough to do before. It was like I was being given a fresh start in life, it was a good feeling. One that has lasted, as after graduation he put a ring on my finger.