Waking up feeling refreshed from a good nights rest, I look over at my phone to see it's already 11:00 in the morning. It's lucky I didn't actually have to do anything this morning before the fundraiser. 

Stretching all my muscles out, I make my way over to the bath room to enjoy a hot shower before we have to start getting ready. Once the temperature is warm enough, I start to strip from my nightwear and step under the heavenly spray. 

Making sure I don't forget a thing I wash my hair and body, before remembering to brush my teeth and shave everywhere. I step out feeling fresh and clean, wrapping a soft towel around me as I dry my hair. When I'm finally all dry I step back into the bedroom to put some blue jeans and a black long sleeved top on. 

Finally feeling ready to face the day ahead of me, I step out into the lounge room to see the boys as well as Marcus and Annie. When all their eyes turn to me, I can't help but to step back a moment. 

"Ahh! There you are dear, come come!" Annie greets with a wide smile.

Walking over to her slowly, I'm sure confusion is evident on my face.

"Not that it's not great to see you, but what are you all doing here?" I ask when I reach her, giving her a quick hug.

"You and me are going to get ready together. We are going to go out for lunch, then go to the shops for this dress you're to wear tonight, and finally we'll get our hair and make up done." She beams at me.

"If you can't tell, she misses having a girl to hang out with." Marcus chuckles, earning a gentle scowl from his grandmother.

"O-Oh, Okay then. Well, let me just get my things and we can go then?" I ask, almost unsure if I'm allowed to with how she bosses me about. 

Walking into my room to gather my phone, keys, and purse. I find a nice looking jacket to put on as well, since it is freezing today despite the sun shining. As I'm wrapping a scarf around my neck, Remy steps into the room before closing the door behind him. A small smile on his face, but there's the hint of sadness there too.

"What's the matter?" I ask, walking up to wrap my arms around his neck.

"Nah, nothing. I'll just miss you today is all. We won't see each other again until the fundraiser." He smiles down at me, placing those soft lips that I love so much onto mine.

"I'll miss you too, I didn't realise we weren't spending the day together." I give him a sad smile. 

Leaning up to kiss him again, it quickly gets heated between us as the pace increases. Just as his tongue is asking for entry, a loud knock on the door interrupts us. 

"Come on! You'll see each other later!" Annie teases through the door.

Bidding the men goodbye, Annie and I go out to lunch where I finally get a cup of coffee. It's nice just being able to talk to Annie without everyone else around, she was the closest thing I had to a friend before all of this.

We spent the afternoon shopping at expensive stores, to which I nearly broke out in a cold sweat at the price tags. Annie ordering me to get over it, that Marcus is buying all of us clothes for tonight so we get to feel special. 

After she decides on a dress for tonight, we go to the salon that has her hair dresser. The place is classy looking, and I genuinely doubt I could ever afford to get my hair done here. It feels nice to be pampered though, getting my hair washed, trimmed, and styled by someone. 

After some light make up is applied, my hair is finished, and I change into my elegant dress. Looking into the floor length mirror, a gasp escapes my lips as I see my reflection. Surely that isn't me!

My purple dress is floor length, with diamante aligning the neckline is so beautiful I almost feel like I shouldn't wear it. My hair is styled into loose waves, while my make up is fairly light with the exception of the smokey eyeliner.

"Come on, we have to head over to the fundraiser now." Annie ushers me out to the car.

*******************
Arriving at the event made me feel like a celebrity, the place was filled by the time we got there. Marcus' assistant guiding me straight to the stage before I had a chance to find the boys made me feel even more anxious too.

"Welcome to the fourth annual fundraiser for The Melbourne Shelter!" Marcus' voice booms over the large crowd that surely had thousands of people in it.

He continued to thank everyone for coming tonight, and information on what the shelter does for those in need of it. He really was a smooth talker, definitely works with his confidence.

"And lastly before we get this evening started, I'd like to introduce you to a resident of The Melbourne Shelter that has been living there for one month. After meeting her, I was blown away by her determination and strength, and I'm sure you will be too. Please give a warm welcome to Aria!"

As the crowd applauds, I slowly walk onto the stage next to Marcus. Placing my speech on the stand in front of me, I take a deep breathe to try calming the dread. Looking out into the crowd only makes everything worse, until I spot a familiar set of green eyes smiling up at me. Keeping my focus on solely him, I take in a breathe before starting.

"Hello everyone and thank you for attending this amazing fundraiser. 

Before moving into the shelter, my life was on the streets for a total of ten years.
I came from a family that was both mentally and physically abusive, running away as soon as I graduated high school.

When the shelter opened, I spent countless days visiting in hopes I would be given the great opportunity to get my life in order. On the many days I wasn't successful I was still offered small items that made living that little bit better, some of which likely saved my life.

On a low day where I hadn't eaten, had earned almost no money, and I was so cold I just wanted to give up trying. I went to the shelter one more time before I'd give up completely, but before I got there I saw a boy being threaten by a group of grown men. Stupidly deciding to help him, I ended up getting very badly beaten by them but I also stopped any harm from coming to him which was all I wanted.

The next thing I know, I'm being carried into the shelter by a large man. The ladies at reception instantly sort after medical assistance, and informed me that my luck had arrived due to a bed becoming free just earlier.

Over the month that I have been there I have found an employer that has helped me join the work force, gotten healthy with the aid of the shelter provided, and counselling to help me come to terms with the events of my life.

But I also got moved into a room that housed three other people, and they helped me on a daily basis to adjust to my new living circumstances. And they quickly went from being room mates and friends, to my family. 

Now one month later; I have a full time job with an amazing employer, I'm completing my Certificate III in business, and I have a family now. I couldn't ask for a single thing more from the shelter, as they provide all I needed and more to help me get on my feet.

If I could suggest anything for those living on the streets right now, it would be to donate items that might not seem like much to you but will be the world to someone else. Warm clothes, tinned food, and sanitary items are the biggest help to someone who can't always get them.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy your night."

An applause erupts as I step back from the microphone, a smile stretching across my face at the love I feel. Remy and the others smiling up at me as they applaud with the others.

"Thank you Aria, please head down to the dance floor." Marcus gestures towards to the area that's clearing.

As I get down to the floor, it is practically clear of people leaving it free for the first dance to start. 

"Now I would like to invite two people who have found each other recently to share the first dance. Remy and Aria, would you please go to the dance floor." Marcus announces, surprising me.

Walking onto the floor, I see Remy standing in the middle looking like sex on legs. His dark grey suit and navy shirt making him look that much nicer to look at. His smile so bright it lights up the room, making everyone around us fade away. 

He extends his arm to me, making me realise I haven't walked over to him yet. Speed walking over to his side, I wrap my arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. Finally being by his side again fills me with a warmth only Remy can give me. I feel so complete with him holding me close, safe and loved.

As we hold each other close, the music starts up as we begin to dance.

"You're speech was incredible." He speaks lowly. 

"Thanks, it wouldn't have been half of that without you boys helping." 

"You look stunning tonight too, especially this open back of the dress." He whispers, gliding his warm hand down my bare back where the material starts. I can't hide the shiver that happens as he traces circles over the exposed skin.

"You look pretty good yourself, I think you should wear suits more often if this is how they affect me." I smile up at him.

We continue to dance to the music, not even noticing that the floor is being filled with others who have joined us. Just staying lost in each others eyes for countless songs, stealing a quick kiss here and there when we can.

"Aria, I know we haven't been together very long, but this just feels like the right time to say this." He says, taking in a deep breathe that worries me. "You came into my life and honestly just flipped it upside down. Dragging me for hours to look for work, finding me something the first day after I spend months looking. I'll never be able to tell you how grateful I am for that, and to add to it I fell in love with you." He says, watching me carefully. I take in a quick breathe as his words process through my mind. 

"I fell for the caring woman who is so much fun to be around, but who can also sit and enjoy a sunset in peace. Who won't let a fight drag on, or let a friend live in the darkness. You make my life so much brighter by just being in it, I love you Aria." Looking me in the eye, I can see the love and truth pouring out of his soul.

Without hesitation, I place my lips on his for what has to be our steamiest kiss ever shared. By the time we pull back, Remy has a happy but confused look on his face as he stares down at me.

"You showed me that there's more to life than working, that the things you experience and the people you have in it are what also make it great. You have made me a better person, as someone who I can be myself around without fear of judgement. You are by far the bet thing to happen to me, I love you too Remy." 

Looking up at a smiling Remy, we both lean in to each others hold as the dancing continues to a subconscious action. Happiness clear on both our faces, and I could guess that we both resemble love struck idiots right now.

But for the first time in my life, I want to just enjoy being a love struck idiot.

He spins us together once before dipping me down, holding my body close to his as he plants a kiss gently on my lips. Vaguely hearing an applause around us, it being drowned out by the happiness I have flowing through my being at the kiss we're sharing.

We really did find love in a homeless place.

The End

***************************
Oh my goodness!! 

I can't believe I actually finished this in one month!
Please note that this book will get edited at some point, please feel free to point out anything or suggest edits. 

A few bonus chapters will be written at some points, but not this weekend. 

Thank you so much to those who have read this book of mine! I hope you enjoyed it.