Living with Pain

Chapter 26: My Dork

Sky

"Finally!!" Mayson squeals.

I put my hands over my ears. "Don't be so loud."

"I'm allowed to be excited when my best friend gets her first boyfriend," she pouts.

"Ugh, fine."

I feel a pair of arms wrap around my waist and the familiar pressure of Cash's chin appears on my head.

"I take it you told Mayson," he guesses.

"Of course. I'm her best friend!" Mayson glares at Cash. "You better treat her right. If you break her heart, you'll have to deal with me. And I know how to fight."

"Don't worry, I'm not planning on doing anything to hurt Sky," Cash promises.

"Good." Mayson flips her hair over her shoulder and starts to walk away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" I question. The first bell hasn't rung yet.

"Off to leave you two love birds in peace," she winks then disappears around the hallway corner.

I feel the familiar blush creep onto my cheeks. "You're so cute when you blush," Cash whispers in my ear. His close proximity shooting tingles up and down my body.

"Whatever," I grumble with fake annoyance. The bell rings. "We better get to class before we're late." I start to pull away, but he stops me by grabbing my hand.

"Or, or, or," I turn back and raise an eyebrow. "We could ditch class and go make out."

The burn in my cheeks increases. "You're such a dork."

"But I'm your dork, so it's okay." Cash flashes his charming smile and I'm actually tempted to ditch with him. He just laughs at my hesitation, kisses me on the cheek, and leaves for his class.

Yes, he is my dork. And I haven't been this happy in a long time.

--

I crash onto my bed after the long day of school. All the emotions from the day had made me exhausted. Mom knocks quietly on the door. "Come in." I roll over and sit up a little as she enters.

"So," she starts.

"So, what?"

"How are things going with Cash?"

I can't help but smile. "Good. Great. He asked me to be his girlfriend."

"Did you tell him about your... condition?"

"Yes, mom," I reply with a huff. "You know I wouldn't let him commit to me in this way if he didn't."

"How did he take it?"

I sit, twiddling my thumbs. How did he take it? He was so relaxed during school today. His easy going self. He even wanted to come over after school, but respected me when I said I had stuff to get done and needed some extra rest. "I don't know if he understands what he is getting into, but he took it well."

Romeo pads into the room and jumps up next to me. I start stroking his head, happy that he was there. He always helped me calm down.

"I'm glad," Mom replies. "I hope you two are genuinely happy. He is always welcome over."

I raise an eyebrow, "You like him?"

"From what I've seen, yes. Besides, you sure seem to do. And if he is willing to be by your side, I think it will be a good thing." She stands up from the bed, "I'll let you get some rest. I think Romeo is hinting he wants some quiet time."

I laugh at my dog who has shoved his head underneath a pillow. This is his way to dictate nap time.

I lay down as mom leaves, thinking about Cash. I pick up my phone and shot him a text before laying down and cuddling with Romeo.

Me: Hey boyfriend ;) Just wanted to remind you you are amazing. And I like you. Thanks for being in my life.

Three reply dots appeared.

Cash: Of course, beautiful. Anything for you.