The Start of You and I: FRESHMAN YEAR

CHAPTER 15: SAFE HAVEN

I fell asleep in his arms and actually got to sleep. I felt safe. I woke up and he wasn't there. I looked a shirt, once I found one I put it on and walked around. I could smell coffee in the kitchen. So naturally I found myself there. Max was cooking breakfast and had a cup of coffee sitting on the table with cream and sugar. I sat on the counter and mixed it the way I like it.

Max: Good morning

He kissed my forehead. I took a sip of my coffee and watched him

Ace: Good morning

Max: How are you feeling?

Ace: Tired, sore, but good

Max: Good, that's normal

Ace: I didn't know you could cook

Max: There are a lot of things you don't know yet

I set my coffee down.

Max: What's wrong?

Ace: Nothing

Max: Something is wrong, talk to me.

Ace: I haven't been able to sleep for a week. The last time I could sleep, I was here  with you. I don't need to rely on you, I can take care of myself.

Max: I know that

Ace: I can't sleep without you, The world is so dark and scary, but when I'm with you it's not so bad.

Max: You can depend on me

Ace: I know, that's what's so scary. I want to depend on you

He turned off the stove and moved the pan to a burner that wasn't hot.  He turned to me and put his hands on my thighs

Ace: I'm afraid if I let you get too close, I'll lose you.

Max: Why? I'm right here

Ace: For how long? How long before I'm too much or too little? How long before you don't want me anymore?

Max: Slow down, breathe.

He took my hand and put it on his chest, then leaned his forehead against mine.

Max: You can feel me, I'm not a ghost. I'm right here, as long as you need me to be.

Ace: I love you...

Max: I-I

Ace: I should go

I pushed him slightly and got out of his hold. I got my stuff and started getting dressed. I got my shoes and got in my car leaving before he could stop me. I drove back to the dorms, I needed my space. But the dorms aren't safe, so I sat in my car and called my mom

Ace: Mom

Mom: Songbird, is everything okay?

Ace: Just home sick

Mom: Come on, let's get you some tea

I knew what she was doing, in my family as soon as someone says tea you have to tell them everything that's going on in your life, it's sort of like a secret code for my family. There's no getting out of it.

I stayed in my car and took a deep breath. I listened to her walking around the kitchen and the kettle whistle. I could hear her carefully pour the hot water.

Mom: What's going on?

Ace: I told you the band had a performance and it was extraordinary. People were shouting our names , we performed an original which was great.