Fearful Love

Epilogue

Shelly!" My parents cried. They were both in tears as they embraced me. I hugged them back tightly.
   It had been two weeks since the drug deal. Sam, Zach, Cody, and Bryan were all in high security jail. Dave was still on trial, but things looked downhill for him.
   Cole had been released with a strong warning. His father Dr. Roseband was arrested, because he'd known the plan all along.
   Cole lived with his Mom full time now. That meant I could've seen him whenever. But I needed time.
   Mom and Dad had cut their trip early once the police called and told them the entire situation. They were proud of me for how I reacted, but vowed never to leave me alone like that again. And I was completely fine with that.
   Jessica and Kate had been worried sick. They were extremely glad to see me back. We had already planned a sleepover.
   The news had my face plastered all over. They praised me for my part in bringing down Sam's drug ring, which had been huge.
   My life pretty much went back to normal, except I was taking therapy. And I had the memory of Cole.
   One afternoon I had nothing to do. I had had a hard run that morning and decided to treat myself.
   I parked in the parking lot of Yogurt Jungle and walked into the air conditioned building.
I filled a bowl with yogurt and candy. I payed for my order and sat in my car. I drove to a park and sat on a bench. I gladly ate the frozen treat, because it was so hot outside in August. Only a few months out of the year were nice, the rest were burning hot.
"Shelly?" A voice asked. I recognized the voice right away.
"Cole." I answered, staring at my yogurt and ignoring him.
"Um, I know things have been awkward between us, and - "
"Of course things have been awkward. You broke me. I just - I'm in a good place right now and want it to stay that way." I blinked back the tears.

START SONG

"Shelly, I'm so sorry. I did love you. I did and I do." Cole sadly said. I looked up at him for the first time. He was looking off at the playground and I noticed his defined jawline. His skin was tan as ever and his hair was unruly, just the way I liked it. His eyes pierced whatever he was watching and were deep blue.
Cole was worth it. Or was he? He had made me happier in my darkest time. He loved a stranger, well, mostly a stranger. He loved me even when he knew my past.
"If you're willing to fix us, then I am too." I finally said.
His face lit up and looked at me. I set my yogurt down calmly at my side, smoothed my polka dot romper, and stood up. I walked closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck.
He placed his hands on my back, one higher and one lower, and pulled me tight. We smashed our lips together and kissed. It felt like Helena again. Like we were back on that hill. And I never wanted it to end.
We layed down in the grass next to each other looking up at the blue, cloudless sky. We sat there in silence.
"Cole, can I trust you?" I asked.
"Maybe." He smiled. We looked at each other and laughed.
I realized that he was worth it. That this boy would be in my life for a long time. And that we could fix our relationship. To fix our love. Because it had always been there. I just had to break down some walls to see it. I just had to get over some fears.