Hard to love

Chapter 2

We have to take this slow. We can't just jump back into a relationship. Let's go on a few dates and hang out a bit before we decide right away"

"Ok. I can work with that. As long as we're both trying" he says.

We finish our drinks with laughs and conversation.

"I have to go. It's getting late"

"I'll walk you to your car" he says and smiles.

"Thank you"

He walks me to my car and opens the door for me.

I give him a smile and a hug.

"I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight. You still have my number. Give me a call when you're ready for our next date"

"Absolutely. I had a great time too Ellie" he says and gives me a small kiss on my hand.

I get in my car and drive home.

Wow. What an amazing night with him. He's changing. He's really trying to be a better person and I love that for him.

JACKSONS POV:

I sit in my bed just thinking about her. 5 months and she's still beautiful as ever. Her red hair and blue eyes are still my favorite thing about her. She's amazing. Why did I ever fuck this up between us?

I decide to send her a text.

"Goodnight beautiful" I send and rest my eyes for sleep.

I wake up and it's 7am. Therapy is at 8.

I get up and get ready to go to my appointment.

"So how have you been this week Jackson" my therapist asks.

"I've been great. I had a date with Ellie last night. She's still amazing"

"How did it go?" He asks.

"It was a perfect date. She's proud of my progress and she's happy that I'm working on myself"

"That's good. Is there any particular subject we need to address today?" He asks.

"What if I hurt her again?"

"Well, you have to treat her the way you'd want her to treat you. Do you want her flirting with other men?" He asks.

"No, I don't"

"Then you can't do it. Don't do anything you wouldn't be ok with her doing. Think of her and how respect, honesty, and loyalty goes further" he says.

"I will keep that in mind. I don't want to hurt her anymore. She's such a good person and deserves the best"

"She does. Our time is up for today but come back next week for another appointment. You're doing great so the appointments will start going down to once a month instead of once a week. Your progress is amazing" he says.

"Thank you, sir. I'll see you next week" I say and shake his hand.

I make my way out of the door and decide to go see my mom. I give her a call before I show up.

"Hey mom. Could I come by and see you?" I ask.

"Of course, sweetie. I'll see you soon" she says.

I make my way to my mom and dads house and forget how big it was when I pull in.

They live in a damn mansion.

I walk in the front door.

"Hey mom" I give her a hug.

"Dad" I say rudely.

After everything he's done to my mom, he doesn't even deserve me talking to him.

"How have you been?" My mom asks smiling from ear to ear.

"I've been good. I just wanted to check in and make sure everything is going good over here"

"You haven't called or come by in months son" my dad says.

"I've been busy Matthew" I say to my dad.

"Should we tell him?" My mom asks my dad nervously.

"Tell me what?"

"Sit down" my mom says.

"Your mother had a doctor appointment, and they found a lump in her breast" my dad says.

"What? What do you mean? Like cancer?"

"Yes. We don't know for sure if it is, but we will find out soon" my mom says.

I stand up and look at them both in shock.

"Nobody decided to fucking call me and tell me what was going on" I say angry.

"We didn't want to scare you sweetie" my mom says.

"I gotta go" I say and walk away.

"Wait" I hear my mom say as I shut the front door.

Ellie. I need Ellie to calm me down.