More Than Friends

Part 67 (Hardin)

Tessa and I leave the cabin to head home early Saturday morning. Tessa stays quiet for most of the car and ferry rides.

When we finally get back to the apartment, Tessa says she's going to unpack and I decide to take a shower.

As I'm heading back to the bedroom after my shower, I hear what sounds like Tessa crying. I knock on the door before pushing it open all the way. "Tess? Are you okay in here?"

Tessa wipes frantically at her face, trying to hide her tears. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lies.

"Tessa, tell me what's wrong," I gently demand as I walk over to where she's lying across the bed.

"Nothing. Everything is fine."

"We both know that's not true. Please tell me what has you upset."

Tessa stays silent as she plays with the cuff on her long sleeve sweater.

I sit down next to her and ask, "Did I do something to upset you?"

"No, Hardin."

"Then what's wrong? You're really worrying me."

"It's not important."

"Of course it is."

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"I just feel really sad to be back home. I didn't want to leave the cabin," she starts to explain while playing with her charm bracelet.

"I know how you feel. I didn't either."

"Everything was so wonderful there. Now coming back here, it just reminds me of everything that has happened to us."

"I know, baby, but we got through all of it and we're stronger than ever now."

"We are, but I can't help still feeling sad."

"Is there anything I can do to make you feel better, Tess?"

"I don't think so, Hardin."

"Move over." Tessa moves over and I lie on the bed beside her, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her onto my chest. I grab my phone and bring up a playlist I made with all of Tessa's favorite songs. "Here, put this in," I tell her as I hand her the left side of my ear buds. I put the right side in my ear and start playing the music. The first song that starts playing is by The Fray.

Tessa doesn't say anything, and instead quietly listens to the music as I continue to hold her.

Five songs later I pause the music to check on her. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yes. Thank you, Hardin. I didn't know you had all my favourite songs. How do you even know all of them?"

"It's kind of embarrassing."

"Please tell me," she quietly begs.

"Back when we were just friends, whenever I saw you listening to music I would look at your phone to see what you were listening to and then I would download it. I eventually had enough songs, so I made a playlist with your name. It's..."

"It's what?"

"It's what I used to listen to when you were staying in Zed's room and I thought you guys were having sex."

"Oh." Tessa frowns.

"See? I told you it was embarrassing."

"It's not! It's so sweet. I just feel bad knowing how tortured you must have been thinking I was sleeping with him."

"It was torture... But none of that matters now because you are in my bed, in my arms," I say and kiss the top of Tessa's head.

"I love you. And only you, Hardin."

"I know, Tess. I love you and always will. I never want to think of you being with Zed— or any other man for that matter —again. The thought alone drives me insane."

"It's okay, Hardin," she says as she laces her fingers through mine, instantly calming me.

"Gee, I'm sorry, Tess. I was supposed to be making you feel better, and here you are trying to calm me down."

"It's okay."

"It's not." I start the music again and listen as Tessa hums along. I can feel her voice vibrating through my chest and it's the best feeling. I love being this close with her and can't help but smile.

Tessa looks up at me. "What are you smiling at?"

"You. You hum when you're listening to the music."

"Oh." She blushes.

"I love it." I smile and start to twirl her soft, blonde hair around my finger.

Eventually we both fall asleep listening to Tessa's— and now my —favourite love songs.