𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟓

MARCELLA

I gripped onto Damon's neck for support, I just wanted him close. Fighting with Jaxon was never on my agenda, he was my brother. It all felt tedious. After all, we didn't fight frequently.

"Marcella, you should rest." Damon stated. I shrugged my shoulders, I didn't feel like resting. I just wanted closure and to be held.

I'm not dumb. I know Damon didn't like physical touch, I felt like I made him uncomfortable, so I stood from his lap frowning.

"I'm sorry, I know you don't like touching."

"You're an exception, so sit down."

I sat down on his lap, but he surprised me by grabbing me in front of him. I was straddling him, his torso in between my legs. A strange feeling ached in my thighs.

I held onto his hand, liking his hand on mine. He gripped my hand and caressed it. "Still zoning out."

I jumped at his sudden voice. I smiled when I looked at him, not knowing how to react. "Your touch makes me forget." I blurted. It was a problem I need to deal with, I always felt flustered around him. There was a thought, what are we? I don't understand. But I don't want to risk ruining whatever we had. I waited way too long.

'We found wonderland, you and I got lost in it.'

I don't know why it came to my head. When I turned I found him staring at me. Just looking. I gave him a nervous smile and I turned around. Keeping eye contact wasn't my priority. I felt awkward and nervous, I always liked talking, that's why I blurt or zone out. If I don't talk to someone, I get lost.

"Marcella, you can talk. I'm listening."

"I finished reading this book, the couple ended up together, really sweet." I whispered smiling to myself.

"And Taylor released another album."

"Also. Since Avery's birthday is coming up, would you like to come shopping with me for her? If you want."

I didn't realize how much I've talked, I talked about a book, Taylor and Avery. But he wasn't surprised, he just nodded. That's why I loved talking to Damon. He understood me like no one else. He listened, he didn't judge me. It was all perfect.

"The book seems good. Glad it made you happy. I'm assuming you loved Taylor's new album, I'll try to keep up with her since you love her so much. And sure, I'll come with you to shop for Avery's birthday." He responded to everything, he was so perfect.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Listening and caring about what I say."

"I'm lucky to listen to you, you shouldn't thank me for it. I enjoy hearing your beautiful voice and words."

My lips slowly parted, and I took it personally. I barely got compliments growing up. Maybe if Grayson joked around a while back, he'd always call me pretty, but I never took Grayson seriously.

Hearing such a small thing from Damon made me happy.

"'None of the things I heard about you were true, it's ironic."