My Saviour

Confrontations and Conflicts

It was now the next day and Sarah still hadn't spoken to Jake. Yes, her friends had been correct that she should probably speak with him, but Sarah wasn't mentally prepared enough.

She found herself in need of carefully contemplating every word she would utter to him, and anticipating the questions he might pose. It felt akin to preparing for a high-stakes presentation, where her ability to communicate effectively could determine not just her grade, but also the fate of her friendship and the budding romance with the young man.

The intensity of this sensation was utterly nerve-wracking, especially since she had wholeheartedly embraced the undeniable truth that she was undeniably falling for him. It was a feeling she desperately tried to evade, but being a hopeless romantic at heart, she couldn't resist envisioning him as her very own Prince Charming from a Disney fairy tale.

She tried to grapple with her feelings about the upcoming conversation by thinking about where the positives could lead them. In an ideal world, it could go all the way. She had a picture in her head of what their life could be like together. The dates they'd go on, the memories they would make, the nights spent dancing under the stars, the laughter of the two of them as their hearts mimicked the same beat. She thought about the home they could have. 

She envisioned photographs and trinkets scattered everywhere to remind them of all the memories they had made together. The home she pictured had a different awe to it, something foreign to Sarah. It felt warm and loving, it felt like home. They'd discuss their dreams for their future together, and what they wanted for each other, all while reminiscing in all the love they had for each other. 

However, this idyllic dream was still, a dream. There was a dark shadow that clouded the image Sarah was creating and it was the scars of her past. She knew these scars could linger, threaten to ruin this serene love story that could potentially play out. Unsurness and doubt surrounded her, and fear threatened to shatter what she wanted.

But for once, the girl wasn't going to let it win. This was her life, and if she just decided to not take this risk, she would always be left thinking about what she could have had. 

Sarah walked down the corridor, keeping a side-eye out for Jake. She knew she was gonna tell him, but it was going to be difficult.

"Sarah, wait a moment," Jake said firmly, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. "I noticed the bruise on your eye yesterday, and it's been bothering me ever since. You don't have to pretend everything is fine. I want to know what happened."

Sarah looked at him, her guard up, unsure of how to respond. Opening up about her pain was never easy, and she wasn't sure if she could trust Jake with her deepest secrets. On the other hand, her dream could only be accomplished if she opened up. She was at an impasse.

Jake noticed her hesitation and took a step closer, maintaining eye contact. "Sarah, I care about you deeply, and seeing you hurt breaks my heart. I want to be there for you, but I can't do that unless you let me in. Please, don't shut me out."

Sarah felt a mixture of fear and relief. Jake's determination gave her a sliver of hope, but it was hard for her to trust anyone with the painful truth she had carried for so long. She tried to walk away from him, all that courage she felt earlier slipping away, but he grabbed her hand. He walked them both out of the school building and to a quiet corner where it would just be them.

"I have to know Sarah, you can't run away from me after what you told me yesterday." He said, moving in close once again.

With a wavering voice, Sarah finally spoke, "Jake, I... it's not easy for me to talk about this. I'm scared."