Falling for the boy next door

Chapter 4: Safe

Original: June 1, 2023? Update: August 31, 2023

The police must've been close because I could hear sirens getting closer. It was so surreal. My father was finally going away. Hopefully for a long time. I couldn't help but get emotional. He had been hurting me for so long, I almost forgot what he used to be like. He used to be so nice, and we were so close. I don't know what changed. Maybe it was because he just lost his mind after my mother left him. Maybe...

I gripped tightly onto Johnny's shirt, crying. He rubbed circles into my back, trying to calm me down.

"It's okay, Ellie. He's not gonna hurt you anymore."

"T-thank you, Johnny."

"Of course, Ellie. Anything for my favorite person."

The police barged in the door, and found my father, who was unconscious, as well as Johnny comforting me. They detained my father, putting handcuffs on him and taking him away.

"We will have to speak with you two once he wakes up." One of the officers said.

"Understood." Johnny replied.

They left. As soon as the cop cars were gone, Johnny carried me, koala style, back to his place. I buried my face in his neck. He smiled and opened his door, then walked inside and brought me to his room.

"El, I don't have another bed right now. You have to sleep on the couch for now."

"Nope... I'm sleeping in your bed."

"Ellie..."

"Johnny... please?"

"Fine... but only because I love you."

"I just wish you meant that the same way I did..."

"Sorry..."

"It's fine. I'll get over it eventually."

He set me down on his bed, then sat down beside me. I frowned. He must've noticed because he pet my head. I smiled.

"Ellie, you know I love you. You are my best friend. Not to mention you are very pretty... it's just... I don't know. I'm afraid of ruining things between us. I don't wanna lose you."

"Johnny, I promise, you're not gonna lose me. Nothing will change how I feel about you, or how much I need you."

Johnny looked at me for a moment, then pulled me into his lap and in for a kiss. I wasn't expecting this at all but I let up.

I didn't think he would ever love me. I always thought my feelings would never be reciprocated yet here I am, sitting in his lap, kissing him. I never thought he would be the one to initiate such a thing, but clearly I was wrong. I just wish he would've told me his feelings sooner. Maybe then I wouldn't be so surprised about it. Maybe then I'd get time to process it. The guy I had been in love with since I met him... finally loves me back, and I just can't wrap my head around it all. I keep wishing he would've told me, but I know that just isn't his style. It's not like Johnny to say how he feels. He'd rather show it.

After about 30 seconds, he pulled away and smiled at me.

"I'm terrified of you and I getting into a relationship, breaking up, and never speaking again."

"Johnathan, that will never happen. I am going to keep you if it's the last thing I do. No matter what, you'll always be mine."

"Ellie... I love you... But please don't ever call me Johnathan again. It sounds weird coming from you."

"Sorry..."

"It's alright. You don't have to apologize."

"Right... It's a habit."