Dandelion Wishes

Chapter 3

"So..." I trail off. We ate dinner and now we're just sitting at the table. The house is quiet and it's really...awkward. "Did you go to college?" I ask.

"Well, actually, after I graduated high school I went into the military."

I raise my eyebrows.

"Really?" I ask.

"Yeah. I mean, I was depressed and needed a distraction. I went into the military and fought in Afghanistan for two years, and then I got back and went to college and now I work in a recording studio with files and I keep track of everything. That is, until I get the money to buy my park. I want to own an amusement park."

"Well I went to college to work in the FBI, and then I changed it to Business and Veterinary. I want to open my own vet place. I can't afford it yet, so I work at an insurance agency."

He nods.

We fall into another awkward silence.

After a while, he sighs loudly.

"We need to stop."

I look at him.

"We both know we messed up. We were teenagers. If the roles were switched, I'd have gone after Midnight too. Let's just stop getting so quiet and re-get to know each other."

"Okay." I nod.

"Did you have sex with Dean?" he blurts. I look at him with raised eyebrows. "Sorry. I have to know."

I laugh. "No." I say. "I didn't. I didn't want to."

He frowns. "Why? You were getting married."

"I think I was subconsciously saving myself for you."

"But you did kiss him?" he asks.

"Yes."

"Did you make out?"

"Yes."

"Did you grope?"

"No." I shake my head. "I didn't really let him touch me. Also, I didn't hold his hand when I walked."

He frowns.

"Did you even love him?"

"No." I say.

"But you told him you did?"

"Yes."

He's quiet for a really long time.

"Did you really love me?" he whispers.

I study his eyes for a long time, and then I nod.

"Yes. I still do." I whisper. He smiles and looks down at his hands. "Have you had sex?"

He shakes his head.

"Have you had a girlfriend?"

He shakes his head.

"Have you even kissed anyone?"

He shakes his head again.

"Oh." I say quietly.

We're both quiet for a minute."

"So how's life?" I ask.

"Shitty." he admits. "I haven't seen Jett and Trace in years. You're the first person that's ever come to my house."

"What about your family?"

He sighs. "I go to them."

I frown. "I'm sorry."

He shrugs. "It's fine."

<><>

We started a movie called the Back Up Plan. After a couple of minutes, I scooted closer to him and leaned against his shoulder. He shifted and put his arm around me. I grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch because it's snowing and chilly. I cover both of us.

I'm so comfortable in his side. When the doorbell rings, neither one of us get up.

It rings four more times.

"Ty..." I mumble.

"I don't feel like getting up." he mumbles, resting his cheek against my head, inhaling slowly.

My right hand is holding onto his left hand.

It rings twice more.

I sigh slowly.

"I'll-"

"No." he mumbles. "Stay here."

I exhale slowly and nestle into his side. His right hand is rubbing my back.

We watch the whole movie. By now, the sun is down. The screen stays blank and neither one of us speaks for a while, we just sit in each other's arms.

"Megan," he starts slowly. "I need you to know that I'm still in love with you."

I shut my eyes and sigh softly.

"I know." I whisper. He sighs gently.

"I don't want to rush you, but I'm ready for a commitment."

"Me too." I mumble, lifting my head to look at him, into his eyes. He shift so he's facing me.

"Okay." he grabs both of my hands.

I stare into his eyes for a long time.

"Will you um...be my girlfriend?"

my stomach fills with butterflies. A smile breaks out.

"Yes." I grin. "I'll be your girlfriend."

He grins.

"Jesus, that's scary." he says, hugging me.