Every Scar Has Its Story

Chapter 24 A Fresh Start

The crisp morning air felt refreshing as we strolled through the park, our hands intertwined while he had Bryce's leash on the other hand. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of children playing created a soothing background for our newfound tranquility.

I felt his eyes on me, "I'm really glad we had that talk at the café," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "It feels like we're back on track."

I smiled, my fingers lightly brushing against his. "Me too. I think I like your friends and I'm grateful for Walter. Don't forget you also made me skip school."

"He turned out to not be a pain in the ass afterall. I'll make it up to you."

We stopped and Jax guided me to sit down. As I settled, he took a seat beside me, " This feels great."

"You know," I said, my voice thoughtful, "it's moments like these that remind me how much I've missed just being with you."

I felt him smile, "I've missed you too.Bryce also seems happy."

" I think he's able to sense when I'm happy with you. The other day he wasn't this excited to see you."

" Well I wanna see him like this always meaning I have to work really hard to keep this smile of yours."

" Aha, you could start with telling me all about your favorite things."

We chatted about our favorite books, movies, and dreams for the future, I found myself relaxing into the conversation. Jax's presence was so comforting and the weight of what we've been through seemed to lift with each shared laugh and touch.

" I thought you might like this," he said placing a small box in my hand.

I ran my fingers over the box with a curious smile, my fingers exploring the wrapping. "What's this?"

"Just a little something I want you to have."

"Okay..." I struggled with unwrapping it," Jax...what's this?"

" It's a necklace."

"Oh. Thank you." I was unsure because I didn't get him anything, I felt it in my hands after he put it around my neck. It was a heart-shaped amullette. " I love it." I hugged him

"I thought it might be nice for you to have something you could feel to know how much I love you."

"This is perfect. I'll cherish it." I smiled widely as I kissed his cheek.

" Another thing, all in the spirit of you knowing stuff about me. Do you want to hang tomorrow- after school? I don't want to make you miss anymore classes."

I could feel his eyes pleading as he caressed my cheek, " I don't think my mom would agree. But I'll check first."

" That's all I'm asking for." I could feel him smile.

We walked back to my school just in time for my mom to come pick me up.

" Hi honey."

"Hi, mom."

" So school was that fun, huh?"

"Yeah, it was okay."

" Are you sure this is all to do with school, not a certain guy?"

" Mom ,no."

" You should invite him over for dinner."

" Who?"

" Walter."

" Why would I invite Walter over for dinner?"

" Because he's the very first friend you've ever made."