FATE & ATTRACTION

Chapter 9: Unveiling Shadows

LEXIE'S POV:

The soft light of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the tangled mess of sheets and limbs. I woke up first, my gaze drawn to Renee's peacefully sleeping face. It was a sight that left me breathless – her beauty accentuated by the serenity of sleep. How could someone look that pretty while sleeping?

Unable to resist the urge, I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Renee's cheek. She stirred, a sleepy smile gracing her lips as she woke up. We exchanged morning greetings, and I tried to shift away to go to the bathroom, but Renee's arms tightened around me, reluctant to let me go.

**RENEE:** *Where do you think you're going, Lexie?*

I chuckled, feeling a sense of warmth in her embrace.

*LEXIE:** *I have to pee, Renee. Nature calls.*

*RENEE:** *But you're so warm, baby. Don't move.*

Renee pouted playfully, but eventually, she relented, allowing me to slip out of bed and head to the bathroom. As soon as the door closed behind me, I faced the reflection in the mirror, the remnants of my struggles staring back at me. The attempts to cover up the cuts with makeup were futile, but it was the best I could do.

Returning to the room, I found Renee on the couch, a welcoming smile on her face. I settled next to her, throwing my legs over hers and snuggling close. Renee teased me about being unusually cuddly that morning but then shifted the tone.

**RENEE:** *You won't distract me with that, baby. We need to talk about what's going on with you.*

I sighed, knowing that the moment of truth had arrived. Opening up was never easy, but I owed Renee the truth.

**LEXIE:** *Okay, Renee. It's just... I've been struggling a lot with my self-esteem. People used to bully me for being fat, and it led to a lot of depression. And now, with the tour, the comments on my content have been really harsh. It feels like I don't deserve to be here. It's stirring up all those feelings of not being good enough and that's why I felt I had to push you away. I didn't want to burden you with my problems, we've only met a few weeks ago.*

Renee's eyes softened with understanding, and she reached for my hand, offering a comforting squeeze. The vulnerability of the moment created a connection that went beyond the surface, and I continued to share more of my truth.

**LEXIE:** *And, um, there's something else. I've never really told anyone, but... I'm gay. People bullied me for that too.*

Renee's expression shifted to one of unwavering support, her eyes filled with empathy. She spoke words of encouragement and understanding, holding my hand through the weight of my past. As we talked, the shadows within me seemed to lift, replaced by the warmth of Renee's compassion.

After our heartfelt conversation, we decided to distract ourselves with a movie. As I reached for the TV remote, my hoodie sleeve slipped, revealing the cuts on my wrist. Panic surged within me, and I bolted for the bathroom, leaving Renee in stunned silence.

In the confined space of the bathroom, I faced the reality of my actions. The vulnerability I had shared didn't extend to the deepest recesses of my struggles. Renee had seen a glimpse of my pain, but the raw truth remained hidden, locked away in the shadows of my past.