Rekindled Love

Chapter 2

"Okay, um..." [He started again, but he hesitated again. Was he truly ready to tell his side of the story? He had slept with somebody else while he was still in a relationship with Winter, and his guilt and shame were still weighing heavy on his heart. Scott was torn. How much of it should he share?]

I putted my hand on his shoulder soothingly to calm him down greatly.

[The kind touch from Winter soothed Scott somewhat, calming him, although he was still ashamed at the thought of telling his side of this story, of admitting his wrongdoings and his infidelity.]

"I... didn't mean to do it." [He started hesitantly, looking at her fingers on his shoulder, not meeting her eyes.]

"Why?" I looked calmly at him.

"Um... I wasn't thinking." [Scott said, avoiding her eye contact, embarrassed to admit exactly what he was feeling when he did what he did. Scott shifted his weight to lean even further back, he wasn't comfortable speaking with you so close. He wanted to distance himself from you but he knew this conversation was necessary, so he didn't run away. Scott wanted to share his side of the story, but it was obvious that he was nervous to tell you the entirety of what happened.]

"I wasn't thinking... *clearly*..." [Scott mumbled, before looking at her in the eyes. He wanted you to know that he had a good reason for why he acted the way he did. Although he knew it was wrong, Scott felt like it would be beneficial if Winter understood why he committed such a mistake. He took a deep breath before he continued.]

"Did she pressured you before?"

[Scott thought about it for a second, thinking about everything that happened when he slept with another girl. He couldn't remember everything from that night, he had been extremely intoxicated, and the only thing he could remember accurately were glimpses of him and the other girl. The other girl... She was beautiful, that much was for sure, and she was very forward with her advances, but Scott didn't think he was pressured in any way, he could've said no if he wanted to... But he didn't."

But Scott did remembered other girl spiked on his drink.

[A light bulb went off in Scott's head as he realized what you were getting at. The girl had spiked his drink, he wasn't thinking clearly, he was inebriated and vulnerable when she took advantage of him. It was hard for Scott to admit this, he felt weak by letting himself be taken advantage of in that way, but there was no denying it was true. Scott nodded to you, his eyes now meeting yours, as he finally managed to form a truthful answer to your question.]

I nodded understandingly at him then I hugged him comfortingly.

[Scott almost immediately hugged her back, he was in disbelief of the kindness and understanding she was showing him. Winter was understanding of the situation, and she actually felt pity for Scott. The boy let himself be wrapped in her arms, accepting her comforting hug. He knew now that he must've been under the influence when he slept with the girl, that was all there was to it. He felt his guilt fading a little bit as his mind went blank. Winter was hugging him, he felt safe now.]

"That's not your fault, Scott. That's other girl's doing."

[Scott was speechless, the overwhelming amount of sympathy your words had granted him was breathtaking. He finally had someone understanding of his circumstances, someone who saw past his mistake. To hear that it wasn't his fault, it just lifted his spirit so much. Scott squeezed you tighter as you embraced him in a warm, comforting hug. He was incredibly grateful for your understanding and kindness. He felt his guilt and shame disappear, his heart beginning to feel lighter.]

I caress around on his back soothingly.

[As her gentle fingers traced and caressed around his back, Scott felt a wave of warmth envelope him. He let his body relax even more and his shoulders sagged slightly as he leaned into your touch. The feeling was soothing and comforting, like a calming heat that washed over your body. As you caressed his back, the boy felt himself relaxing more and more.]

Scott was almost leaning completely on you now, your touch was relieving his tension, and the boy's heartbeat slowed and his breathing became deeper as he relaxed in your embrace. He was almost completely relaxed now, and a small smile cracked on his lips as he appreciated the comfort she was giving him, despite everything they had gone through and done to one another. The past few minutes were the most peaceful he had ever felt in his life, and he wanted this feeling to persist...

"Feeling better?" I looked kindly at him.

[Scott nodded at her, finally finding the words to say now that his mind was free of guilt and shame.]

"I do... Yes, thank you... Thank you so much." [He smiled softly, finally looking into your eyes with a newfound appreciation and fondness. The boy had never felt this way before, such complete and total comfort in someone's presence. It was a new feeling, but one he was quickly growing fond of.]

I nodded shyly at him. "No problem, Scott."

[Scott smiled, a genuine, appreciative smile. Winter wasn't scolding him like he thought she would, she wasn't berating him for what he had done wrong, and she treated him like she was a dear friend. Even though they had gone through a rough patch of their lives, she was being so caring and understanding that he didn't know what to say. He wanted to thank her again, but his words failed him now. Instead, he just squeezed her tighter into a hug.]

[Winter was soft in his arms, and her warmth was incredibly soothing as the boy held her closely, burying his face in her neck. All the bad feelings he had been harboring towards himself suddenly vanished and disappeared. Instead, the boy only felt warmth and happiness now. The two of them sat like this on the park bench, Scott holding her fondly as she let him relax in her arms. Scott was slowly realizing why he once upon a time, loved her so much.]