A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter 22- Proven Right

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Things feel okay again. My little time away and bit of a breakdown with Jackson seems to have helped me be a little less worried about how things are going to go today. I feel like I finally have someone on my side. Someone who maybe I can eventually trust.

That would be nice.

'Yeah, it would, but you know that's not going to happen. There's a reason you don't trust anyone.'

But maybe things could be different...

'Maybe, but are you willing to risk it?'

Maybe.

'Suite yourself.'

"Hey, don't let the thoughts overtake you, okay? If they ever become too much, if anything does, just talk to me, Mads. I'm always here for you. You can count on me. I want to be the one you can always count on. You and me against the world, okay?"

The same gentle confidence again, I'm glad Jackson's become comfortable enough to trust me too now. I love being able to see this side of him. To have someone I feel safe around. It makes me feel like I don't always have to hold it together. That sometimes, I don't have to be strong. And seeing it as such is what finally breaks away that last doubt of trusting him. A weight lifts off.

I smile at him, brushing my hand against his, almost willing to grab it.

"You and me against the world sounds nice. But I want you to know that you can trust me too, okay?"

A soft grin comes across his face. One with charm to it with a bit of Connor's playful self.

(Add Jackson noticing and about to grab her hand before backing away when Ash comes out.)

His hand brushes against mine and my nerves flutter again. I look away from him as my face begins to get hot.

The gate behind us opens, and I back away. It's Ash.

I didn't realize he was here today.

'Because you didn't give much care to anyone but yourself.'

"Hey, Ash."

"Asher!"

"Chill, Connor. You're going to give us away. Seriously, play it cool."

I catch myself smiling with the last whisper from Jackson. It's always a little cool when I get to see them as themselves. I hate that they can't be often.

Why can't they be?

'The same reason you're supposed to be quiet about things.'

Yeah... but that's not the same.

'What they're told to do, and what you are aren't going to be. Besides, maybe it's them that want to stay quiet about it.'

People already have stories about you guys, and why you skip out on Mondays. Maybe they want to stay under the radar as much as possible. Don't you?'

...

Asher walks closer and I realize that he has earbuds in, and probably can't hear us. I let him go, but Connor excited to have another friend to have the day with is the one to grab his attention. Waving a hand in front of his downward gaze as he begins to walk past.