Vanilla ice

Chapter 19:

Sophia

After breakfast Alice insisted that we go shopping while Owen and Andrew visit an old friend. We're on our way to the farmers market and then after that we went to the mall. Izzy insisted on going to the mall so that she could get a new pair of shorts and shoes. After getting some fresh fruit we leave and go to the mall.

We head straight for the American eagle store. Izzy looks around before settling on a pair of faded blue jean shorts. After talking to Alice for a little bit I found out that she works at the diner here in town. We hung out at the mall for another hour or so before returning to the house to work on thanksgiving dinner. As soon as we got to their house I ran upstairs to call Spencer.

Spencer answered on the first ring. We talked for a little bit before he had to get ready for practice. After telling him I love him and good luck I called Vivian to check on Liam. Liam was taking a nap and didnt have practice today due to his coach being sick. Vivian informed me that Liam was doing great but he missed me a lot.

Owen arrived as I was making the corn. Alice had given me her cooking apron to wear. He walked into the house with a huge smile on his face. He immediately walked up to me and kissed me on the forehead. Izzy's eyes lit up when Andrew walked through the door.

There is clearly some chemistry between the two. It's not that big of an age gap but if Owen found out that something was going on between them Andrew's head would be cut off. Andrew mostly avoids Izzy but every now and then you can catch him staring at her. Izzy loves the attention she gets from him with no doubt.

"Hey, Alice?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Well, I need help with something. I just don't know how to ask."

"Just tell me I promise I wont judge."

"Are you sure you won't mind?"

"I'm sure, honey."

"Okay, so a little after Owen and I started dating I got hurt really badly by someone I don't even know and I was in a really dark place. Owen helped a lot but after it happened I grew distant and left Owen."

"So what are you asking here?"

"How do I learn to trust him again? I love him so much but I can't give myself fully to him and I feel like I'm going to hurt him, Alice."

"Well, when I was around your age, my parents ran a big business which came with a lot of powerful alliances. The alliance they were in competition with had a son who tried to hurt me. I thought I loved their son. But I got away and had to run from my family to protect Owen."

"Are you saying that the same thing happened to you?"

"Yes. I had fallen in love with Owen's dad but also loved the guy who hurt me. So when he betrayed me I ran from my family and even from Owen's father. Months afterwards I found out I was pregnant with Owen. I told his father and we decided to move here and start our life. It was hard to trust him at first but he never gave me a reason not to."

"What if I hurt him though, Alice?"

"Owen is a tough boy, just like his father. He will protect you and you can learn to trust him. It just takes time and if you end up not able to then that's okay too."

"Miss Alice?"

"Yes, honey?"

"How long did it take to heal?"

"I never fully healed but Owen's father helped me get close to it. He was always there and never pushed me when I wasn't comfortable. Just set boundaries with Owen and it'll be okay."

"Does Owen know?"

"No, he wont find out until he turns twenty five. When he does he will get a great deal of money from my parents and a great alliance if he wants it."

"Okay. Thank you, Alice."

"Of course, honey."