Evermore - Cheradine

Chapter 26

Cheryl wrapped her arms around me after bringing me to the peak, her embrace warm and reassuring. I loved how tender she became afterward, as if she wanted to savor every second of our connection. While some might turn away or drift off to sleep, Cheryl wasn't like that. She never rushed past the intimacy we shared.

On the contrary, she always made a point of showing she cared, not just about the physical side of things, but about everything else too. The way she'd kiss my forehead or whisper something sweet just to make me smile. It was her way of saying she was still here, still with me, long after the heat of the moment had passed.

Her fingertips began their familiar journey, gently trailing along my arm, each touch deliberate and full of meaning. It was a small gesture, but one that always made me feel cherished. The sensation sent shivers down my spine, a lingering reminder of the intensity we'd just shared, and the quiet affection that always followed.

"I missed you," Cheryl said softly, her gaze locking onto mine, the sincerity in her voice tugging at my heart.

"Me too," I murmured, leaning in to give her a quick kiss. "I'm sorry for pushing you away. That wasn't fair." I gently brushed her cheek.

Cheryl gave a small shrug, trying to play it off. "I get it. I know it's been tough, with everything going on with your mum."

"It has," I admitted, the past few days still weighing heavily on me.

"Can I ask you something?" Cheryl's voice hesitated, as if she was unsure.

"Go ahead," I replied, studying her face, trying to anticipate what she might say.

Cheryl's fingers paused for a moment as she took a breath, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Was I at risk of losing you?"

Her question caught me off guard, and I quickly shook my head. "No."

Cheryl wasn't convinced. "I felt like I was," she continued, her voice quieter now. She started to fidget with the edge of the sheet, her eyes downcast. "You were so upset about your mum, and then you pretty much shut us out." She hesitated, fingers tracing random patterns on the fabric, clearly trying to distract herself. "I couldn't help but think... maybe you were considering leaving us." She risked a glance at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Could you... actually leave us?"

It was unsettling to see Cheryl so vulnerable and uncertain. Her past relationships had left scars, causing her to doubt her own worth. Despite the strong front she usually put up, the fear of not being enough, of being abandoned, still haunted her. No matter how much she tried to conceal it, that fear lingered beneath the surface, and it broke my heart to witness it.

"Cheryl..."

"Just be honest. I won't make a scene or anything." she interrupted, her voice steady but her eyes revealing a lingering fear.

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "The thought of ending things did cross my mind," I admitted, noticing the flicker of hurt in her eyes, "but every time, I dismissed it just as quickly. I couldn't leave you, Cheryl. I'm too invested."

"Wow, that much of a risk, huh?" Cheryl gave a dry laugh, her attempt at humour falling flat as the vulnerability peeked through.

"Not really," I said softly, trying to reassure her, but I could tell she wasn't convinced.

"You literally just said you thought about it more than once," she countered.

"Only because I'm a bloody coward when it comes to my mum. When I think about her, I still feel like a kid who just wants her approval. But if getting her approval means not being with you, then I'd rather not have it." I cupped her face in my hands, tilting her chin so she could see how serious I was. "You mean more to me than that."