Falling to Flying

Chapter Twenty Two- Sometimes Honesty isn't Always the Best Policy

This is me apologizing for the insane delay. I've been living life and focusing on other things (a different story to be completely honest) but I'm back and I'm ready to pick up where we left off on the this train wreck of a novel. Thanks for being patient.

Happy reading! 

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RECAP

Mel tricked Ana into going camping with her brother (they haven't spoken since Thanksgiving and hadn't spoken since their mother's funeral before that). Justin and Ana had a big heart to heart and he encouraged her to call Neil and try to fix things because she was struggling without him. Neil ignored her call. Later that night Ana and Mel went clubbing where they saw Tommy--this led to them seeing Austin and Neil. Neil had a girl on his lap. After an awkward encounter Mel and Ana leave, but Neil stops Ana and tries to explain things--this leads to their steamy (and drunken) kiss. 

Now it is the next day where Ana sneaks out of Neil's bedroom earlier this morning (feeling unsure and embarrassed about last night) and goes to work. Neil confronts Ana at work and asks her to be his girlfriend. Ana agrees and now we are caught up to present time.

"Okay."

My small and uncertain answer resonated throughout the entire room. Neil's expression went from frustrated to blank within a second.

"Okay?"

"Okay," I repeated.

His whole face lit up like I had just told him he had won the lottery. I felt my insides grow warmer with every step he took towards me. I looked down at my shoes when he stopped right infront of me; I could smell his cologne and could practically feel the smugness radiating off of him.

"Stop smiling at me, you creep," I grumbled still looking down. I felt his hands travel to my jaw as he tried to get me to look at him.

"Ana-"

"So, I'm going to get back to work now," I mumbled awkwardly as I tried to untangle myself from his hold, but he instead quickly wrapped his arms around me. One around my waist and the other gently holding the side of my neck.

And in that moment I realized what I had done. It was quite similar to Neil's hold over me- at any moment he could just squeeze my neck and kill me. I had just given him the open opportunity to hurt me at any time by simply saying okay. I knew that he would never choke me- not the Neil with the hazel eyes and dimples, not the Neil who cooks me breakfast, not the Neil who makes me laugh until I cry. I knew that he would never choke me, but what was terrifying was that he could. But his hand felt so warm next to my throat, and his hold felt so loving as I let him caress one of the most fragile parts of my body.

Because he wasn't just holding the control over my breathing, but he was holding me.

"I'm scared," I whispered into his shoulder.

"I know," I felt his voice rumble in his hard chest.

"I don't want to get hurt anymore," I felt my chest begin to tighten in panic as I thought of my vulnerability.

"I won't hurt you," he promised.

"You don't know that," I shook my head slightly while leaning away from him to look at his expression.

"Yes, I do."

And then he kissed me.

***

"OH MY GOD YESSSS! I need to call Tommy!" Mel pranced around our small kitchen as she dialed Tommy's number.