Glassheart but realistic

Part 43 - Insecurities

Red pov:

It's been a few weeks since our last date. We have been enjoying each other's presence and living life. Every day, we tried to ask each other at least 1 question. Today, I asked Chloe what her favorite animal was. It was a deer. I don't really know much about animals, but if I was lucky, I would sometimes see a few in the woods back in Wonderland. When Chloe found out, she said someday we would have to go to a zoo. Sounds like a weird place, but I don't mind going anywhere as long as I'm with my Chloe. She's also been more touchy recently, I still get a little surprised when she does try to be more physically intimate. Her touch is ways so gently and soft. Always applying light pressure to my skin as her hand and fingers run along my body. I have noticed that I have gained weight since I started eating every day. It was a Saturday, so we didn't have any school. We were cuddling on our sofa Chloe being the big spoon. Her arm was around my ribs near my upper stomach. We were calm and relaxing. She then slowly drags her hand down and literally cups my belly. I sorta jumped at her touch. It felt weird if she touched me there.

Chloe: What's wrong?

Red: Just jumpy.i nervously try to laugh off. Sadly, Chloe knows me too well to know that's not the case.

Chloe: Don't try to avoid my question. Here, sit up.

So we did sit up.

Chloe: Let me repeat myself... what's wrong? I know something feels wrong. I just wanna understand better.

She says in a sweet voice. She's always reassuring and kind. I took a second to compose myself before speaking up about what had just happened.

Red: I'm not sure.... but for some strange reason, when u touched my lower stomach, it felt weird.... I didn't quite like it.

Chloe: Can I try touching it again to see your reaction?

I nodded, knowing she'll find out one way or another. She sits closer to me and wraps her arm around me again. She held my tummy again, and I jumped again. She looked at me puzzled, and then her face lit up.

Chloe: I see now.... Red sweetie? Do you know what insecurities are?

Red: No, what's that?

Chloe: ok, so I think that you might have what people call body insecurity. It's common..... when did this feeling start?

Red: Just now, I think.

Chloe: ok, good...

Red: Why good?

I kinda cut her off by accident.

Chloe: because it means you haven't been keeping it from me, so now it's easier for me to help you.

A moment of silence passed before I had a question to ask Chloe.

Red: Hey Chloe?... Have you noticed my body change since we came back?

Chloe: Yes.... but it's good change.

She said so effortless and confidently. I kinda gave her a face of disbelief.

Chloe: Yes, Red, good change. You were practically skin and bones when we met. Now you have a much healthier body.

Red: But how is gaining weight good? I've always seen it as a bad thing.

Chloe: Well, when you're under weight, which you were, it's good to have a little more. I don't want you to feel insecure about something completely normal.

Red: How does one get rid of this weird feeling, then?

Chloe: we can try exposure therapy.

Red: exposure what?