Despite Kenny's receptiveness Friday night, when Riley awoke Saturday morning in Kenny's bed, she found Kenny curled on her side crying.
Concerned, Riley rolled to face Kenny, brushed a tear from her cheek, and whispered "I'm here. I'm here. Can you tell me what's going on in your head?"
Kenny's mouth pulled down as she shook her head no.
Riley smoothed Kenny's hair then scooted closer to hold Kenny and rest her chin atop her head while Kenny continued to cry quietly.
After a few minutes Kenny mumbled "I'm scared, Riles".
"Scared of what?" Riley prompted gently.
"Scared I'll never find someone who knows me as well as Tyler. Never find someone who loves me as much as him."
Riley placed a gentle kiss on the top of Kenny's head and reassured "I know it's scary. It's normal to feel that way. But remember how you felt that way after you and your last boyfriend broke up? You told me you'd worried about being alone forever and that you worried about being with someone else sexually because you'd only ever been with your previous boyfriend. But look, you did find someone else, right?"
Kenny sniffled and nodded.
"You moved on after that last break up and you can do it again. Tyler is not the only guy in the world. The possibilities are endless and any guy would be lucky to have you in his life. And you already know this is true because you've done it once before and now you can do it again."
Kenny burrowed her face deeper into Riley so her voice came out muffled "But I don't want to do it again."
"I know, babe. I know. It's so hard. But what you've been through with Tyler isn't healthy, Kenny. You deserve better than that. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world. You know that, right?"
When Kenny didn't respond, Riley pulled back slightly so she could see Kenny's face then asked again "Right, Kenny? You know you deserve love and happiness?"
Kenny's lower lip trembled as she nodded reluctantly.
Riley could see the doubt in Kenny's eyes. Knew she didn't fully believe that yet. But Riley was determined to help Kenny regain her confidence and recognize her self-worth no matter how long it took. With a sigh, Riley wrapped her arms around Kenny and pulled her close again.
YOU ARE READING
Unknown Beginning
General FictionRiley has just started over at a new college and is trying to navigate relationships with her new best friend, Kenny, while integrating to a new disgruntled hockey team. One particular captain seems to hate Riley and she doesn't know why but she's g...
