Comfort Zone

Chapter 4

"What do you mean you don't want to go anymore?" Derek asks me. There are tears in my eyes and I'm pretty sure he's catching on.

"Derek, I just don't want to be tied down the summer before my senior year." I tell him.This is hard for me, I don't want to break up with him, he's all I've ever known.

"Haylee, is this the part where we end it? Is that what this is?" He asks, looking at his feet. He has tears in his eyes and it makes me cry harder. Derek has never cried in front of me.

"I don't know. I don't want it to be, but I don't know what else to do." I say, sitting on the edge of his bed. His parents offered to take us out to dinner, but Derek told them that him and I had some things to talk about.

"Please talk to me. Tell me what this is really about. I just need an honest explanation." He begs, as he sits down next to me.

"I don't want to talk about it. It's not important."

"Haylee, please tell me." He ask, looking me in the eyes as tears roll down his cheeks.

"Derek, everyone tells me that I'm gonna be a good housewife and that I'm gonna be a good mother someday. It irritates me that society thinks that's all I can do. I've also been thinking about my mom a lot and I don't want to be like her. She always had a boyfriend, always depended on someone. I don't want to be like that. I want to make a name for myself, not live in the shadow of a man. Me going to Paris with you with you would seem like I'm too attached to you. I don't want to seem that way." By the time I finish, I can't look him in the eyes. I can hardly stand up off the bed. I can't sit beside him and listen to him ask me to stay. I walk out of the room and head downstairs. I'm almost to the front door when Greg stops me.

"Haylee, Tina and I were sitting in the kitchen and heard you and Derek's conversation through the vents. Sorry for listening, but can I talk to you for a second?" He asks and even though I know I should get out of here before Derek comes downstairs, I nod my head and sit down on the couch.

"Darling, just because you go to Paris with Derek, you don't have to be tied down. You can go have fun. And you are nothing like your mother. Trust me. I knew your mom in high school. She didn't depend on guys, she used them. And society does shame women into being house wives and mothers, but you can overcome that. You can make a name for yourself before you become a housewife or mother. With a brain like yours, you will never live in the shadows of any man. Please think about this." Greg told me. I'm mesmerized by his words. He's kinda right, but it's not that easy.

"Dammit mom! Get out of my way. I have to go get her!" Derek screams. As if on instinct I get up and run to him. Even though I don't want to admit it, I love him. I know that now I have to tell him.

When I get to Derek, I kiss him. Tina is standing there and I'm not lonely affectionate in front of her. Our kiss is rough and sloppy and I know that if his mom wasn't standing there, this would turn into so much more.

"Derek,-I-love-you "I say in between kisses. He kisses me for minute before he realizes what I said. He grabs me by the waist and picks me up.

"Haylee, I love you too. "He says, squeezing me against him. "Gosh you have no idea how long I've waited to hear that. "

"I'm going to Paris with you! I mean if you still want me to go." I say, looking at his dimples as he smiles.

"Of course I still want you to go. I didn't change my mind that half-hour we were talking things out. "He says looking at Tina than making an "o" with his mouth realizing she was still standing there watching us.

"Mom, sorry. I'm sorry I cursed at you. "Derek says to Tina. He looks awkward as he goes over and hugs her. It's pretty obvious he's never been in this situation. He used to everything being perfect.

"It's fine darling. I know how Younglove is. Your father and I were the same way. "She says, chuckling as she walks away.

I feel my cheeks get red, now Derek and I are suddenly alone and I'm gonna have to explain.

I am such an awful person. I said I was gonna update like three days ago and I didn't I'm so sorry. I really love you guys and thanks for the reads you've gave me. I hope you guys continue to read my story and stick with me. School is really getting me down and I'm falling behind in a lot of things sorry if I don't update as much as I should. Thanks loves!

XOXO

Winnie