Music Saves Lives

Chapter Three

The next day, Niall called me again to help me set up a skype, and then I got to see his amazing face. His hair was all messy and he kept running his hands through it when he got nervous. I liked to listen to his laugh and he played his guitar a bit while we continue to get to know each other more. At one point my stepmom came in and she met him. He said she was pretty nice, once she left the room. I smiled every time he said how cute I was and I giggled every time he made a weird face.

For the next month that’s how it was. We talked on the phone every day and skyped twice a week. When he had to sign off he would blow me a kiss and I would catch it. We were so cheesy and definitely skipping over the whole friend thing. Last time we skyped Heather and Mira were over and he got to know them. They are still teasing me about how smiley I was that night.

I was heading out the door to meet up with my friends at a local diner when my dad and stepmom said they needed to talk to me.

“Honey, I love you, you know that?” My dad said, holding my hands. “We both do and we just want to make sure that this boy doesn’t hurt you.”

“Dad, Niall is the first boy who has been this nice to me.” I said, looking him in the eyes. “I really like him.”

“We know, but you need to make sure he’s not just using you.”

“Oh hun, he wouldn’t do that. I met the boy he’s very kind.” My stepmom argued.

“I understand that.” He pointed his attention back to me. “I just worry that’s all. After all that has happened in the past. I don’t want you going back to that place if he breaks your heart.”

“Dad, I’m happy. He makes me laugh and smile. When I think about it, I feel like him and I, are a lot like you guys.” A tear slipped down my cheek.

“Do you love him sweetie?” my stepmom asked.

I notice the concern in my dad’s eyes. “Not that I know of… I mean, we only talk through technology. I don’t think I can fall deeply in love with someone that way. I haven’t seen him in 2 months. I’m not even sure if he’s my boyfriend to be honest, so right now, no. I do not love him, but I do like him a lot and think that one day it could be a possibility.” I squeezed my dad’s hand as I noticed he was starting to cry. “Dad, don’t worry. I’m always your little girl and you raised me to be smart. My past is helping me keep my walls up so I don’t get hurt.”

“You know you can’t keep those walls up forever.” My stepmom mentioned.

“I know, but I’ll decide when I’m ready to do that.” I smiled.

“Okay, you can go now. I love you.” My dad hugged me and so did my stepmom.

I waved goodbye before walking out the door. I walked down the block to the diner and I thought about what just happened. I mean it’s true I don’t love him, not yet. Niall doesn’t know the whole story about my past. He knows just the gist of it. I’d rather keep it between myself and my family. Maybe one day I’ll have to tell him, but for now it doesn’t matter. I feel bad for not telling him the whole truth, well the truth at all. Honestly, I was afraid to. He probably wouldn’t like me anymore if he were to know.

I walked into the diner and saw my friends in the farthest booth. I scooted in next to Mira and gave a weak smile.

“What’s wrong?” Heather asked.

“Nothing, my parents just gave me a whole lecture about Niall and I’m just thinking about some stuff, that’s all.”

“Are you scared to see him?” Mira asked.

“Uh no. Kind of.”

“Do you think he’ll want to have sex with you?” she asked leaning close to me.