I won't lose you.

Chapter 6.

-James's P.O.V.

We stepped out of the movies and into the cool night air at about 11:00. Melanie shivered. Releasing her hand, I took off my zip-up and put it around her shoulders, and wrapped my arm around her.

"Your so sweet." Melanie said, snuggling into my side.

We walked in silence to the car. The car ride to her house was mostly quiet.

"Melanie?" I said, breaking the silence. Silence tends to make me uncomfortable.

"Yeah James?"

"What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Us."

Oh no…she doesn't want us to be a couple. I tried so hard and failed. I ran my fingers through my hair. I always did that when I was feeling nervous or frustrated. Sighing, I waited to see what came next.

"I really like you a lot James…"

I wasn't expecting that. I waited for more…it might still be bad news.

"I really hope you like me a lot too…because after that kiss…well…I thought at first it was a mistake and it was too soon…but I really want to be more than friends…and go out again."

Ok…that really took me by surprise. Kendall always tells me I'm a pessimist...maybe he's right. I always denied it, but now I really can see what he means.

I pulled into Melanie's driveway. I didn't answer her yet. She unlocked her door and turned on the lights. She led me into her living room. We sat on the couch.

"Would you like some coffee?" Melanie offered.

"No, I'm good thanks."

 I could not believe that Melanie was so honest about all of this. I really liked how she was telling me exactly what was going through her head. It made me want her even more because I knew if we were in a relationship, she would be completely open with me and share her thoughts.

"Melanie, in regard to what you were saying before, the feelings are completely mutual."

"James…I don't want the paparazzi bugging you about me…I'll feel like a burden…" Melanie looked at the floor as she said this.

I tilted her chin up so she could look me in the eyes. Gently, I placed one hand on the side of her face and caressed her cheek with my thumb.

"Melanie, I don't care what the paparazzi says or does. They're irrelevant. You're what's important."

"So, you want to…be more than friends?"

"Yes Melanie, I do."

Melanie sighed. Then she smiled.

"I have one just question that will need a direct answer if we want this to happen." I said.

"Yeah?" Melanie replied.

"Melanie, will you be my girlfriend?" I asked.

Her eyes were sparkling with happiness…or was it tears?

She shed a single tear.

"What's wrong?" I asked holding Melanie tightly to me. "Do you…not want this to happen anymore?"

"No James…I really do…it's just…I was thinking about how last time I had a boyfriend…my heart was broken."

"Do you want to tell me about it? You don't have to…but I'm all ears."

"No…it's fine. I had a boyfriend when I was thirteen. I know what you're thinking. No, we didn't break up two weeks later. We were together for five years. When we were eighteen, he decided that he found someone better…she had everything I didn't…or so he said. Anyway…he got her pregnant. He said she gave him what he wanted. I was crushed…I went into massive depression…he was all that I could think about. I finally got him off of my mind with my best friend Alice's help. It was so hard because he told me he loved me…I just…never want to experience that pain again. It hurt James. I'm so afraid…I don't want to ever be in that pain again. He always tried to rub it into my face…holding her hand when he saw me…or even kissing her. That's what hurt the most."

"He sounds like a real loser Melani. He was never worth any of your time. I would never do that to you. I swear it. I would protect you from that at all costs. If you don't want to go out with me…I understand." It was amazing how easily those words left my mouth. I would be heartbroken if she didn't want to go out with me.

"Yes."

"Yes?" I asked, not understanding what she was saying "yes" to.

"Yes, I would like to go out with you…and yes I would love to be your girlfriend. I seem bipolar right now…I know. But the way you made me feel…you gave me a sense of comfort. Can you make me one promise, James?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Please don't tell me that you love me unless you actually mean it."

"I promise you Melanie…I will never say anything to you that I don't mean."

I held MMelanie tightly and stroked her hair. I did love her, but I wasn't going to tell her that right now. Since I loved her, it was my job to protect her from whatever life might throw at her. Keeping that in mind, I kissed her forehead softly and continued to stroke her hair.