Teach Me How to Love Again (Sequel to Dirty Little Secret)

Chapter 74: I've Got Some Scattered Pictures Lying on My Bedroom Floor

*~(The title of this chapter is from Scattered by Green Day.)~*

I woke up and reached out for Gerard, but he wasn't there. I was confused, but I was too exhausted to open my eyes, so I just felt around until I felt a piece of paper on his pillow.

I opened my eyes and let them adjust to the bright sunlight in the bedroom before I read the note. "Good morning, gorgeous! Chantal picked me up today to make sure I didn't put off going to therapy again. I would have woken you up to say goodbye in person, but you looked really peaceful and adorable while you were asleep, so I didn't wanna disturb you. I'll be home in a few hours. Love you!" the note said.

I smiled to myself as I read the note. How did I get such an adorable, loving boyfriend? I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

I texted all my friends so I wouldn't get lonely without Gerard here. Being lonely wasn't good for me, so I chose to keep myself occupied.

Frank made sure to let me know that he misses me, and that we need to hang out soon. He also made sure to tell me that, although he still doesn't trust him, he's happy Gerard and I got back together.

About two and a half more hours passed before Gerard finally got home. I immediately stood up and hugged him. Even though it had only been three hours since I woke up, I missed him. He chuckled and hugged me back.

"Wow, someone's happy to see me," he chuckled, then he kissed me.

"I missed you," I admitted sheepishly after his lips left mine.

"I missed you too. Today was really emotional, and I really need to cuddle with my pretty lady to make me feel better. You're like my security blanket. You make me really happy," he muttered. We pulled away from our embrace that we were still in, and now I finally got to look in his eyes. I could tell he had been crying at therapy, and that made me sad.

"Baby, you've been crying," I observed, and I swept some of his hair out of his face.

"Y-yeah, I guess I have," he chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was just a really heavy discussion."

"I'm really proud of you for going to therapy and opening up to your therapist. That had to take a lot of courage," I applauded. He smiled pridefully, obviously proud of himself now that I complimented him. He intertwined both of his hands with both of mine, and he stared into my eyes.

"Baby, I have something kind of important to tell you," he murmured awkwardly again.

"What is it, babe? You can tell me anything," I reassured him, squeezing both of his hands lightly.

"M-my therapist thinks I should visit my parents. I haven't talked to them in years. T-they sort of disowned me, I guess."

"Are you gonna go?"

"I don't know. That's what I wanted to ask you. Do you think I should?"

"I can't make that decision for you. Only you can make that decision, baby."

"I-I think I should," he agreed. "T-there's something else I want to ask you that's kind of important too."

"What is it, babe?"

"Will you come with me? I c-can't do this alone. I need you there with me."

"Gerard, I love you, but this is something you'll have to face. Your parents don't know me, and they might hold back the things they really wanna say to you if I'm there. It would be really awkward if I joined you."

"I know that, but I want you to come to New Jersey with me. I can't do it alone. I need you to support me. I'll check us into a hotel, and you can wait there for me. I'd say you could explore New Jersey while you wait, but I'd prefer if you waited at the hotel. New Jersey is a dangerous place for a pretty lady like you, and I don't want you getting hurt."