Meadow Valley book series- Everything's changed

Chapter 55: Opening up

     While driving back home David had begun asking Ana questions about her and Zach. Ana knew that she couldn't lie to her brother, he knew her too well. So she began to tell him everything that had happened between them the past two weeks. David knew some of it but Ana had filled him in on some of the smaller details. She even told him that they had almost kissed one time before and she was really scared and never meant for that to happen. Ana felt guilty for her actions and began to cry and ask David to forgive her for not talking with him sooner.

      Then she began to explain how she had been feeling the past month about losing their dad and how hard it had been on her. Ana told David that she was angry with God and didn't know what she believed in anymore. Soon their conversation became more about what their family has been going through with the loss of their father and the move and less about Zach. Ana was full out crying in the car, she couldn't hold it in anymore and had to let it all out. David had tears in his eyes as he listened to his sister pour out her grief and sob uncontrollably next to him. He pulled over to the side of the road and leaned over to hug his sister from the side. This was the first time the two of them just sat there hugging and crying together.

      After Ana was done letting it all out she began to wipe away the snot and tears from her face. She looked over at David and said "Is it bad for me to have strong feelings for Zach?" Ana questioned as she sniffled. "I mean, I think that I really like him a lot."

      David didn't know how to respond. Everything within him screamed with frustration. Especially when she told him how Zach almost kissed her when they were alone.

This boy is smoother than I thought. There was a lot more going on between them than I had originally imagined. What am I going to do?

      How could he have missed all the signs before? When did they even have a chance to be alone like that without any of them knowing? There is no way their mother would approve of the date if she found out about their almost kiss and several close encounters the past two weeks.

Ana just stared at her brother. Waiting for his response nervously.

"David? What should I do?"

      It was in that moment that David had to make a decision. Should he tell his sister how he really felt about Zach and lose her trust forever? Or should he play along to gain her trust so he can keep a close eye on both of them. There was no way that he was going to let them be alone again. Zach was quick and very charming. Ana's naïve ways were no match for a boy like Zach Smith.

      David just chuckled and reassured her that it was not a bad thing for her to like a guy, as long as he was the right guy. He was trying to hint to her that Zach was not the right guy for her without saying it directly. He cautioned her to take things slowly with Zach.

"Don't get caught up in emotions Ana. A boy like Zach can be very charming. You have to remember everything papi talked with you about."

      Ana nodded her head in agreement with her brother. She was scared and didn't want to get carried away with her emotions either. She wanted her brother David to protect her. She wasn't sure if Zach was the right kind of guy for her or not. She liked him a lot and knew he liked her back. Was it the right time yet? Ana remembered what her father used to tell her about relationships.

      You have your whole life ahead of you. Don't get caught up in short term relationships that will end up in broken hearts and disappointment. Don't throw away all of your dreams of dancing for a moment of pleasure. When the right time comes. The right guy, the one God has chosen for you, will be there waiting for you.

Ana hugged David again.

"Thank you David. Promise me that you will always protect me and never let a guy hurt me."

"Of course, I promise Ana. I'm never going to let anyone hurt you."

      The two of them had an understanding with each other. Now that their father was no longer with them they had to look out for each other. No matter the cost.