He's a Keeper

Chapter 26

           

He shifts on my chest, fast asleep.

Now I just feel guilty. Watching him sleep, his arms wrapped around me, I just feel guilty.

It was one small lie and I blew up and left his parents house. I know he lied to protect me. He wouldn't lie to me for another reason than that. He never lies to me.

And I feel even worse because now I've made him cry.

Maybe my Dad was right. Maybe I do need therapy.

I decide to text him.

Me: can I ask you something

He texts back almost immediately.

Dad: yeah

Me: do you still think I need therapy

I hadn't texted him or anybody in my family.

I put my walls back up that easily.

Dad: yeah

I stare at it.

Me: why do you think that though

I know he's probably right. I just want his reasons.

Dad: can I call you?

Me: no I'm with Shane and I don't want to wake him up

Dad: okay

Dad: you run. You run at the first sign of trouble. Your walls come up and you shut everyone out. It was one small lie from nine years ago and you ran off. You hid for a week. I was with Lauren when you called her. He was crying. That's the only reason you went back. You and I both know it. You run. You have walls. They're down for him, but still, you still shy away from guys. Not every guy is going to hurt you. You just need some type of help

Me: but I'm better now. Shane and I are okay when I'm not with family. When I'm not stressed

Dad: life is always going to be stressful. You can't shut him out every time your car breaks down or the stove stops working

I stare at that message for a long time.

He's right, I think.

I run when I'm stressed, so how am I going to have a life with this beautiful, incredible man if I can't talk to him? If I run from him?

He shifts his legs in his sleep.

My chest is wet.

He's drooling.

I grin. That is the cutest thing I've ever seen.

I text Dad back.

Me: okay but now his family is probably gonna hate me for running from him again

Dad: they don't. When Shane came downstairs and told everyone you'd gone, everyone just said you need therapy.

Does everyone think I need therapy?

Me: okay

I start googling therapists.

I find one in the city, and I call them, and I schedule an appointment for today at three.

I look at the time. It's two thirty.

I need to get up.

I look down at Shane. He's sleeping so peacefully.

I start to shift, but his grip on my body tightens.

He shifts a little, his other hand resting innocently on my breast.