Parachute [Book 4]

Chapter 13 - Love Is An Open Door

“You ready, Mar?”

“Nearly.”

“You said that like half an hour ago.”

“I know I did.”

“So why aren’t you ready?”

“Shut up, a girl needs her time.” I tossed my hair over one shoulder, sighing again when I realized it didn’t look all that nice, and I needed to fix it again. I didn’t think it really would have mattered. 

The truth was I was ready half an hour ago. I was just stalling, because I was actually nervous to leave this apartment. I was nervous to walk through the street and face the people of New York, who had obviously been able to call this place their home. I was nervous to see the city’s sights because it wasn’t Lima.

Most of the people back in Lima were desperate to get out of there, but then there were people like me who were completely comfortable to live in that small little town. I knew what life was like there, I knew the people, I knew the places.

And I just didn’t know here – that’s what made me the most nervous about going on this date.

“Shit,” I whispered to myself, dropping my hairbrush on the ground as I noticed my hands begin to shake. I was getting far too worked up about this… I really shouldn’t have agreed to go on this date with Ryder tonight.

It wasn’t too late to make up a lie, was it? I could have easily just walked out there and told him I didn’t feel well and then he wouldn’t have to make me leave, right?

Knock knock. “Marley?” I spun around frantically from where I was standing and saw Ryder leaning against the entrance to the bedroom. He was giving me a worried look, his forehead creased in concern. I gave him a little sheepish wave, brushing down my skirt quickly before turning back to the mirror, unsure what to do.  “Are you okay?”

I nodded my head quickly, before quickly shaking it. I couldn’t hide the truth from Ryder – he was my husband and if anyone was going to help me, it was him. “What’s wrong?” He asked quietly, running up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.

I leaned my head back into his shoulder and let out a deep sigh, not too sure what to say. “I’m scared, Ryder.” I eventually whispered to him, gazing at the mirror in front of us to stare into Ryder’s eyes. I couldn’t help but think that we looked like a really adorable couple.

“Why?” Ryder whispered to me, tightening his hands around my waist again. I could feel his arms digging into my hip bones, but I didn’t really mind it. I gave a shrug. “Marls, you really have no reason to be scared of going out on a date. You look beautiful, okay? And you smell really nice and you’re going to have me.”

I gave a short laugh. “I know, Ryd, but it’s not that. It’s just-“ I stopped for a second to spin around and face Ryder. He was still giving me that worried look. “I’m scared because I don’t feel completely safe here in New York, Ryder.”

Ryder suddenly pulled me into a giant hug, pushing my face into the shoulder of his hoodie. “Hey, Mar, do you trust me?” He whispered in my ear, giving the side of my head a quick kiss.

“Of course.” I mumbled, pulling my head back to look him right in the eye.

“Then you have to trust me when I saw that New York isn’t going to hurt you.”

I stared at him for a couple of seconds, unsure what to say. I had this horrible, heavy feeling resting in my stomach – I guessed it was from fear. But I had to trust Ryder. I had to trust that he would keep me safe because he would. I finally managed to reply. “Okay.”