13 Reasons Why Preferences

Jeff Atkins for Braelynn

"So, where do you wanna go today?" Jeff asked as we watched Riverdale on Netflix. "Dunno. You decide babe." I told him as I continued to watch because Riverdale is seriously such a great show.

I felt Jeff's hand on top of mine when his started crawling up until he reached my wrists. I flinched when his fingers touched the fresh cut and Jeff noticed it. "Is something wrong?" He asked and I just shook my head and closed my eyes.

He didn't listen and instead, he pulled my arm that made me face him. Jeff started rolling the sleeves up my arm and his eyes watered at what he saw. "I..." He started but he didn't finish because a tear rolled down his cheek and he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Why do you cut?" His voice broke at the end that triggered my heart and the moment I knew it, I was also tearing up. "Braelynn why do you cut?" He asked a little louder but not enough to be described as a mad one. "I'm sorry Jeff... I'm so sorry." I cried and he took me in his arms, wrapping his muscular arms around my fragile body.

"Why?" He cracked as I continued to sob. I felt tears fall down my shoulder and that moment, I knew he was now crying. It broke my heart more than what I'm going through right now. Jeff crying is a different story and it's not making anything better. "I thought you were happy with me..." Jeff whispered and I pulled away, wiping his tears away.

"I am. I am, Jeffery. Every second I'm with you. Don't ever think you're not one of the reasons I'm happy." I told him and he looked down at my cuts. "Then why do you cut, Braelynn?" He asked yet again and I closed my eyes and this time, it was his turn to wipe the tears from my eyes.

"School, Family, Friends. They were all pulling me down. You were the only one who help me get up but they were too much. I'm sorry." I mumbled and he pulled me in for a hug again. "I'm gonna help you with this. We're gonna get through this, Brae. I promise I'll always be with you, forever." I nodded at him as I took in his scent and I sighed.

"Promise me you'll never do this again. Please." He croaked, lifting my face up so I was looking at him. "I promise." I whispered and he smiled a little. "I love you, Braelynn." He said and I smiled. "I love you too, Jeff."