Webs of the Heart

chapter nine

Crap about to happen.

Tom POV

The day after the next, I was working with my dad on a custom online ordered table, when he started a serious sounding sentence.

"So, Tom, I know I've given you the boyfriend talk, how to treat a girl properly. But I think it's time we talked about Crystal." I jumped and dropped my screwdriver, making Dad chuckle. He took off his heavy duty gloves as I picked up the screwdriver, putting an arm on my shoulders and guiding me to the basement steps.

"Let's talk, Tom." I swallowed slightly nervously, then sat down next to him.

"Now, let's start with how you feel about Crystal. You like her, don't you?" I swallowed then nodded, looking down at my hands, which I started twisting together.

"Good." I looked at him questioningly at this statement.

"No offense Tom, but none of your exes can hold a candle to Crystal. She's one of a kind." He explained.

"Now, let's start on her history with her ex boyfriends. Her parents were in and out of her life, not really caring if she dated as long as it didn't interfere with her schedule. They didn't support her or comfort her, or help her with advice on how to find a good person. So, she had rotten boyfriends. They weren't faithful, they abused her innocence, and didn't treat her right." I nodded, having already heard this from Crystal before.

"I know you're thinking, I already know this, but keep listening, alright? Because this is important." I nodded, listening attentively.

"Her boyfriends used to beat her. When she wouldn't do what they wanted her to, or wouldn't sleep with them, they would hit her and abuse her. Both physically and vocally."

Anger shot through me, and I clenched my fists.

"I know, I know." Dad said grimly, rubbing my shoulder.

"She came to me for help, and we got rid of them for good. I won't deny, I got a few good hits in. Now, let's change the subject before we both find it necessary to punch something. Alright, are you going to ask her out soon?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, and Dad chuckled.

"Not yet, huh? Are you at least going to tell her you like her soon?"

"I want to, but I don't know how."

"You have to do it bluntly, Crystal fools herself into thinking that any affection shown towards her by men is merely friendship, unless plainly told otherwise."

"Like, kiss her?" I asked, then instantly regretted doing so, because I suddenly wanted to know what it would be like, very strongly.

"Well, yes. But you have to time it right. Don't be in a rush to do it. And don't force it on her, that'll give her bad memories." I nodded, listening attentively.

Crystal POV

I was helping Nikki make dinner when Tom and Dominic came inside, and Tom was acting jumpy.

"There you two are! Go wash up, it's time to eat." Nikki told them, and Tom quickly went for the bathroom, almost bumping into me and quickly apologizing before running into the bathroom. I looked after him in confusion, asking Nikki quietly,

"What's wrong with Tom?" She chuckled and leaned close to me, whispering to me,

"He likes you, that's what." I stared at her in disbelief.

"Wh-what?" I stuttered.

"He likes you. About time he realized it. Aren't you happy? You've waited a long time." I flushed and nodded, looking down at my hands. Nikki gave me a side hug, then told me to sit down so we could eat dinner.

The next day Tom had to leave again, but he asked me to come visit him on set soon, and I agreed, settling on visiting him the next weekend.

The night before he left, I was lying on my bed, Sky and Caramel sleeping on my stomach as I read the Lord of the Rings, when there came a knock on my door.

"Come in!" I called, resting my open book on my chest. Tom came in, and I greeted him.

"Welcome to the animal loving room." He chuckled and sat on my bed next to me, stretching his legs out next to mine.

"So you have a kitten as well, I see." He said, wrinkling his nose in a pretense of dislike. I rolled my eyes and put my book down on my nightstand, picking up Sky and holding her while I put a pillow on Tom's lap. I set her down on the pillow then said, crossing my arms and leaning my head against the headboard,

"Don't judge until you know the animal. Let her sleep on you for a while, and pet her, and we'll see if you still don't like cats when you leave." Tom looked at me doubtfully, but gently stroked Sky's soft fur. I picked up Caramel and slid down so she could lie on my chest, petting her soft little ears as I hummed a song quietly.

"Crystal?" Tom spoke up, slightly startling me, as I had forgotten I wasn't alone.

"Yeah?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Do you want to know a secret?" He looked nervous as he said this. I nodded, and he hesitated before saying,

"I like you. As more than a friend."

It felt for a moment like time froze, nothing moved and nothing was alive. Until I replied, almost without knowing I did,

"I like you too. I've liked you since I was fifteen."

"Me too, I guess I didn't realize it." I smiled, flushing a little bit.

"So, do you...want to be my girlfriend?" He asked, and my heart felt like it might suddenly burst from happiness.

"What do you think?" I replied, smiling. He laughed and queried,

"So it's OK if I kiss you, right?" I smiled, looked up at him and nodded.

*see side bar for the mood and feeling of the kiss.*

Tom and I laid on the bed for a long time, eventually falling asleep together, Sky and Caramel sleeping on a pillow next to my hip, the departure of the morning forgotten for the moment.