Trauma

Part 27 "Preparing"

Jack and I were chilling, sitting on the couch together, watching tv.  My translations for the book were all finished, and I finally got some vacation to just relax. Normally, I would have gotten a new translating job right away, but this time, I actually had someone to spend time with.

"It has been ages since we were just able to relax like this." Jack said, stroking my hair.

"Yeah. I missed this." I said as I leaned on Jack. It was just so comforting.

"Hey, do you want to watch a movie?" Jack asked, strolling through the channels.

"I guess. There's nothing good on TV. What do you want to watch?" I asked, my ears perking up.

"How about...The Pledge?" Jack asked.

"The Pledge? What's it about?" I asked. I was thinking about Disney movies but...

"It's about a detective trying to find a serial killer. My friend recommended it a while ago but I never had the chance to watch it." Jack said.

"Oh. Umm...I, well I..." I stammered.

"Hey, If you don't want to watch it, it's cool. How about the Home Alone series? I know it's kind of a Christmas movie, but hey. We can just watch it again." Jack smiled.

I tried to smile back ,but the guilt was killing me. I should really talk about my past with him. How long was I going to push it behind me? He was bound to find out sooner or later. 

"Actually, I-"

"Hey, Umm.." 

Jack and I both stopped talking. 

"You go first." I said, quickly. Now that Jack interrupted me, my willpower just vanished.

"Well, I was thinking. Would you like to visit my pa with me this Christmas?" Jack asked.

"Wait, Seriously?" I gasped.

"Yeah. He has been bugging me to bring you home, and since Christmas is just a few weeks away, I thought I would ask you." Jack said, holding my hand.

"I was wondering when you might introduce me to your father. I was starting to think you were embarrassed of me." I said, grinning.

"What? That's just nonsense. You are the best thing that happened to me." Jack laughed.

I doubted that. Maybe the worst thing, but definitely not the best.

"So, What was it that you wanted to say?" Jack asked, kissing my forehead.

"I...Well, I think I have the DVD of the movie. I'll go fetch it." I said, quickly getting up from the couch. 

"Oh, okay. I'll go make the popcorn." Jack said, going to the kitchen. I ran towards my bedroom. This is not good, Lizzie. Not good. You weren't supposed to chicken out!! 

"Christmas. I'll tell him at Christmas." I whispered to myself. Hopefully, I would stop this nonsense and finally tell Jack the truth.