Bad Reputation; Shawn Mendes

20. Worry Less

"None of what they say matters."

•••

America

I woke up the next morning actually not dreading going to school. I wasn't thinking about everything people were going to say. I didn't care about how the day was going to go. I was just so happy and nothing could ruin my mood.

I got up that morning and I took a shower and got ready super early. I even had time to make breakfast for my dad and I. It was weird to be in such a cheerful mood but I loved it, it was so foreign. I had forgot this feeling and I missed it.

"Hey are cooking French toast?" My Dad asked.

I looked up at him as I set the food on the plate, "Uh yeah I got up early and found a lot of time on my hands. So I thought why not make breakfast?"

"So I take it last night went really well with you and Shawn?" He asked me.

I was a little surprised that he even knew, "You knew?"

"Mer of course, listen I know I had a bad track record of being in the know with you. But I am very observant especially the night of our dinner." My Dad explained.

"Uh yeah yesterday went well, really well. Dad...now don't think so far into this because it might not be how it sounds but when did you fall in love with mom? Like how did you feel?" I asked him as we sat down at our counter.

He sighed, "Uh it was back in high school. It was funny because our families knew each other longer. Anyways it was when I had seen her on a payphone talking on the phone and she was wearing her letterman jacket backwards. It sounds funny but I had never see a girl so beautiful and I knew I was going to marry her."

"I'm sorry." I said.

"About what kiddo?" He asked me.

I shrugged, "About mom leaving, she quite literally ruined our lives. I mean you fell in love with her and she just left us. Left you."

"It's not your fault hun, and don't worry about it. It was a few years ago and I'm over it. I'm happy to have you kiddo and that's all I need to be happy." He said with a smile.

"Did you ever think to maybe get back out into the dating world? Like meet some girls? Find someone new that makes you happy?" I asked him.

He shrugged, "I don't know it never really occurred to me. Hey I am working late tonight so here's some cash for you to order pizza or something."

He then handed me a twenty dollar bill before he finished up his food. He placed his plate in the sink before heading out to work. As I finished my food my phone had buzzed in my back pocket. I pulled it out and read the text I got.

From Shawn🧡:
Hey I'll be there soon!

To Shawn🧡:
Okay hehe

I cleaned up the kitchen before grabbing my bag and making sure I had everything. Once I got back down I had heard a knock on my front door. I had all of my stuff before I opened the door to see Shawn standing there with a big smile.

"Hi." He said.

I smiled, "Hi."

"So shall we get going?" Shawn asked.

I nodded before we walked out and he opened the door to the passengers side of his Jeep. I got in and he closed the door for me before he got in on the other side. I also noticed the fresh coffee in the cup holders.

"I got one for you, I know you like caramel." He said as he handed me my cup.

"This is so sweet! Thank you." I told him as I reached over and gave him a hug.

When we started to pull apart from our hug he kissed my cheek. I then sat down and my face felt hot. I suddenly didn't need to have the coffee for I felt warm.

He then started up the Jeep and backed out of my driveway. Shawn then started to drive us towards the school. A few hours ago I didn't feel nervous about what people would say. Though now that we were on our way to the school, my mind started hearing everything people would say.

Crazy how one minute I could go from not caring what people would say to worrying in a split second. I guess that's what happens when you live your whole life hearing people spread rumors about you. And knowing how people seen you, what they said. Not having anyone to trust to now having someone and fearing what others might say about them.

"Hey you okay? You've been awfully silent." Shawn said causing me to tune out my toxic thoughts.

I looked over towards him and smiled, "Yeah I'm fine." I lied.

"Are you sure?" He asked making sure I actually.

I nodded my head, "Yeah."

He just nodded and continued to drive towards our school. When Shawn finally parked the Jeep I was ready to get out but he stopped me.

"I know you said you were okay, but just incase. I don't want you to worry about what people say okay? I don't care what they say so I just don't want you to either." He explained to me.

It made me happy to know he was concerned even when I lied. It just shows me that one I can't hide anything from him. Two that he doesn't drop things and let's me know that he cares about how I feel.

I looked over at him and smiled, "Thank you, sometimes I just need to be reminded to not worry. All my life I've found myself drowning in overthinking and stress. So thank you for being concerned, I will try to stress less."

"I know you're not big on opening up to people and I don't blame you. But you don't need to hide or keep a wall up with me. I hope as time goes on you'll learn that and become more comfortable with telling me what's troubling you." Shawn said.

I couldn't stop smiling and just feeling cared for. It's definitely a foreign feeling but I loved it.

"It will take time but I hope I'll be able to open up to you too." I told him truthfully.

He gave me that million dollar smile before getting out of the car. He jogged over and opened my door for me. Right away I could see people staring as if they already knew. Though he had been giving me rides for a few days now, maybe I was just overthinking their stares.

Shawn slipped his hand in mine and intertwined our fingers. He gave my hand a squeeze which caused me to look up at him. Though he wasn't looking at me but instead he was staring straight ahead with the biggest smile. He looked very confident.

Something I admired.

Authors Note//
Dedicated to my number one stan of this book my babes/twin Madison🧡
Finally an update because I have a plot!!!
But my updates won't be as frequent because I've been swamped with the holidays and college so just be patient with my crazy schedule
But guys!! I hit 3k followers AND I found a plot for this book which makes me so happy.
Let me know what you think
Until Next Time Peace Lovelies✌🏼💚