The Secret

Chapter 20: Dad

Dates are something that mess with me. He refers to them as dates but he says we're friends. He acts so romantic but he says we're friends. He acts as if we're a couple but yet again he says we're just friends. The thing that gets me the most is when he says were more than friends. What does that mean? Does he see me as a sister, a best friend, or does he see me as more than friends?!
"Hey earth to the shadows, do you hear?" Jason asks with a slight wave. I blush. I love when he calls me the shadows. It makes me feel special.
"Sorry, I was just thinking."
"I know that. You have the most adorable look on your face when your in a deep thought. What are you thinking about?" He asks.
"Just the normal stuff."
"Okay sure. You don't have to tell me..."
"Jason!" A voice calls out. Jason's face drops and his eyes widen, but he looks scared.
"Hey what's wrong?" I ask with a hand on his shoulder.
"You get away from him. Jason, what the hell did I tell you?" The figure gets closer and it's his father, "How long have you been going behind my back with this, this girl!"
Jason stands up fast, "long enough to know your wrong and 'this girl' has a name. A beautiful name in fact."
"I don't give a crap about this girl or her damn name!" His dad yells.
"You know what I don't care about? I don't care if you yell but I do care about Shadow. She is one of the most amazing people anyone could even wish to meet. After everything she's the nicest and most trustworthy person I can even imagine. And she deserves to be gived a crap about!" Jason says as he moves slightly closer to me.
"You get your ass to the house right fucking now!"
"I will but first," he grabs my hand and helps me up, "I'm driving Shadow home."
"Your going to be sorry for this all!" His dad yells as we walk away. I look at Jason and he shakes his head.
"He's not abusive. He just yells a lot when he's angry. He cares a lot and would never hit me."
"I can walk home so you don't get in any more trouble." I say waiting for him to let go of my hand in agreement. Instead he stops and faces towards me, grabbing my other hand. His thumbs rub circles on my hands, making my hands tingle with a sensation.
"It's getting dark. Plus I wouldn't mind spending that little longer with you," he says leaning a little closer to me. He pulls me closer and then I realize our faces are so close we're sharing the same breaths, "I l... want to..." he starts to whisper, "I wish this all was easier."
"We can do it together. You won't be alone in this," I ensure him. His smile fills me with hope. He moves closer but then stops and backs up.
Wait what was he meaning?
"We should get you home," Jason says quietly trying to avoid eye contact. He keeps ahold of my one hand until we get to his car, well his moms car really.
"You don't have to tell me but, um, is everything okay? You know, with all that?" I ask.
He takes a breath then looks down, "remember when I texted you asking to talk but then everything happened with your brother?"
"Ya."
"Well the real reason I wanted to see you was to say goodbye in person. But on the walk to your house, I knew if I say goodbye to you, it would just be a huge mistake. I never wanted to but I was supposed to."
"What do you mean goodbye?" I ask getting nervous.
"My father thinks your a bad influence on me because of the whole Bryan fight. I went behind my parents backs though and that's why my dad was so angry. I don't know how to make them see what I do though. What am I supposed to do?"
"Listen."
"What?"
"Listen to them. It's better than being in trouble every time your caught around me," I say trying to sound convincing. I don't want it but I don't want him to get in deeper trouble.
"I rather be in trouble then not with you," he tells me. My cheeks warm up and I can't help but slightly smile.
"If only I could talk to them," I joke.
"Wait, that's actually a really good idea!"
"I was just joking."
"I know but if we find some way for both of us to prove the real you to them, maybe they'll understand!" He says with wide, hopeful eyes.
"Okay. I'll try but I can't promise anything. You know I'm shy around people. I will do it though, in that chance we can see each other without you getting in trouble."