[[[all of your flaws]]] [[[part i]]]

51.

I was being overly sensitive. I know he hadn't meant to say it how he did, but it had set off a train of thought in my mind. I knew he only wanted to help me but I felt pretty desperate right then. I just wanted a job, a purpose, my own money. I'd spent so long not having anything to call my own. I didn't want to rely on him forever. My life had been out of control for so long. I just wanted my own things. I wanted to prove I could do this.

We went to bed shortly after we got home and I apologised for my weird behaviour by cuddling in to him. He kissed the top of my head.

'I'm sorry for earlier.' I said quietly into the darkness.

'You have noting to be sorry for. I'm the one who should be apologising.' He held me a little closer to his chest, just how I liked it. And no more was said.

Before I knew it, another month had passed. September was upon us. Time seemed to by flying by. Before I'd met Dan, I'd count down the hours until the day was over. But now, I'd give anything to hold on to them. Days were spent in the glorious sunshine, in pubs, gardens, parks. Countless BBQs were held at Dans friends homes, he was done in the studio now and was busy promoting and doing gigs almost every night. Our relationship was going from strength to strength. We'd 'come out' to everyone. I'd even met his parents. It was strange. In a nice way. But I'd been accepted by his family and friends and there was no feeling like it. Such a difference to when my Mum had found out about Steven.

I didn't know how I could be so in love with another person. I thought that part of me had died long ago. But Dan had relit it and it burned white hot. I could be myself around him. I didn't have to worry about a thing. He'd even attempted to teach me how to drive. And that in itself was a massive deal, as I seemingly couldn't grasp the concept, but he had all the patience in the world.

'Clutch down, put it into first, then lift the clutch and bring up the accelerator at the same time.' He was instructing me from the passenger side. The car dived forward, narrowly avoiding a bollard.