Daydreams - Night Terrors Sequel

Chapter 6 {DANIELLE}

I'm certain that I know what true love is. I'm certain that I want the man standing in front of me and that I want him to take me in his arms and never let me go. That I want him to kiss me and put his hands on me. I want him in every way possible.

Yet, as I sit on his couch, I can't help but feel self conscious. Shame, even.

Nate's so handsome, even more than before I left. He has a little stubble growing on his chin and cheeks that defines his jaw more than I've ever seen. His hair is a bit longer. I want to reach out and touch it, but I don't. I don't do anything because I'm aware of how unworthy I am.

I'm aware that a man like him is too beautiful for me. That his love runs deep, and while mine runs deep too, I left. I ran like a coward without a single last word. Something like that doesn't deserve forgiveness.

I am not worthy of Nate's love. I know this.

"Why'd you do it?" Nate suddenly breaks the silence. "Why'd you leave, I mean?"

My heart sinks.

How can I explain that I'm a coward? How can I explain that I thought I could run and hide from my fears? That I've hovered over the call button ten million times over the last years, but never got the courage to really do it. That I was embarrassed. How can I explain all the pay phone calls, where I thought I'd be brave enough to speak, but every time they'd answer, I'd say nothing? That sometimes I'd do it just to listen to them saying 'hello? Hello? Is anyone there?' and then hang up before they could realize it's me.

"I never meant to hurt anyone." I admit, my voice cracking as I speak. "I was just scared and in the moment I thought it was the right thing, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I'm so sorry."

"Dani, I mean it." Nate grabs my hand and moves closer to me, our legs now resting against each other. "I don't want you to apologize. The system failed you and you were young. All I care about is you being in front of me right now."

Tears begin to prick my eyes again. I don't deserve this man, he's too good for me. Too good to me. I'm a horrible person for leaving like that, I know it. That's why I haven't been able to face them this whole time.

"I can't believe you're here." I whisper, reaching out and touching his face again, confirming this is very much real.

"Everybody knows that when a girl runs, you're supposed to go after her." Nate peers up at me with a grin for the first time since I've seen him. He looks so perfect.

Another wave of insecurity runs over me and I bend my head down, burying my face in his shoulder.

I don't deserve him. I never thought he'd really come for me.

He cups a hand over the back of my head in a soothing manner and I practically melt into him. I never want to leave this position.

"It's getting late." Nate clears his throat. "Why don't you stay? I can take the couch."

He wants me to stay? My heart picks up pace at the idea of sleeping under the same roof as the man I'm in love with after all these years. Only, I don't want him to take the couch. I want him next to me. I want his touch and his presence. But I know I can't push his boundaries, for all I know he could have a girlfriend by now.

"Okay," I nod, sitting up. "But I'll take the couch, I don't want you to give up your bed."

"Dani, you know I'm not gonna let you sleep on the couch, so don't even try." Nate grins as he stands up and reaches a hand out to help me up, which I accept. "Besides, I sleep on this thing all the time, it's super comfy."

The entire situation feels so awkward, but only because I really don't know how to act and my instincts want me to do things that would be pushing boundaries. Instincts want me to grab him and kiss him and never let him go.

I awkwardly follow behind him to his bedroom, which has clothes lying all around. I grin as he tries to kick a pair of dirty underwear out of sight and fails miserably.

"Sorry about the mess." He clears his throat. "Literally no one's ever been in here other than Joe the pizza guy."

"I'm sorry, the pizza guys been in your bedroom?" I cock a brow at him and laugh.

"Yeah, long story." He chuckles as he rearranges the pillows. "We're sorta friends."

I grin, hoping to hear about it someday, if he'll let me.

"Well, here ya go." He motions to the bed as he finishes fixing it up. "You need a change of clothes or anything?"

I glance down at my leggings and oversized t-shirt.

"I think I'll be okay, but thank you." I half smile.

"Alright, well, you know where to find me if you need anything." He says as he approaches the door, eyeing me carefully as he heads out. "Goodnight, Dani."

This doesn't feel right. It's not right.

"Nate, wait." I call out, ready to accept my fate of complete and utter embarrassment of how pathetic my next words are going to sound. "Will you stay with me?"

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Had to keep in the scene of her asking him to stay because it had sooooo many hits on just that single phrase🥹🥹 sorry this one took me a few weeks to get out, I started a new job and have been soooo busy!

As always, thank you so much for reading, don't forget to vote and comment if you enjoyed💗