"Why do you love me?" I demanded.
"What is there not to love?" Andrew spun the question around. I simply gave him a pleading look. "Because you're amazing. You're strong and talented and smart and absolutely beautiful. But above all that, I love you because you're you. Uniquely and wonderfully made. And made to be with me," he finalized, approaching me for another kiss. A light, tender kiss.
"You don't think I'm intimidating? Or too intense?" I finally asked the question bogging my mind.
"No, and yes," he responded. "You're intimidating in that you don't need me. But that's the best part about you. You don't need me, but for some weird reason, you want me anyway. What crazy guy wouldn't want to be with someone who wants him? I'd rather you be with me out of choice, not necessity," he explained.
"I don't scare you?" I asked in a quiver.
"The only thing that scares me is that you'll one day decide you don't want to be with me. That's the only thing that scares me," he insisted. "Come on, let's go to your place."
"No," I finally breathed. "You really should get some rest. Let's go to your place. And then I'll walk home," I insisted.
"Compromise. I'll drive you to your place, and if I have the energy, I'll make the exhausting trip back to my place while we stay on the phone," he stated. I chuckled, then nodded. I hopped in the passenger side, laid my head on his shoulder, and breathed a sigh of relief as he wound through the streets back to my apartment.
* * *
"How are your classes? Where are you living now?" Maria asked during our video-chat.
"Well, it's only been a week, so you know, it's all 'Here's the syllabus, and you basically only have to ace the final exam or project to get an A in this class. See you in December'," I explained. "And in answer to your second question, I found an apartment near campus," I continued. Maria smiled. "I miss you though," I sighed.
"I miss you too," Maria admitted. "How is everyone holding up?" she inquired. I knew she was referring to Ivan's family.
"We're making due. It gets a little easier day by day. No one's going to be the same though. How are you holding up?" I inquired.
Maria shrugged then looked away from the phone, looking a little guilty. "Well..." she finally broke the silence. "I'm... I'm seeing someone," she finally admitted.
"That's great!" I exclaimed.
"You're not mad? I feel like I'm betraying Ivan," she sighed, looking like she was about to cry.
"You're not betraying him. He'd hate it if you stopped your life because of him. I'm sure he's looking down on you and smiling right now. And possibly playing little pranks here and there to drive the guy only slightly insane, because that's Ivan's way," I joked.
"Thanks," Maria stated through a sigh of relief.
"Actually, I have a confession to make," I finally stated. She would hate me after this, so I needed not to think too much about it and just rip off the bandage. "I didn't want to tell you right after Ivan passed away because I was afraid that it might mess with your head and hold you back from moving on but he had bequeathed his car to you too and I was worried you'd get upset that he left you the thing that killed him," I rushed through the statement. I held my breath as I watched her expression turn from confusion, to momentary anger, then disappointment and finally, pain.
"You don't give me much credit, do you?" she finally stated.
"No, and I'm sorry," I hurriedly admitted.
YOU ARE READING
Weathered Love
ChickLit"You're not a burden," he said. "OK," I said, again, trying to play it off like I didn't care. I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep up the façade. I could feel the tears banging against the barricade just behind my eyelids, the sobs clawing at...
