The Tape Face Boy (Romance)

Chapter 9

Tape Face and I sat on my bed sitting criss cross from each other.  I began to explain my plan of introducing him to Sammy. I wanted her to meet him as well, and Tape Face didn't seem against it.  I had noticed how he seemed to take a liking to kids, and I guessed that it was because in a way he was a kid himself. Sure he was still an adult, and often used playful, sexual innuendos as jokes, but it was always in a childlike and innocent manner.  I guess that's why I liked him so much. He knew how to have fun, and wasn't like all the other serious boys I had met through college.

     Michael frequently came into my room, updating me on Sammy for he was in on the plan as well.  Right now, Sammy was enjoying a bowl of cereal before I would introduce her to Tape Face. Meanwhile, when we were alone I informed Tape Face of stories people shared about him.  He looked hurt and disappointed, but I thought it would be best if he knew instead of constantly wondering why people hated and feared him so much. But after every story, I would gently kiss his forehead to reassure him that I didn't believe a single one.  After all, actions speak louder than words.

     I was glad that Tape Face felt comfortable enough to come to my house during the day, even if it was an unexpected visit.  But it was nice. I thought about how we could spend more time together and not half an hour on a bench at night when I was tired and not fully functioning.  I could also see him more clearly, and not under blinding artificial light in the darkness of the night. He looked softer and more gentle in the light of the sun.  Not that I didn't already know that due to his personality.

     I held onto his hands from across from me when I finished telling him the stories, caressing the softness of his skin with my thumb, "I am sorry that people are exchanging such horrible tales about you.  But I promise I will somehow make it stop." He was staring blankly down at his lap, deep in thought as he processed everything I told him, but I could see warmth return in his eyes and face when I took his hands.  He looked back up at me, and I could tell that he trusted me as he squeezed my hands in return. I smiled warmly, leaning forward to wrap my arms above his shoulders. He hugged me back, burying his head into my neck in search for comfort.  I leaned my head on top of his head, not bothered by his spiky hair.

     We sat in that position for moments before my brother entered with an update, and we turned to look in his direction, "Sammy is brushing her teeth.  Are you ready?"

     I turned to look at Tape Face, waiting for confirmation from him before replying.  He looked at me for a second and nodded, and I turned back to Michael, "We're ready."

     "Okay," Michael responded.  "I'll be in our room." He exited once again, and I turned back to Tape Face.

     "Everything will be okay," he nodded and I smiled, putting my hands on either side of his face and leaning up to kiss his forehead once more as he closed his eyes.

     I slid off of my bed, waving a goodbye to Tape Face before exiting my room and leaving the boy to sit on my bed and stare at my now closed door.