What's Up, Danger?

Damaged

(Griffin Harris)

"Have you ever been in love before? Or something remotely similar," I asked the girl next to me.

A few days have passed.

A few days since Jaime accepted to go to the game and be my date to the after-party. During that time, I would go to my favorite rooftop and see mystery girl. She turned to me with a raised brow.

"I know that I allowed your many questions, Griffin, but may I ask what brought on this one," she asked. Her hair was up in a frohawk. Her curly bangs barely covered her pretty brown eyes. A black cami hugged her torso, revealing part of her chest and arms; one had a healing tattoo on it. Dark green army pants covered her toned legs. Black Converses on her feet. This is the first time I've seen her wear something form-fitting.

'Damn, she had a sweet little figure on her...'

I coughed.

"Well, I think I could use some advice," I said slowly.

"Gonna have to give me more than that," she snorted softly. I chewed my lip, slightly embarrassed.

"So there's this girl that goes to my school. I have never seen her before, but I text her every day. Even though I have never seen her face, she has the most beautiful personality and heart I've ever encountered. I find myself crushing her harder than I expected. Maybe I'm falling for her," I said softly.

There's so much to Jaime I want to learn. Her face, the sound of her voice, her laugh, her smile...

I want to experience it all and more firsthand.

The girl looked at me, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

"So what's the problem?"

"I've invited her to the biggest basketball game of the season and the after-party. I haven't felt the way I do when it comes to anyone. I'm afraid of coming off too strong and scaring her away. I was hoping for some advice on approaching her," I finished. I looked up to meet her gaze and found a hint of sadness.

"I was in love once. At least I'd like to think it was love," she whispered. I waited patiently for her to elaborate.

"I loved him deeply. He was my first boyfriend. Sweet, loving, caring, goofy, smart, sarcastic, charming, handsome... I could go on. But what broke everything was his want for more. I wasn't ready to give him my body how he wanted, but he pushed for it. He snuck over to my old home to be with me for a while cause my parents weren't home. That was, in his mind, his opportunity. Despite it feeling good, I didn't feel good. I wanted him off me. Out of my bed. Out of my room. Out of my house... But I found it hard to tell him 'no.'" My chest ached to listen to her tale. Her voice seemed steady, but her eyes spoke of her hurt and pain.

"He never took my virginity. My parents came home unexpectedly. He managed to get away, but I suffered from their wrath. They beat me badly, and I was lucky enough to run despite the amount of blood I was losing. I managed to call my best friends, and they patched me up. But after that, I never spoke to my parents again, and I broke up with him. The best advice I can give you," she said, her eyes locked me in place, demanding my attention.

"Learn her and listen to her. She may not always say when she doesn't like something because she doesn't want to upset you or doesn't know how to communicate it. But learn what little cues she may unintentionally give. If you recognize them, stop and ask her if she's okay. You have no idea about the condition of her heart. She may not hold what the last person has done to her over you, but it can be subconscious. Hell, I should know. I'm damaged."

"I'm damaged."

I reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. I cupped her cheek in my other hand so she could look into my eyes. Her hands were pressed against my chest; she didn't push me away or pull me closer. The atmosphere was quiet, save for our shared breathing.