The Way He Loved Me

Part 5-1

I was never really good at comforting Tyler, because I couldn't kiss him or hug him too tight, or make him feel loved. I tried to control my emotions as I comforted him, but it was so hard. I couldn't watch him cry, so I tried holding him, but it ended up being awkward. Crap.

Tyler's Dads death was a complete shock to everyone. Tyler and I tried to perk up, but we ended up staying at my house for a few days in complete silence that excluded a few sniffles and whispers of 'it'll be okay'.

Tyler stayed in my bed while I cleaned a little to try and get the horrible loss out of my mind, and when that didn't work I tried cooking a little food for Tyler. I made him eat it, because I knew that he would get sick if he didn't eat. He was in complete depression mode, and It was all I could do not to crawl in bed with him. I ran over to Tyler's house once to get a few clothes for him, and when I got back I made him change. I didn't peek, but I don't think he would've cared; he was so upset. I went downstairs to do laundry, and ended up crying on the couch. I was upset too. Mr. Potts was like the dad I never ever had.

When Tyler's Mom finally called again, it was to Tyler's cell phone, but Tyler was sleeping so I answered for him. "Hello?"

"Allie. Is that you?" She sounded upset, but I could tell she was trying to keep herself together.

"Yes Mrs. Potts, It's me. I'm sorry Tyler didn't answer.. He's asleep."

"Oh, okay. Thank you so much for being there for him Allie. I hate that I can't visit, but I'm really busy up here preparing for.. *sniff* David's *sniff* funeral." She started sobbing, and I just sat there in silence for a few minutes waiting for her to calm down. "I'm sorry. It's just. So. Sudden. And -"

"I know. I understand. It's okay. Don't worry about it. Tyler has been the same way, and even though I'm sad, I'm making food and still washing the clothes, because he needs to keep living. I am taking care of Tyler for you, Mrs Potts, and I want you to not worry about him." I'm not sure where that outburst of comforting words came from, but I was happy I had said them.

Mrs. Potts starting crying again, and then she started laughing while crying. "Thanks so much Allie. I just, don't know how to thank you enough. I love you, and I've always thought of you as my daughter. Please. If it's not too much of a stretch, call me Mom."

I tried not to make too much noise as I started bawling. I faked being okay and sniffled out a "mm hm. thank you." before Mrs. Potts.. or. Mom... Had to go. But, before she hung up she told me to expect an envelope in a day or two.

I was gasping for breath I was crying so hard. She was going to be the mom I never had. I knew that she didn't understand how I wanted her to me my official Mother-in-law, and I couldn't believe how loved I felt. I couldn't explain the feeling of being loved instead of abandoned, and I just layed on the couch in a little ball and gasped until I cried, and cried until I sniffled, and sniffled until I eventually fell asleep.

I woke up to Tyler's arms wrapped around me; carrying me. He wasn't as upset. I could tell. His heart was beating a mile a minute, and my skin tingled everywhere he touched me. I was still asleep, but I managed to wrap my arms around his neck and nuzzle my face in the crook of his neck. Even in my sleep I loved him, and when we finally stopped moving, he placed me on my bed and crawled up next to me. I slightly remember him cuddling up next to me, and I'm not sure if I dreamed him kissing me and whispering something into me ear, or if he really did.

******************

It was the next morning that we got the "letter" from Tyler's mom. It was a huge box, and Tyler was really exited to see what was in it. I sat back and let Tyler open it, and the very first thing that was sitting on top of the bubble wrap was a letter addressed to "My two wonderful babies". I had to smile at this one, and Tyler guessed enough to smile too. Tyler handed me the note, and he started pulling away the bubble wrap. inside the box was a wooden chest that had a small keyhole on the front. When Tyler tried opening it, he found that it was locked, and he set it on the counter. He was still bummed about it though, but when he remembered that I was holding the letter, he ran back over and sat next to me.

I nodded and started opening the envelope. It had two plane tickets in it, and their final destination was Paris. There was also a little post it note with some words sribbled on it. 'Who you love holds the key, and who you lost holds the contents.'

"So my mom wants us to go to Paris to visit?" Hearing Tyler's voice for the first time in a few days startled me, but it's beauty gave me chills.

"No. She want's us at the funeral..."

"How do you know?" He was kind of upset again.

"I talked with her."

"Oh. Why didn't you tell me she called?" His eyes were glazing over with tears, and it was all I could do not to kiss his tears away.

"You were asleep, and she had to go... We only talked for two minutes."

"oh." It was a small little 'oh', but it pierced my heart and made me feel guilty. I should have woken him up.