Ghost

Chapter 18: Date

I think I was shaking with nerves.

The only thing keeping me together was Nick's hand in mine. It reminded me of when Trey got named captain and Nick needed the support, it was the first time I held his hand. It was nice to know I could rely on him too.

I don't know why it was getting me like this. It wasn't the first time people have pointed and stared. Heck- they all thought she was a psycho killer. This time it was different. This time I was on Nick's side. This time they would compare me to him. They'd point out all the reasons why I was out of his league, how I wasn't good enough for him. If they got to his head then I was going to lose Nick all over again. I didn't even heal the first time around, how would I heal now?

All the other times, Nick and the others didn't mean anything to me. When I graduate and escaped this horrible town, I wouldn't think twice about anyone here. But now things were different with Nick. I fell for him and that was a wound that would take a long time to heal.

"Eva," Nick got my attention. "I know the students in the school have never gone easy on you, but you will have to be strong and confident. We're both committed to this relationship, we weren't forced into it, we have history. To me you are smart, stunning and so strong. No other girl here compares to you. Don't let them get to you."

I bit my lip nervously. "But what if they get to you?"

Nick furrowed his brows.

"What do you mean?"

"What if they change your mind about me?" I asked nervously.

He looked angry. "Is that what you're worried about?"

I bit my lip.

Nick stopped walking, forcing me to face him. "Eva, have you not been listening to a word I said? I choose you. Only you. I've had four years to get to know these other girls, but none of them are you. Eva, answer this; who am I here with right now?"

"Me..."

"Could I be with anyone else now?"

"Yes..."

"Then it's obviously you, Eva. I want to be with you. I don't want anyone else."

"Nick... you don't even love me anymore," I spoke my fears.

He shook his head. "You shouldn't even worry about that."

"It's kinda hard not to Nick," I said, exasperated.

He gave me a soft smile. "You are someone made to be loved. It's not hard to love you Eva. It would be hard not to fall in love with you all over again."

My head hung. "You're just saying that because it's what I want to hear."

He cupped my chin, forcing my gaze on him. "I'm saying that because it's true."

I bit the inside of my cheek. God, I wanted to believe him so bad. He looked so earnest right now. I guess I could be strong for a while longer. Nick sucked at hiding his emotions, I should be able to tell if something is wrong by the end of the day. I had to trust him and trust my gut.

"Okay fine, let's do this," I nodded my head.

A grin stretched on his handsome face. "That's my girl."

We walked onto school grounds and of course the whispering and pointing immediately started.

"Just don't give them attention," Nick said through his teeth as he plastered a smile. He was awfully good at that-- hiding behind a smile for the public. "I got you."

He got me.

I got him.

We got each other. 

I could rely on that.