Secrets of the Great Oak

Chapter 36

Anna wanted to be able to trust him more than anything.

"Yes." She whispered. A tear slipped down her cheek.

A small smile graced his lips and he reached for her hand. She let him take it.

"Then I will do whatever it takes for however long it takes to earn your trust back." He squeezed her hand. "Tell me if you need me to back off and give you space or if you want me to support you. Whatever you need. Okay?"

She nodded. And she believed him. She knew he would follow through on that promise. For some reason, something in her gut just knew. Or maybe she was just hoping he would...

The wound from last night was still raw. She pulled her hand back without looking at Jake.

"I need you to help me with Maggie. Come to Traverra with me, help us build a plan," she said after a long silence.

"You got it." He replied quickly. "What else?"

"I think we should try to bring Stella with us when we come too. Just to help cool the bond."

"I have no problem with that."

They were nearing the car and Jake came around to the passenger side to open Anna's door for her.

"I'll ride with Tam or Stella to school and we can see each other in class." He walked around to the driver's side of the car and looked a bit dejected as he sat down. In an attempt to clear that look off of his face she added, "Just for a little while. I think some space will be good."

"I can handle a little while." He gave her another sad half-smile before starting the car and pulling onto the road that led out of the park.

"Okay. I think that's what I need from you right now," she finished.

"Consider it done." He looked over at her as the exited the park. "And, Anna?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm not going to mess it up this time."

The determination and desire behind his words made her blush. She quickly tried to hide her face, but by the smile stretching across his, she was sure that he saw.

The drive home was surprisingly easy. The tension in the car seemed to evaporate as they drove on the highway and then through town, past familiar shops, restaurants, and houses.

They talked casually, slipping back into best-friend mode. It felt strange to Anna, to not be holding his hand, or exchanging kisses. But, she kept telling herself, this space would be good. She needed space to heal. No matter how lonely it felt, how wrong it felt to not be close to him.

When they pulled into Anna's driveway and parked, Jake got out to shoulder her bag for her and walk her to the door. She let him, knowing it would ease his own pain, more than anything.

"Okay, well, I guess this is goodnight." He gave an awkward laugh as they arrived at the door. "I don't really want another awkward encounter with your dad." He handed her bag over and his fingers brushed hers as he did so. "So, umm, I'll see you tomorrow." She nodded, but he didn't move. "Can I hug you?"

The question caught her off guard. But, she found herself moving forward to embrace him. She stood on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck while his hands found her waist. He pulled her in close and leaned his forehead against her shoulder. His forest and rain scent wrapped around her and she took a shuddering breath and she heard his own intake of air before she stepped back.