"Just Friends."

Chapter Twenty One.

Chapter Twenty One. 

            The sound of my door opening immediately woke me up because like I said before, I’m a light sleeper, and my mom had her eyebrows raised up at me as her tiny frame leaned up against the doorway. I wasn’t quite sure how she’d react that I had a girl in bed with me but it wasn’t like I was in high school anymore and it wasn’t like I wasn’t serious about Reina and she knew that. She knew how much I cared about her so when a little smile emerged onto her face I sent one back and rested back more into the pillows.

            “Merry Christmas.” She whispered, trying not to wake Reina up. “I take it everything worked out okay?”

            “Yeah.” I whispered back. “We talked things out and now I’m not lying when I tell you I have a girlfriend. I actually have one now.”

            “Well I am beyond happy for you Justin. Your father and I really do love Reina. We think she’s a great girl and we’re excited to get to know her more although you know I don’t exactly approve of this.”

            Looking down at Reina sound asleep on my chest, I let out a sigh of relief and pulled the blanket up more so it would cover her shoulder. My mom has never seen me like this with any girl before and I know she hasn’t because back in high school all I ever did was mess around with girls and no matter how many times she tried to tell me to knock it off I never would.

            “She is pretty great, isn’t she?” I bragged, focusing my attention back on my mom who still seemed upset. “I’m sorry about her sleeping with me but after everything that happened last night we didn’t want to be apart. Nothing happened.” I lied.

            “The only reason I’m not going to get upset is because I somewhat understand and because it’s Christmas. Have you told her about your past yet Justin?”

            As soon as I heard her I tore my gaze away again and looked back down at her sleeping peacefully, her hands clenched tightly around my waist as I let out a sigh and shook my head no. She told me last night that she was crazy but the truth is, if she found out what a complete mess I can be at times her opinion would change immediately and this whole relationship would be right out the door. I’m trying to hold it off as long as possible.

            “No and she doesn’t need to know. Don’t tell her anything about it mom, alright? I don’t need her running off for the second time because of the stupid mistakes I’ve made.”

            “Honey self harm is nothing to be ashamed of.”

            “Mom, please. I’m better now and I’ve been better for almost two years. Please just don’t bring it up around her.”

            Putting her hands up in defeat, she let out a sigh and silently agreed.

            “Fine. Breakfast is ready and it’s Christmas breakfast so you need to eat with us as a family.”

            “I’ll be out in like a half hour. I’m just going to let her sleep for a little bit more if that’s okay. We had a long night last night and she seems pretty worn out.”

            “Sure.” She replied, slightly shocked at how caring I was towards her. “I’ll put it in the oven.”

            As soon as the door to my room shut she started to stir and she snuggled up more to my chest underneath the covers before she let out a little groan. If she woke up now we’d have a half hour to talk, which would be nice, and thankfully she slowly blinked her eyes open. Reina looked so tired and she got a little pout on her face from how annoyed she was that she was awake until she finally looked around her to try and register everything that happened yesterday.