[chapter thirty-four]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please. ;-)
This story is gonna be darker, and deal with serious, sometimes disturbing
issues. Just so everyone knows. Okay? Okay.
**
~Jimmie's POV~
"Heya." She says, kissing me as I walk through the door. "How
was your day?" She asks as I sink onto the couch wearily.
"Tiring, but good. I think I've forgotten my name, I signed it so many times."
"Must be hard being a superstar." Faye teases and I stick my tongue out at her.
"Shush. How was counseling today?" I ask, taking her hand in mine.
"Good." She says softly. "I think it's really helping."
"I'm glad."
And I am. I'm so glad.
**
She's so peaceful when she sleeps.
I could watch her forever.
**
"Jimmie, I need some quotage to put in this article, and you aren't helping!" She chastises as I groan.
"But I suck!" I lament and she laughs out loud.
"Sure. Sure you do. C'mon, anything. The race was days ago! Stop feeling sorry for yourself, you big candyass!" She argues and I can't help but laugh.
**
It's almost like I can see the burden of guilt and shame lifting from her shoulders a little every day.
Every laugh, every smile and my heart lifts a little more.
**
"This shirt or the other one?"
She wrinkles her nose at the first one I pull from my closet. "Ew. The other one."
"Oh, thanks a lot!"
"You need clothing help, m'dear." She teases and I laugh.
"That's why I have you, dork."
**
I…I haven't touched her.
Kissing, yes. Hand holding, snuggling, all that, yes. But I haven't…
I haven't touched her.
I can't.
Not until she's ready.
She has to tell me when she's ready.
I'll wait forever.
I just hope she knows that.
**
"Dinner or a movie?" I ask and she smiles.
"I was thinking Putt-Putt and pizza under the stars."
"I think that can be arranged." I grin, pulling her against me in a hug.
**
She doesn't have the nightmares much any more.
She sleeps through the night.
In my arms.
I could learn to need this the
rest of my life.