Chapter 35 I Was Prepared For Her To Run
Ryland
“Ryland, you are nothing like him. He was a monster. You act the way you do because you are scared, not because you are cruel.” Gracie says, rubbing the top of my hand.
‘You don’t know that, Gracie.” I reply and go to pull away from her.
Gracie doesn’t let me, though. She holds my hand tighter and makes me turn back to her.
“Yes, I do know that Ryland. You are not a monster. You have been my saving grace. A monster wouldn’t do that for someone they just met. You are a good person, Ryland.”
I honestly had prepared myself for Gracie walking away after I told her everything. After she found out how much of a coward I really am, and my fears of being like him. Yet, she is still here, looking at me in the same way she always has. No judgment in her eyes, no disgust or disappointment.
“You don’t think I am a coward and a waste of space?” I ask.
“No, I think you are strong, a fighter. You are worth more than you realise. You have been through hell, yet you are still here.” She says and kisses me softly.
When we part from the kiss, I pull her close to me and hug her against my chest, wrapping my arms tightly around her.
“Thank you for not running.”
“I promised I wouldn’t, and I meant it.” She whispers, nuzzling her face in my neck.
I kiss the top of her head and hold her in my arms. Silence fills the rooms.
Gracie glances up at me. “What happened to him?”
“He left. My mom found the courage to tell him to leave after she came home one day from work, and he had beaten me so badly that my head was split open, and I had a broken wrist. She took me to the hospital. It was the last straw for her. After she stood up and threatened to get him arrested, he realised he was losing the power and control over her and left.”
That was ten years ago. We haven’t seen or heard from him again. I wouldn’t care if he were dead. I hope he is. He is a worthless piece of shit that never deserved to be on this earth in the first place.
“Your mom is so strong. How is she doing now?”
“She is doing well. After my dad left, she tried being with other guys, but they were all assholes. She was lonely, but in time, she realised she would be better on her own, happier. She always says all she needs is me.”
Yes, I don’t make life easy for her, but it doesn’t mean I don’t love her. I would do anything for my mom, no matter how much of an ass she can be at times. She only wants what is best for me. I know she gets lonely sometimes. I hope one day she will find the right guy. A guy who will treat her well and love her even after everything she has been through. A man that she can trust and love without fear.
“Do you think she will ever let herself fall in love again?”
“I hope so, but only when she is ready and finds a good man who will take care of her.”
“I hope she finds that. I hope one day, you do too. Someone to love you. Someone for you to love.” She smiles.
I don’t know if that will ever be something I will find, but I nod and smile. I know if I tell Gracie I don’t think I ever will, she will argue with me on it.
“Thank you for trusting me enough to open up to me, Ryland.”
“You did the same for me. As strange as it is, since we haven’t known each other long, you are one of the very few people I trust in this world.”
I have never trusted anyone as quickly as I have trusted Gracie. I have never been drawn to or open to anyone as I have with her. It still amazes me how strong a bond has developed between us in such a short time. Gracie means a lot to me already. I couldn’t imagine life without her.
“Do you think because we have through so much that is what drew us to one another? Is that why we have developed such an incredible bond and trust in such a short time? Like we sensed we needed one another, or am I being silly? She asks, blushing.
I smile and stroke her head. “No, it isn’t silly at all. It is very accurate. I believe we were meant to meet.”
Gracie returns the smile. “Me too.”
I press my lips to her in a gentle kiss. She doesn’t hesitate, even for a moment, before she kisses back. I slip my fingers into her hair, keeping the kiss slow and sensual. I pull away, only because I need to breathe.
Gracie opens her eyes to look at me. “I like your kisses.”
“Good, because I like giving them to you.”
She giggles and blushes. I chuckle and bring her back to my chest. It is getting late. We would need to get some sleep soon, but for the moment, I want to hold her close. Gracie doesn’t seem to mind. It feels better now that she knows the truth and is still here. We both need one another more than we realise.