“I don’ think it’s possible for you to think that way. Ever. You always take… take people’s feelings into consideration.” he said gently. “You always do.” Jack smiles at her, face purple, ear tips matching his cheeks, a sure sign of his shame in himself.
But he leans into her, wraps his arm around her gently. “…y… you won’t leave, will you?”
The question comes out of, seemingly, no where but he can’t help it. Seeing Sally storm off, after hearing her say such horrible things to him about his choices, about Katelynn, it ripped his heart out. It was pain all over again and Sally had mean to be a friend. She had hurt him, far more than he thought she would, and thinking of Katelynn out there in the city, healthy, spending time with all the men she’s listed t him he can’t help but fear she’ll find one who suits her. One who’s braver. Who can go out with her without needing to mentally prepare himself like he did.
She leans back to look him in the eyes, a neutral expression on her face though her eyes are filled with such love that it’s amazing it didn’t spill and fill the room. All she provides is a simple answer, though it’s in the form of a question.
“How can I leave the most wonderful man on this planet?”
Most wonderful man on the planet? A part of him wanted to laugh at such a question but another wanted to almost cry over it all. Why was he so weak? Why was he so pathetic? She loved him. She told him that every day yet every day he feared she would find out how tiresome it was putting up with him, him and his fears, his insecurities, his jealousy.
He smiles, shakily, before pulling her against him and wraps his arms around her tightly. Not too tight. Tight enough.
“I love you so much. I just wa-want to be so strong for you. To-to be worthy of you.”
Jack Maple 