I blink and look at him, getting out of my thoughts. I give him a smile and hug him.
“Good morning,” I say against his chest.
I am pretty sure it was mumbled as Bear starts to chuckle.
“Come on, it’s time to get out of bed and start our day,” Bear says, sitting up.
I let out a little groan and try to push him back down. Bear lets out a laugh at my attempts. Bear is so much stronger than I am that I can’t even budge him.
Pouting, I look up at Bear. I don’t want to go to work today. We have been super busy these past two weeks, and it is exhausting. We work twelve-hour shifts Monday through Friday, and sometimes Saturdays.
Gears lied to me when he said things were slow around the shop. They were the exact opposite, but he didn’t want to worry me. I caught him working late one night to try and catch up. He had been working early mornings, too.
I felt really bad and started to work extra hard. It was exhausting in the beginning, but after a couple of days, my body got used to it. Gears and I came up with a plan to work long days to catch up, and it has been working so far.
Bear had a fit when he found out. He did not like that and started to shout at Gears. I managed to calm him down and explain the situation. Bear didn’t like it, but at the end of the day, it was my decision and not his.
“I don’t want to go. I am so exhausted,” I whine.
Bear places his hands on each side of my face, tenderly holding me.
“I know you don’t, but who knows, maybe today will be really good,” he says.
Confused, I open my mouth to say something, but he gets up and walks toward the closet.
I watch as he grabs his clothes and mine. He places my long-sleeved shirt, pants, and scarf on the bed and walks toward the bathroom. I stare at my clothes as I hear him start his shower.
I kind of want to wear a short-sleeved shirt and no scarf today, but I am worried about what everyone will think. I don’t want people to think that I am ugly or pity me. That is the last thing I want from people.
I am starting to feel more comfortable with my body and around the bikers. I’m safe, it is the right time to do this.
“Why haven’t you changed yet?” Bear breaks me out of my thoughts.
I look up at him and then back at my clothes.
“Can... can I ask you a question?” I whisper, barely able to hear myself.
“I didn’t quite catch what you said. Can you say it again?” Bear sits on the bed.
I look up at Bear and take a deep breath.
“Do you think it would be okay to wear a short-sleeved shirt today and no scarf?” I softly ask.
I watch as his face turns into one of shock. I stand and grab my clothes.
“Never mind. It was a silly question. I’ll just put these on,” I say quickly, walking toward the bathroom.
Before I can make it there, Bear grabs my arm. He turns me around, and I stare at his chest, not wanting to look into his eyes.
“Why did you say never mind? What’s on your mind?” he asks.
“I just don’t want pity from people or shock when they see my scars. I just want to be normal again and be comfortable in my skin. I don’t want to have to worry about always making sure I am covered up. I feel safe here, but don’t want to be judged,” I say, my eyes welling up.
Bear grabs my face and turns it toward him, making me look into his eyes. I blink, and a tear starts to make its way down my face.
Bear keeps his eyes locked on mine as he wipes away my tears.
“Everything is going to be okay. If you want to wear a short-sleeved shirt, then do it. I will be with you every step of the way,” he says softly. “I think it is a great idea.”
