I freeze.
“I lived with J my whole life, you aren’t as good at hiding it as you think you are.”
She knows.
She knows, and she didn’t run.
“You can’t get rid of me either, Johnny Davis.”
fourteen
SASHA
I’ve learned three things in life.
One. The happiest people usually have the darkest minds.
Two. I’m observant, sometimes too observant.
And three. Johnny Davis is worth fighting for.
The second he walked into this house and scooped me up in his arms, I knew he was sticking around for the long haul. He didn’t hide or run from my truth. Instead, he ran straight into the shit storm that is my life, headfirst without a worry in the world.
He’s sure of me, just like I’m sure of him.
And now he knows that.
It took me longer to see than I’d like to admit, but after I saw that he was fighting a battle not all win, I couldn’tun-seeit. Everything he does is lighthearted and silly, but it’s just a mask.
Maybe he didn’t tell me because he doesn’t trust me,but I don’t think that’s it. I think it’s because he thought I would go running for the hills the second I found out.
I didn’t.
I’m still here, and he’s finally seeing that.
All these walls are being broken down, every barrier we put up to protect ourselves is being shredded into pieces, and fuck is it scary…
But so exciting at the same time.
“Guess we’re both a little fucked in the head, huh?” He laughs.
Shrugging, I keep holding onto him, too comfortable in his arms to let go. “Everyone’s a little fucked up, we all have our own crap we’re dealing with.”
“Exactly. Don’t forget to listen to your own advice every once in a while.”
“Hmm,” I hum, not willing to tell him it’s easier said than done. “Can we talk about the rest of our crap another day? I was having fun tonight, I don’t want to ruin it.”
He kisses the top of my head, “whatever you want, Pixie.”
That nickname gives me butterflies every time I hear him say it. It’s for me, and only me. His own little territorial stamp.
I don’t think he’s realizedeverythingyet, just that I’m afraid of cars. One day I’ll tell him, but voicing the truth to someone I barely know —someone I’m so scared of losing— is terrifying.
“Oh my god!” Claire screams from upstairs, “my curtains!”
The stench of fire fills my nose a couple seconds later, Johnny must smell it too because we blink at one another before running up the stairs.
When we stop in the doorway, I can’t help the burst of laughter that exits my mouth.
