Page 37 of Press Play

“Don’t apologize,” I sigh. “Please, don’t.”

“I’m sor?—”

I give her a pointed look, and she zips her lips.

“We need to work on your constant need to use that word,” I say, and she smiles. “Move over.”

“I probably stink.” She purses her lips.

“I don’t care; scoot over.”

Lifting her blankets, I don’t remark on how warm she is compared to the cool temperature of her room. I lie on my side, and she rolls onto hers. Reaching up, I brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear and allow my knuckles to graze her skin.

“How are you not sick of this?” she mumbles.

“Sick of what?”

“Dealing with me.”

I stop mid-stroke, and she peers up at me. “How do you not see what I do?” I ask in a low whisper.

Color rushes to her cheeks, and it’s a sight I want to see over and over again.

“What do you see?” Her tone is hushed, like she’s nervous to ask the question.

The answer is simple, but when I open my mouth, the words don’t come.

Wren is beautiful inside and out. Her wavy auburn hair is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. With kind eyes, she can make anyone feel safe with one glance. She emits warmth, and parts of me want to hoard her all to myself. Yet, I know if I do, the world will never experience her soul, and that’s not something I’m allowed to withhold.

“You’re everything,” I murmur as my heart flutters to life. “I was lost before I met you. I wandered the halls in darkness, consumed by negativity. I had friends, but no one compared to you. No one will evercompareto you.”

Narrowing her eyes, she examines me, attempting to gauge whether I’m lying.

Has anyone ever told her how wonderful she is? Did her parents ever tell her how good of a person she is? No, I doubt they ever did because, to them, she’s someone they can’t afford to care for. They’d rather risk poisoning her with the hope it won’t make her sick.

“One day, when we’re older, I’ll take care of you.” I vow to her. “You won’t have to worry about getting sick. You’ll be safe; you’re always safe with me. I promise, Wren.”

Before I can wipe them away for her, she dries her face with the back of her hand and sniffles. “Do you want to know my dream?”

I nod while resting my forehead against hers.

“When we’re older, I want to be able to take care of myself. I’ll get a good job, get my own apartment, and I’ll ensure I never gluten myself. You’re far too good to me, and I refuse to burden you for the rest of your life?—”

“You’re not?—”

“I am,” she states firmly. “I’ve been told time and time again. I won’t allow myself to ruin anyone’s life. You deserve everythingthere is, and I won’t hold you back.” She takes in a long inhale as her face contorts in pain. “I also hope that we’ll stay friends no matter what.”

“Always,” I promise without a second thought. “And I also promise to prove to you that you’re not and will never be a burden. Not to me.”

With a small smile, she nods. I thumb the rest of her tears before she snuggles close to my chest. Reaching behind me, I press play on her phone, resuming the show that she paused. With a peaceful sigh, I rest my chin on top of her head and listen as her breathing slows.

“I wish things were different,” I whisper and kiss her crown. “One day, they will be, and we’ll be two totally different people. Although, I hopewenever change.”

Chapter Fifteen

Theo

After we got homefrom grocery shopping, we put the food away, plopped on the couch, put on our comfort show, and passed out.

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