Page 49 of Memories By the Shore
My brain cycles through all the things I’ve heard or even seen on television about depression. What I do know is that it can be debilitating for the person it affects. Sometimes, it is even to the point where episodes can hit when they least expect it. But I doubt my little knowledge barely even scratches the surface of this condition.
I nod, forcinga weak smile. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“Of course.” He tips his hat in my direction. “I have to run back to the shop for a bit, but I’ll be back later today. Are you staying for dinner?”
“Sure.”
“Good. Maybe Helen will want to join us too.”
“I’m sure she will,” I say.
A million questions flood my mind.How long has he known he has depression? How can I be there for him? Has he tried medications? I’m sure he has. That’s a stupid question.There will be time for more details later. Right now, all I want to do is to be with him.
By the time I get back to Jasper’s room, my heart is full of affection for him but also empathy. I pull back the covers and crawl back into bed with him.
“I spoke with your dad,” I tell him softly.
“You did?” he responds, keeping his eyes closed.
“Yes.” I slip my hands under his shirt and lightly graze the warm skin on his stomach. “He explained what’s going on with you. I want you to know I’m here for whatever you need.”
Jasper exhales, hooking an arm around me. “Thank you.”
He’s here, but his body is stiffer than usual. It’s like having a conversation with someone over the phone, and you can tell by their empty responses they’re notactuallylistening. It’s not that Jasper isn’t listening to my words, but his mind is elsewhere—unable to be fully present. A strange disconnection inadvertently causes my insecurities to kick up, even though it has nothing to do with me.
Sliding my arms under his shorts and around his back, I liftmy tank top, bringing us skin to skin. I’m touching him, but he’s not there. I’m desperate for a connection to him, but there’s an invisible block between us. A palpable energy field surrounding him, meant to keep the world—and me—out.
Closing my eyes, I let my body sink into the cushion of his mattress. I will stay here with him as long as he needs me to. I’m physically unable to part with him.
Chapter Fifteen
Then
Avery
It’s my eighteenth birthday today.
“Keep your eyes closed.” With his hands on my shoulders, Jasper guides me up a few steps.
“I have a blindfold on.” I giggle, covering my eyes with my hands anyway. Never imagining spending my birthday this way, I buzz with excitement from the day I’ve had.
After celebrating dinner with Helen and Duke, Jasper was quick to whisk me away. The only information he gave me was to pack a bag for one night. We’re spending the night away, just Jasper and me.
I’ve had that just got off a roller coaster feeling since he told me his plans. When I tried to ask where we were going, he kissed my forehead and told me not to worry. I did the exact opposite and have been thinking about it ever since.
“Is this where we’re staying for the night?” I ask. He leads me through a set of double doors.
“It’s not. I told you we had one stop before that,” he tells me, just as a bell on a door chimes.We’re at a store?
Suddenly, the scent of ink fills my nostrils while a low buzz tickles my ears. I recognize both, but I can’t place our location. My mind scrambles to put the pieces together.
“Can I take off the blindfold now?” I ask, my heart pounding against my rib cage.
“Yes.” Jasper’s voice is full of excitement.
Wasting no time, I rip off the black silk. Shock forces me to suck in a break.A tattoo shop.“Am I getting a tattoo?”
“We.” Jasper hooks an arm around my shoulders, playfully yanking me into him. He presses a soft kiss on my temple. “We’re getting tattoos together.”
