Page 101 of All I Ask
We both continue on with the loudest laughs I’ve ever heard. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he says as he gasps for air.
“I can’t stay in here.” I snort and hold my arms around my belly. “They’re all staring at me and I think one just talked!”
I haven’t laughed like this in ages. The muscles in my stomach hurt and we both make it outside unscathed.
“Let’s head to the back.”
“Yes, where it’s safe.”
I stifle another fit of giggles and we make our way onto the deck.
It’s truly beautiful and secluded back here. There are tall trees that create a barrier and give so much privacy that you’d forget you even have neighbors. It’s a bigger lot than what this town normally has too, which helps. The shed is off to the left and the deck is covered and has a great little eating area.
“At least they kept the outside cleared of…dolls.”
“Well, I’m sure they’re still watching us.”
He shudders. “I’m going to have nightmares.”
“You and me both! That was insane. You bought the creepy house full of dolls that no one else wanted.” I start laughing again.
He joins in. “You wanted the house too!”
“True. But I didn’t buy it.”
“Yes, but you wanted to.”
“I would’ve at least looked inside.”
Derek runs his hand down his face. “I was so sure this house would be magical.”
“Oh, there’s magic in there all right. Hmmm.” I tap my finger on my chin. “Maybe we should call you Ken from now on!”
The two of us are laughing so hard that tears are falling. “Then I’ll call you Barbie.”
“Hell no, this is your house, creepy dolls and all.” I wipe my tears and try to stop the giggling.
“You laugh now, but one day you will be living here too!”
Well, that sobers the moment.
We both stop laughing.
I stare at him, unsure if he knows what he said. Derek looks down at me, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. He moves closer, our breathing is accelerated, and I’m unsure of what to do.
I could ask him what he meant or pretend it didn’t happen.
However, I’m not sure I can unhear what he said and I don’t know that I can pretend otherwise.
“What?” I ask, my voice is barely a whisper.
“Don’t look so surprised, Teagan.” Derek’s hand lifts and he takes a strand of my hair and then tucks it behind my ear. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere and I don’t have any doubts that I’m here with you for a reason. I can wait until you know it, but what we’re doing here, isn’t ending.”
My heart is pounding so loud, I can’t hear anything else. I want to believe what he’s saying more than anything, but this is really not slow and this is a million times beyond complicated.
“Please don’t make me promises like that,” I say with fear and apprehension. “I don’t think I could handle the loss again.”
He wraps his arm around my back, forcing me to put my hands on his chest. “Then hold on and don’t let go this time.”
