Stay By My Side - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

She remained silent.

She slowly raised her eyes to meet his.

“If you're just curious about me or you feel sorry for me, please don't say things like that to my face. Please.”

“I know what you're trying to run away from, Ciara.”

His voice was gentle.

“I want you to have my shoulder whenever you need somewhere to cry. And I want to give you a heart that knows how to listen.”

“Enough.”

Her voice was quiet but firm.

“I know how to take care of my own problems. And I appreciate everything you've done as a friend. I've already got enough complications in my life. I don't want to start another relationship.”

“Ciara, don't run away from your past. And don't run away from your own feelings, either.”

He leaned slightly toward her.

“Don't think that just because I'm younger than you, I can't protect you or be there for you. Give me a chance.”

She looked at him for a long moment before speaking.

“A woman loves someone with all her heart, only to have that love answered with despair because of cruel circumstances and the way people change.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

“Do you really think I still have enough faith left to believe in love?”

She gave a bitter smile.

“What happens when you're younger than me? What happens when your family objects to us? I've already grown tired of these kinds of barriers. Love would only end before it even had the chance to begin.”

She lowered her eyes.

“Nothing in this life is clear. Nothing is truly fair. So, Kelsey, please give up on this impossible idea.”

“That isn't impossible.”

His answer came without hesitation.

“When you love someone, the heart has a reason of its own—one that doesn't always listen to logic.”

He looked directly at her, his voice steady.

“I won't leave you, no matter what happens.”

He reached for her hand but stopped before touching it.

“Just give me one chance to prove it to you.”