Learning to Heal Read Online Free PDF Page A

responds. I hate the silence. I hate being alone like this. I feel more alone right now than I can ever remember. My family is who I’ve always depended on to pick me up when I’m upset. Not this time, though. This time I have to depend on myself.
    After a few minutes I hear banging and jump up with a shrill scream. I quickly look around and notice I’m in the dark and the moonlight is causing creepy ass shadows everywhere. I guess I slept longer than I thought.
    The banging continues so I look around for something to use as a weapon, just in case. I don’t own a gun like Jax, but I do own some candy apple red, platform stilettos that I’m sure can cause major damage to someone’s eye. I rush to the closet and grab one before I slowly creep to the door, holding it up. I’m scared to death, but I think of Charlie’s Angels and know if they can do it then I can do it.
    When the banging happens a third time I yell, “Who’s there?”
    “Mason.” I pray he’s here to tell me he’s changed his mind.
           After unlocking the door, I crack it open with my shoe still gripped firmly in my hand. I lower it when I see it’s truly the idiot himself and not an imposter. Of course I might still kill him if he wants to continue with his stupid idea.
    I study him for a second to make sure my hormones are in check and I’m not seeing the sexy Mason I did yesterday. He’s still cute with his clean, baby face that hides his dimples. His dark green eyes look almost brown unless he’s in the sun. Then they transform into the same green as the leaves that grow on the ancient oak trees.
    When I’m satisfied I allow him in. Holding a brown paper bag, he smiles softly when he passes me. I smell the greasy food emanating from its contents and my mouth fills with saliva. Realizing that I haven’t eaten since before I left Pensacola, I shut the door and grab the bag from his hands. I don’t care if it’s rude. I’m still upset with him and I’m starving.
    He laughs while I shove a few fries in my mouth. “Hungry?”
    I just shrug my shoulders and grab a water from my mini fridge. After I sit on my bed, he follows suit and takes the bag from my hands. He passes me my food and then grabs his own. Looking down at the greasy goodness in my lap, I discover he brought me my all-time favorite burger. A chili cheeseburger from The Dew Drop Inn. I glance up and smile at Mason, who’s watching me with interest.
    It amazes me how easy food can change my mood these days. Before this pregnancy is over I’ll be rolling everywhere just to get around. I remember my manners that have been branded into me by my mom and tell him thank you.
    He just smiles and takes a bite of his hot dog. We eat in silence and it feels like yesterday didn’t even happen. Mason’s so easy to be around and can make anyone comfortable in his presence. I never feel judged, and even now, after everything coming to the surface, he acts like the same sweet Mason I met a few months ago.
    When I’m full I start to feel better and my attitude dissipates. I exhale a deep breath and lie back on my bed to stare at the ceiling. “Man that hit the spot. Thanks again. I didn’t realize I was so hungry.” I hear the bag crinkle as he throws away the trash and then I feel the bed shift.
    He lies beside me and looks at the ceiling too. “Now can we talk?”
    I turn my head in his direction and watch his profile. He scrunches is brow while he thinks of what to say. With dread I sigh and agree because it has to be done. “Yeah.”
    “Good. I want you to hear me out before you say anything. I have to get this out and I know you.” He smiles and turns his head to face me.
    I can’t help but smile back and nod while I wait for him say what he wants to say. He reaches for my hand and holds it in his. I feel the rough callus on the pad of his thumb as he rubs my palm, and I start to relax.
    He turns his face away from me but continues to caress my hand. “Yesterday,