Shelly

Once I woke up, I hurried to brush my teeth and get ready for class. I had math, English, and photography today. Rushing, I managed to get to my first class with only two minutes to spare.

But the entire time, Tanner was on my mind. I thought about how last night was another minor setback. I hadn't realized that I wasn't listening when my teacher asked me to answer.

Looking down at my paper, I told her the answer, shocked it was correct. And for my last two classes, it was exactly the same. Even though it was nothing, I didn't like it.

I had never been consumed by a guy so much that I didn't pay attention. I shouldn't have let myself do that but I did. I rubbed my temples at 12:30, the time I finally ended school. It was too much for my mind on a school day.

Tan

Come outside, please?

Me

Okay

I didn't know what he wanted but hopefully, he would explain. I rushed to put my things away, stubbing my toe on the corner of my dresser and letting out a curse word, before I went outside.

"Tanner?"

"I'm right here. I'm sorry about last night. I-I ended up angry. I asked my parents and they said no. Well, not really but they didn't answer.

They just ignored it all. Susie would do it but my parents haven't talked to me since yesterday evening. I ended up torturing my room. It's all thrashed and I had to fix it between classes," he sighed.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I first thought you were just a little late but then I knew it had to have been something gone sour. I trust that you wouldn't leave me like that again."

"No, I wouldn't." He confirmed in a certain voice.

It made my heart skip a beat. I wanted this to be forever. Without a fence. We fit together and I wish we had met in different circumstances.

"How bad was it in your room?"

"I threw almost everything. My knuckles aren't even bruised, didn't punch anything like I would've done in the past. I just tossed and broke tiny things."

"I cried last night. My thoughts turned dark." I confessed.

It wasn't fair that he had to tell me his angry days but I didn't have to tell my sad ones. We would talk about it with each other because we understand. I heard him let out a noise of disappointment.

But not with me, with himself.

"I'm sorry, Shelly. I should have texted or just come out here. I'm sure you would have calmed me down."

"It's fine. Actually, no it's not but still. You were angry and I wasn't about to demand you come to me. You came on your own time and that's all I really care for."

"This isn't fair," he groaned.

"Huh? What isn't?"

"That you are so nice! You should be mad at me for this. You should be ignoring me now."

"I couldn't be mad at you for something as simple as feeling."

Which was true. He needed time and I understood that. He wanted to cool down, I was fine with that. Sure, it hurt, but he came back to me like he always would. I wouldn't put his anger against him.

"But are you coming over tonight?"

"Shelly, I think that-"

"Tanner!" his father called.

"What?"

"Come inside real quick and step away from the spider-infested fence."

"I'll text you," he whispered before he walked inside.

Spider-infested? Didn't we both have arachnophobia? It warmed my heart to know he was facing his fears for me. Tanner was trying hard to make me happy but he didn't need to.

He was enough.

******

A/N:

Tanner has got a lot of love for Shelly because there's no way I'd step close to a spider-infested fence for just anyone. Not even my parents. Or family at that.