#mikedodds

Scared would be understatement to describe her at the moment. 

There had always been an underline of fear to her confident swagger, as it was with most girls her age. The need to fit in nagging at the back of her mind even she was the definition of what and who to be.

Never let them see how hard it is. They don’t care about the pain. They only want to see the beauty.

She’s not in love. She can’t be. Because he’s twice her age, and far too good for her. Because love wasn’t meant for damaged people like her. Love was meant for children and fairy tales, and she was not a child, nor was she a fairy tale princess - although you wouldn’t be able to tell by her appearance alone.

Of course she knew she was pretty, but that was part of the problem. Being pretty kept her on edge. 

She was always on edge.

Men and women, they were all guilty; always thinking that she was some prize to be won. Who could get her to be in their show or their movie? Which magazine would she interview with? And, which designers would be lucky enough to have her wear their new lines? 

She found home in green eyes and a steady heartbeat. A home that kept the world at bay. 

She was home, and home felt so good, so incredibly good. This was a home she didn’t have to buy for the sake of appearances. It came to her, open and honest, and maybe just as damaged as she was. 

But that was fine...their broken pieces fit together nicely.

“We leave in ten.” 

She looked up from her coffee, leaving a lipstick print on the white porcelain. He was putting on his watch, looking tired and worn. But so was she, and they needed to get out.

“I’m worried.” She confessed, setting down her cup. “What if they...”

The look he gave her quieted those thoughts, sending a surge of pride and strength through her. Why should she care what people thought now? She had never cared before.

No, he had never turned her legs to jelly and he had never made her tremble. What did make her feel was strong. He made her feel so strong, even when he insisted that she was already strong...that she didn’t need his strength. 

She loved that about him.

When she couldn’t get along with anyone, even her father, he was there; steadfast and true. She was fairly certain that he’d always be there, even when she didn’t need him anymore.

But she did need him...even if it took everything in her to admit it.

“You’re amazing.” She smiled as she stood, smoothing down the front of her dress. 

He smiled, the action brightening the shadows beneath his eyes. He watched her silently adjust his tie, something she did out of habit now; a comfort and reminder. 

Always more affectionate than the reporters made her out to be. 

“I love you.” He murmured, pressing his lips to her hair. 

“I know...”