The Deeper We Get by Jessica Gibson

softly before walking away.
    I turned to go back inside but Levi stopped me. “Don’t think we’re not having this conversation because we are. You should have called us.”
    “You know why I didn’t. Don’t pretend that you don’t.”
    “You’re not alone in this. I don’t want her hurt either but she has a right to know things like this.”
    I sighed and leaned against the wall. “I know she does, but I would do anything to avoid the look she had tonight. She’s been through enough already. I only wanted to spare her more pain.”
    “She has the right to choose, and I think we both know what her choice will always be.”
    When we walked inside we found Becca and Scarlet on the couch huddled together. Becca was sobbing uncontrollably and Scarlet was hugging her and whispering to her. She smiled weakly when she saw me but didn’t let Becca go.
    “You okay?” I sat next to them.
    “Sorry, this is so not how I wanted to meet you for the first time.” Becca pulled away and wiped her eyes on her sleeves.
    “Hey, don’t apologize for this. You reacted the way anyone would. It’s a lot to take in.” Scarlet patted her knee.
    “I’m really not normally a crier, but seeing him in person just took me back to it , you know?”
    “I do know.” Scarlet nodded sadly.
    Becca shot me a questioning look, and I shook my head. Now was not the time to delve into all of our baggage.
    “What do you say to ordering some pizza and just hanging out here for the night?” I asked . I could tell that none of us were in the mood for a night on the town.
    “That sounds perfect ,” Levi answered.
    By the time the pizza got there we were all in better spirits. “So, how did you two meet?” Becca asked.
    Scarlet looked at me and smiled. “Chad here was my knight in shining armor. He saved me from a bad situation. I knew I was in for it that night but I didn’t see him again for a few days. I think it was fate that brought us back together . He walked into my uncle’s garage looking for a job, and that was it for me.”
    I hadn’t really thought about it from her side of things. It was interesting to hear that I had affected her just as much from the beginning.
    “So you started dating right away then?” Becca questioned.
    “No, not right away.” Scarlet laughed. “Chad played hard to get for a while. I had to work for it.”
    “Sounds like the Chad we know and love.” Levi smiled
    “What about you two? How did you meet?” Scarlet asked.
    “Levi here was my own personal stalker at college.” Becca grinned at her husband. “Isn’t that right honey?”
    “Something like that.” Levi shook his head. “I seem to remember it was you who ran into me that first night, spilled a whole cup of beer on me too.” He kissed the top of her head.
    “He just wouldn’t take no for an answer. He never gave up on me.” She gave him a look of total adoration. “I’m very lucky to have found the other half of my soul at such a young age. So many people wait their whole lives to find that one person who completes them . I’ll never take that for granted.”
    “I’m the lucky one.” He tipped her lips up to his.
    At the end of the night Becca pulled me aside. “Promise me you’re not going to deal with this alone anymore okay? We’re a team right? I protect you, you protect me.”
    “I promise.” I hugged her tight, hoping that she wouldn’t see through my lie.
    “I love you kid.” She kissed my cheek.
    “Love you back.”
    “And you, you better be coming home with Chad for Christmas.” She pulled Scarlet into a bear hug.
    “If I’m invited then I’ll be there.” Scarlet beamed at her.
    “Once Ruth gets wind of you there’s nothing that will keep you from coming.” I laughed.
    “Ok ay, see you in a couple of months. Take care of him for me.” Becca hugged us both again before they left.
    “Thank you.” I pulled Scarlet into a hug.
    “For what?”
    “For being you.” I kissed her.
     
       
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