Damaged Souls (Broken Man) - By Christopher Scott Page 0,33

my best,” Mike reminded him that it wasn’t going to be easy. “I’m also going to have to talk to Greg and Delaney as soon as possible. I know it’s tough right now, but do you think maybe tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow will probably be good,” Jack responded, hopeful they would be back at the house and able to discuss what happened.

* * *

“Greg,” Delaney again said his name as she woke with a start and realized she had fallen asleep. How long have I been sleeping, she wondered as she looked up at the clock and realized it had been an hour.

He’s been through so much, Delaney remembered his mother’s earlier visit that Greg had practically slept through. I wonder why he never told me how bad her problem had become, he shouldn’t have had to go through that all by himself. Maybe his mom will get better now that she is going to rehab.

I wish he would wake up, Delaney thought to herself as she got up from the chair to watch him sleeping. He looks so peaceful, maybe it’s best if he continues to rest. I can’t believe he did this too him, she touched his face softly but felt nothing but anger as she thought of Mitch.

He was going to rape me, Delaney realized his intentions as she remembered the look on his face as he dragged her into the bedroom. He looked like he hated me, like I wasn’t even a person. Oh my god, I can’t believe I got away, Delaney cringed as she imagined what could have happened.

“Delaney, is that you,” she was relieved to hear his voice and see him slowly open is eyes.

“I’m here, Greg,” she replied and suddenly became emotional. “How are you feeling.”

“I’m feeling better. My head still hurts a little, but I think the medication is wearing off,” he paused as he took her hand. “Please don’t cry, Delaney, we’re going to be okay.”

“I’m so sorry, Greg. None of this should have happened. It’s all my fault.”

“It’s not your fault,” he replied as he sat up and took her into his arms. “Don’t say that.”

“I shouldn’t have gone with him,” she tried to explain. “It wasn’t what I wanted and I knew it all along.”

“Come here,” he invited her to join him as he made a space and lifted the sheets.

Delaney climbed into his bed and laid down with him, resting her head on his chest, still unable to stop crying. “I should have told you what I was feeling, and we should have gone to the prom together. This would never have happened.”

“Everything happens for a reason, Delaney,” he spoke slowly as he held her close. “There is nothing you could have done. I’m just glad you got away from him. I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself if you hadn’t.”

“What do you mean.”

“I should have told you how I felt a long time ago. I knew it the first time I met you. I’ve always been in love with you.”

“Really, Greg,” she finally stopped crying as she sat up to look at him. “I always thought you just saw me as a friend. Why didn’t you tell me.”

“I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I couldn’t do that. It was the only thing I had, the only thing that kept me going,” he explained as he looked into her eyes. “I love you, Delaney.”

“I love you too,” Delaney whispered as she leaned over and kissed him again, this time at long last on his mouth.

Greg returned her kiss, and Delaney finally understood the depth of his feelings for her. She had never felt anything like it, and as she carefully rolled over on top of him, Delaney felt his entire body respond to her, restrained only by his shear hospital gown and her simple cotton dress. They continued to kiss, and as they started to inevitably move together, Delaney looked into his eyes to let him know it was okay, to let him know what she wanted.

“Not yet, Delaney,” he seemed to read her mind. “I want to so badly, but I want it to be special, I want us to be ready.”

“It will be special, Greg,” she whispered into his ear as her feelings for him clouded her judgement. “I need you.”

“I need you too,” he responded as he closed his eyes.

They kissed again, and Delaney felt him grow harder as his tongue found hers and she moved more firmly against him, his hands holding her close