DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 29

Wrecking her innocence 29

Wrecking her innocence 29

Lila

I turned around quickly and faced the wall, away from the door. I pulled my top down a little, but only enough to look like! was trying to cover myself. I left the side exposed on purpose – just enough skin showing at the edge so Jerry would think I was still changing when he walked in. I wanted him to see it. I wanted him to feel awkward. I wanted him to leave fast!

My heart raced so hard I could feel it in my throat. I heard the door open wider. Jerry stepped inside

He gasped sharply and turned away immediately. “Sorry!” he said fast. “I didn’t know you were dressing”

I sighed softly and pulled the top all the way down. “Just go,” I said. My voice came out quiet but firm

“Okay, so sorry,” he replied. He sounded embarrassed but genuine.

I stayed facing the wall. My hands were still shaking a little. The room felt too small and quiet. Too full of everything I was trying to escape. The house suddenly seemed suffocating. Every corner reminded me of Ryder. Every shadow felt like m If I stayed here alone, I would just keep crying. Keep thinking about the man who didn’t love me back. Keep breaking a tig

more.

Maybe going out was better. Even if it was just for a little while. Even if it was with Jerry.

I took a shaky breath. “Jerry?” I called quickly, still not turning around.

“Hmm?” His voice came from near the door. He hadn’t left yet.

I swallowed hard. “I changed my mind. We can go out.”

A small pause. Then I heard him chuckle softly. “Really?”

“Yes,” I said. I nodded even though he couldn’t see my face. “Wait for me downstairs. Let me dress up.”

“Okay,” he said gently. “Take your time.”

I heard his footsteps retreat. The door closed softly behind him.

I sighed deeply and walked to the door. Locked it. Then I went into the bathroom. I did what I needed to do – washed my face again with cold water, brushed my teeth, and tried to make myself feel human. When I came out, I applied my cream slowly. I dressed in simple jeans and a loose top. Nothing fancy. Just comfortable

When I checked the mirror, my face still looked dull. My eyes were red and swollen. The bags underneath were dark and puffy. I sighed deeply. I applied the eye bag cream and dabbed it in gently. It helped a little, but not enough. I grabbed my face cap from the dresser and pulled it low over my forehead. It was the only way to hide these eyes right now. I didn’t have my glasses with me.

I took one last look in the mirror. Not perfect. But good enough.

I unlocked the door and headed downstairs slowly. My steps felt heavy. When I reached the bottom, I saw Jerry waiting near the front door. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking relaxed.

“I’m done,” I whispered.

Jerry turned toward me. I quickly dropped my gaze to the floor. I didn’t want him to see my face – the puffiness, the redness, the evidence of all the crying.

He pushed off the wall and came closer. I swallowed nervously. I kept my head down, praying he wouldn’t ask questions. I wasn’t ready to talk. Not about anything.

“Ready?” he asked gently.

I nodded without looking up.

“Let’s go,” he whispered.

He opened the door for me like a gentleman. I stepped outside first. The sun was.

We started strolling. Jerry was easy to be with. He talked about light things – the weather, funny stories from the ranch, and the time a calf got stuck in a mud puddle and he had to pull it out with his bare hands. He made me laugh a few times, small quiet laughs that surprised me. I didn’t think I would be able to laugh today.

We ended up in a small park nearby. There were benches under big trees and a little ice cream cart at the entrance. Jerry bought two cones: vanilla for me and strawberry for him We sat on a bench. I licked mine slowly. The cold sweetness helped a little.

Successfully unlocked!

Then some kids on bikes rode by fast. One of them, a buy will a piy yi, reached out and snatched my cap right off my head as he passed. They cycled away laughing and pointing back at me.

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1 gasped My hands flew to my head. I ducked forward immediately, hiding my face. The ice cream slipped from my fingers and fell to the ground with a soft splat

Jerry stood up fast. He stepped in front of me, blocking me from view. “Hey!” he called after the kids, but they were already

gone

I started crying again Quiet at first, then harder My shoulders shook. I couldn’t stop

Jerry sighed softly. He knelt down in front of me and wrapped his arms around me. I was sitting, he was standing, but he hugged me close His hand patted my back gently. “Everything’s fine,” he said quietly. “It’s okay. They’re just kids.”

I nodded against his chest. I tried to breathe. The tears kept coming.

After a minute, I pulled back a little. “It’s getting late now,” I said softly. “Can we leave?”

“Hold on,” he said. He stood up and walked away quickly toward the park entrance.

I sat there alone. I wished I could disappear. My face felt hot and wet. My eyes burned. I felt so anxious, so exposed. Thankfully, Jerry came back fast. He was holding a pair of sunglasses.

He knelt down in front of me again. He took my chin gently and lifted my face. Our eyes locked. His were kind. Patient. He slipped the sunglasses onto me carefully.

“I got them nearby,” he said. “I couldn’t find a cap, but these should help.”

I nodded. A small smile tugged at my lips despite everything. “Thank you,” I whispered.

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