Seven

                                    

                                          
*knock, knock*
                          
"Jen? What are you doing here?"
                          
"Can I come in? We need to talk." He nodded. We sat on the couch.
                          
"Derek..." I held my head down, terrified about telling him the truth.
                          
"Yes?"
                          
"I lied."
                          
"You lied? What about?"
                          
"I lied when you called and I was at the park. I said I was about to leave and go home. I told you I was tired and was going to take a nap." I was talking a mile a minute.
                          
"That wasn't the truth?"
                          
"No, Derek. That wasn't the truth."
                          
"Well, what is the truth?"
                          
"You called so soon after our date..."
                          
"Was I not supposed to?"
                          
"Oh, it's not that. It just kind of surprised me."
                          
"I thought our date went well. Did it not?"
                          
"Oh, no, it did go well."
                          
"I don't understand Jen. Why did you lie to me?" I could tell he was kind of hurt by my dishonesty.
                          
"I freaked out, okay!?!?" I took a deep breath and continued. "I didn't know how to react to you wanting to see me so soon. I don't want to rush into anything because..." I put my head down again. "I don't want to get hurt again."
                          
"Jen..." Derek gently placed his hand on my leg. "It's alright. I understand." He spoke so sincerely. "I have been hurt, too, you know.  I know I told you that I am different than other guys and I realize that it may not be so easy for you to trust me solely based on my words, but I do want to continue seeing you. I want to help you Jen and I want you to be able to trust me."
                          
"Help me?"
                          
"Yes, help you."
                          
"I don't need help Derek! I need some time and..."
                          
"And what? Do you just want to completely forget about me? Is that it?"
                          
"No. I...I..." Tears began to form in my eyes. I stood up and walked to the kitchen. I hated being vulnerable. Derek waited a moment and followed me. 
                          
"I'm sorry for yelling Jen."
                          
"It's okay. I started it and you were just trying to help. I'm sorry." He placed an arm on my shoulder. 
                          
"What do you want Jen?" He asked me that in such a soft tone.
                          
"I'm not sure."
                          
"Do you want to keep seeing me?"
                          
"I would like that, but only if you agree to take things slow." He nodded. A moment passed before I changed the subject. "Well, I'm starving. How about you buy lunch?" He chuckled and smiled.
                          
"I guess I could do that." He winked.
                          
"I guess I'll have to drive." I took a deep breath before going out the door, Derek following behind me to lock the door.