Page 26 - Contrast2005

turn away. Doesn't want to "Safe in your arms," she
get in too deep. She guesses says, with a smile. "You know
that this must be that buffer I care very deeply for you,
zone she puts up because of and I don't want to use that
her past experiences. Al- cliche of 'it's not you it's me.'
though she has never met any- just have a lot of things that
one quite like Jason, who actu- I'm going through. But I'm
ally listens to her and genu- fighting, every day, the things
inely wants to hear what she that hold me back, because I
has to say, and then doesn't want this to work and I want
to be with you." She sighs.
mind when she is quiet and

return the favor. ---------- "See, nothing with

He has honestly "You know I ca re me has ever worked

shown her that he very deeply for before, I mean
cares and wants you, and I don't really worked.
her in his life. want to use that Sometimes I become
But still, some- cliche of 'it's not afraid, like if I bare
times she has to my heart to you and
pull away. you it's me'... the stories of my
past, that this fan-
"You look tasy I'm in just won't
away and I won- last. That one day
der why," he

said, finally call- ------ we will go our

ing her on her actions. separate ways and you won't

She turns towards him but return the pieces you took of

doesn't know what to say. me. I hate to think that way,

"I ... I" It feels like she but if I hadn't been so blind-

wants to spill it all out and sided before, more than once.

him, to tell him everything, but Every time I think something is

it's just not the right time. perfect, it hits me and some-

"It's okay," he says, and times the blow is so hard that I
puts his finger to her lips. have to debate whether or not

"Are you comfortable?" he to get back up. It hits me just

asks, and he wraps his arms like that. I want so much for
around her, as if to shield her you to stay."

from the obstacles that lay "You want what you

ahead. already have, Naomi. You

24 Contrast 2005