He didn’t lower himself to my waiting lips. He was just leaning into me, only inches away from me. My heart hammered in my chest and my mouth went dry. I don’t want you to come any closer because I’m afraid of what might happen if I ever fall in love. I watched my parents destroy each other for years and I don’t want to do that to anyone else. And I don’t want it to happen to me, either. Just stay away. People are fine when they’re alone. They’re better that way. A twinge of pain sang through my chest as his eyes grew even bigger and penetrated even deeper into mine. The layers of defense were forced away. I care very much about doing the right thing. I want to try my best, though it has made me few friends in life. I believe in the goodness of people, even though I get disappointed so, so often—and I’ve been forced to build these walls to protect myself. I want to make a difference more than I want to be happy.
