I need you, I need you, I need you

chapter 93-learn to fly

Rachel's p/v
Why does everyone have to look so happy? I should be happy sitting underneath the infamous tree, but all I can feel is disgust. Darry is ditching class to hang out with Mary and her friends. So he risks getting in trouble for her, but won't risk her love for him by sticking up for me? It's fine, I wouldn't defend myself either
"You are so cute, love. How do you do it?"
I look up. "What are you doing here, Tyler?"'
"Tending to my garden," he sits next to me, "are you feeling alright?"
"Even after I said those mean things you still want to check up on me?"
"I know you didn't mean to lash out at me. It's ok, I can take it," he tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, "I just want you to feel safe."
"Mads beat me up, Tyler. She got her friends to help her. Jasmine thinks I should tell Darry but I'm too scared."
"Why are you scared?"
"Because he won't believe me. It'll also give him a reason to not let me audition for the dance team."
"Well I was talking to him two minutes ago and he seemed more concerned than angry. I say you give him a chance. Besides, he kind of already knows that you're mad because of him."
"What? Tyler, you told him?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. Please don't be upset with me. I wanted him to get hit with the cold truth. He's not a good person."
I smile. "You think so?"
"What kind of person hurts their sibling? Their little sibling? A little rose garden? You are too pure for this world, Rachel. How can anyone hate you?"
"They can and they do. That's why I'm not telling Darry anything."
"Darry doesn't hate you, he's just being selfish. Talk to him, love. And if he doesn't believe you, don't feel bad. Declan, Jasmine, Sage and I have your back. No one is going to destroy my world."
"Can you be there when I tell him?"
"Of course! Let's tell him at lunch."
"I can't believe I'm doing this. All morning the rest of my life seemed impossible. I think I'm going to be alright."
"More than alright. You're so strong, Rachel. I love you so much."
"I'm sorry for calling you an idiot, and calling your play stupid."
Tyler smiles. "It's ok. I'll gladly be the punching bag when you're mad. I know at the end of the day you love me unconditionally."
"You're the best, Tyler. Thank you for being patient with me."
"And thank you for being so beautiful, intelligent, and kissable. A million kisses for you starting now." He cups my face and kisses me on the lips. I run my hands through his hair. He pushes forward, making me lean against the tree. Our tree.

Mary's p/v
I look over Darry's shoulder. "Any luck?"
"Nope. Dude really wants to never be seen."
"I'm never going to find him. I'm never going to talk to him ever again."
"You can't give up now. I'll get Sabrina on this, she's great at stalking."
"You and Sabrina are cool now?"
"Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you, sorry."
"Don't apologize, I'm not mad. If you think Sabrina can find him then tell her. I doubt anyone can find him though."
"You just have to believe. How are things with your mom?"
I snicker. "The absolute worst. She is so controlling of what I put into my body. That lady is the reason Jonathan and I stopped being friends for a year. She's the reason my father is too busy for me. It feels like everyone is turning on me. I have you and Jonathan, but how long until you guys get sick of me too? My relationship with my mom only got better to get worse again. I can't take it anymore, Darry! I just can't." I start to cry. Darry wraps his arms around me.
"I'm never leaving you, Mary. You have people in your life who love you. Jenna, me, Jonathan, Nina. And although you think the contrary, your father loves you. Both of your fathers."
"Stop it, Darry, they don't love me. Why is my father so busy for me? Why does my fucking biological father never want me around? What's the point in having a step-father and a biological father if they won't let me into their lives? All I want is for one of them to pay attention to me. Is that too much to ask?" I burry my face into his chest.
"Parents are just a bunch of phony idiots. They have the nerve to belittle us and abandon us. You're going to be ok, Mary. No one needs love from a parent when you have your friends and unofficial boyfriend."
I lightly laugh. "Unofficial boyfriend. Thank you for being in my life."
He rubs my back. "And thank you for being in mine."
"Can I take a nap? I'm getting no sleep."
"Go ahead. I'll hold you forever."
I close my eyes and loosen my body. Forever.