Love Me ~ Through the Storm Read Online Free Page A

away from Oakley, we have a problem. Someone needs to be there for her, now more than ever.
    What astonishes me is how everyone else is so clueless to what is going on inside her. Can they not see her hurting? Going through Hell is bad enough but having the people closest to you not even realizing it would be unbearable. That’s why I can’t leave her.
    “Now that we’re alone, Little Sister, do you want to talk about what’s going on in that head?” We’re sitting in my car because I want to talk to her about these panic attacks she’s having before we go anywhere.
    “No, let’s catch a movie or something. I don’t want to think about all of that again.” She runs her hands through her hair.
    “I think it’s time you give more thought about talking to someone.”
    “I can’t, Kane, I’m scared, scared that I can’t do it alone. If that makes me sound like a little kid, then so be it.”
    “I know we’ve all at one point or another encouraged you to get some help, but Oakley, I really think you need to.  It doesn’t mean you're weak or crazy. It means you’re smart enough to realize that you have a problem and that you need help working through it.”
    “I can handle it, Kane. It’s only when I feel forced to talk about that day.”
    “Who tried to force you to talk about it? Your roommates? Do I need to go over and talk to them?” I say, narrowing my eyes.
    “Honestly, they didn’t technically force me. We were all sitting around getting to know each other and they asked about my family. The question just sent me right back to that day. I remembered everything. My insides were quivering. Like I was back there in the house. I swear I could hear the gunshots, smell the gunpowder, and see the blood splatter as if it were happening all over again.”
    “That’s why you need to talk with someone, I’ll take you to every single appointment. I’ll there for you before and after. Whatever you need, I just want you to get better.”
    “I don’t want Clay and all of them to know about this. It’s embarrassing enough that it happens and I have to call you.” She sniffles a little.
    “Hey, now. You don’t have to be embarrassed around me. I care about you. We’ve been friends forever,” I tell her.
    “Kane, why are you so good to me?” She leans toward me.
    “Because you make it so easy.” I reach over and pat her on her knee. “You’re a kind, wonderful, beautiful person, Oakley, and very easy to be friends with.”
    “You and Quinn are the only two people I can count on to always be here. I don’t know what I’d do if either of you left me, too.”
    “You don’t have to worry about me leaving you, I’m here for the long haul.”
    “Do you promise, Kane? You’ll never leave me?” Her voice cracks on my name.
    “Of course I do, you’re my girl. I’ve told you over and over. Are you ever going to believe me?” I give her a reassuring smile.
    “I believe you, but I just like to hear it. Now, let’s go to the movies, I want to see something that will make me laugh,” Oakley says, seeming to have calmed down a little.
    “Remember, you are strong. All you need now is courage.” I wink at her. I hate that she’s had such a hard year. I hate that Clay is so clueless that she’s hurting and needs help. Too bad, he hates me for no real reason. When he and Lizzie broke up a few months back, I made a move. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but she was sending me some hot and heavy vibes before they got together. If he hadn’t called her off limits, things might have been different.
    After we get to the theater, Oakley makes a beeline for the concession stand.
    “Do you want a coke and popcorn?” I ask, following her over to the refreshments counter.
    “I want Raisinets and a Diet Coke, and I’ll just eat some of your popcorn,” she says, giving me a wink.
    “Who said I was sharing my popcorn with you?” I give her a smirk.
    Oakley gives me her sweet little smile, “Please.” She