“Want to tell me now?”

“Maybe.”

“Please? Nobody else can hear us.” Aaron slipped a comforting arm around Jess.

Jess sighed and snuggled into his chest. “I’m scared.”

“Scared? Of what… me?”

“No… not exactly.”

“Not exactly? What exactly are you scared of then?”

“It.”

“It?”

“Yes. When you kiss me.”

“Everytime?”

“No, just the back of my neck.”

Aaron gently touched the spot he commonly kissed when doing her hair.

“There.” Jess shivered.

Aaron gingerly moved his fingers up about a half an inch or so to where her hair covered a scar. Jess felt tears form as he ran his fingers along the line. “Are you scared?”

Jess didn’t answer but pushed back the tears that wanted to come. “Do you want me to stop?” Aaron gently moved her hair away from the scar. When Jess shook her head he leaned down and kissed the spot his fingers had just touched.

“Why does he still scare you?”

“What?”

“When I touch you, do you see me as him?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then why do you let him scare you?”

“He won’t go away.”

“Ever?”

“He’s gone whenever you’re there… until you do that.”

“Why?” Aaron began to realize how deep into Jess’s mind he had become.

“He wants me to push you away. He wants me to believe that you might hurt me like he did.”

“But you know better don’t you?”

“Yes, but I’m still scared he might come back.”

Aaron finally saw exactly what Caden had meant when he said she would never be the same. It had nothing to do with virginity it was the fear that haunted her. “I love you Jessie,” Aaron whispered and hugged her to his chest.

“Excuse me sir, do you need anything?” A stewardess was standing beside them.

“No ma’am, but could you get her an orange juice?”

“Right away.”

“I’m okay Aaron.”

“Just drink your juice and get some sleep.” Aaron kissed her forehead and turned his head so she wouldn’t see his tears.