WORTHY (15 page)

“You can’t mean that, sweetheart.” Sebastian said, sounding hurt.

“You’re mother has succinctly told me I’m not good enough for her son. How can a slut like me say otherwise?” Caitlin said, meeting his eyes, allowing her anger to show full force.

“Look, my mother, like me—she couldn’t have known. We don’t always agree or understand her ways but she always has our best interest at heart. I’m so sorry you had to go through all this, Katie. I really am. I wish I could erase all the hurt.” Sebastian said, his voice showing his desperation.

“Save it. I don’t want anything to do with you or your family!” Caitlin blurted out harshly.

“You don’t mean that. I know you are hurting and I will try my best to understand because I love you. I have been in love with you since that first night and I don’t intend to go anywhere or disappear from your life. So if you want to get rid of me, then give it your best shot! I am here to stay. Deal with it.” Sebastian said.

He had never laid himself bare and vulnerable in front of a woman before. Nor had he felt the need to force himself on anyone. But then, he had never been in love. His brain refused to believe she did not feel the same way.

A spark of hope blossomed in her heart. Sebastian loved her. Sebastian loved her. His words seemed to echo, reverberating in their intensity.

Tears spilled from her eyes in earnest. She cried silently. All her life, she had never really asked much from fate. She realized she had been burnt out from all the pain, suffering and rejection she had to deal with from an early age. She found it difficult to believe the things Sebastian is saying.

“Sweetheart…don’t cry. Please…it’s tearing me apart. Just, just give me a chance. I promise I will be better this time. Let me prove myself to you.” Sebastian cupped her small tear-stained face.

“E-even if it means defying your mother? She doesn’t like me, you know.” Caitlin said, trying to smile through the tears.

“She will have to learn to deal with it.” Sebastian said, kissing her lips through the tears.

“Say it again.” Caitlin whispered softly in between kisses.

Looking deep into her eyes, Sebastian smiled widely, “Caitlin Thompson, I love you like I have never loved anyone before.”

Touching his face, she tried to memorize every word, every expression and capture the moment in her mind so when she feel doubt and uncertainly, she only had to remember this moment.

“I love you too, Sebastian, with all my heart.”

Spending Christmas in the hospital was not really Caitlin’s idea of a perfect holiday but she was grateful for the second chance at life and at love.

Sebastian, despite his promises and declaration of love will no doubt hurt her. Her friends and family are also bound to disappoint her from time to time. But Caitlin realized love is never perfect. She’s also had to learn to embrace the hurt and pain that comes with it. It’s what makes love more precious, more profound.

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