“W..what are you doing here?” I ask as Bernard sits down, heaving for a breath.

“Why.. wouldn’t.. I be.. here?” Bernard demands, still gasping for breath.

I laugh at the sight of him, but wince at the pain in my side. “I thought you’d be with that chick..” I say, my face still scrunched from the pain.

“Faith.. ‘that chick’..” Bernard says, making air qoutes with his fingers. “is my cousin and she’s living with me for a bit. I was walking her to class because it was her first day.”

My face falls and I feel my face grow very red. “Oh..my.. gosh.. Bernard.. I.. I’m.. soo sorry!”

Bernard stands and walks over to my bed. Grabbing my hand he says, “I should have told you first. It’s okay, I understand why you might be weary of guys. But, Faith, you know me.. and have for at least 10 years.”

All I can do is smile up at Bernard. This is why I love him.. I think. As I close my eyes I whisper, “Stay with me.. please.”

“Always and forever.” Bernard says, still holding my hand.