It's been a hard semester, especially trying to find the balance between school and sports. I think I came in not realizing how hard it was going to be because I'd done it in high school, and man I was wrong. If it wasn't for Reena helping me with, pushing and motivating me, I don't think I would've done as well as I did.

Now the semester is done, and all I want to do is go home to my daughter and my parents. I'm also looking forward to some time with Reena, in our own space with no books and friends interrupting, always asking for her help with something. Today's the day we're slated to head home, but as usual, we're late because Reena is at the library dealing with an overdue book. I've been in the car for what feels like an hour, and if it wasn't for Sheldon, I know I would've already been in the library dragging her out.

Sheldon has a girlfriend now, and even though she wanted him to spend time with her and her family, he told her he was going to spend it with his family, plus he has a god-daughter waiting for him. For me, they both sounded like excuses and I think Sheldon has a serious commitment issue. We've been talking about it all this time in the car, but he doesn't want to admit it.

"C'mon man, it's okay if you admit to it, that's the first step to becoming better." I look back at him and his hands are folded across his chest.

"Man, I am not admitting to something I don't have." He looks outside the windows, eyes on the drizzling rain.

I touch him on his leg, and when he refuses to look at me, I sigh and turn around in my seat. "Look, I know how you feel. Commitment is hard and sometimes scary, but if you find that one person that you like, then it makes sense to commit."

"Reed, you've only had two girlfriends."

"Okay, and?"

"So how can you relate?" He says, and when I turn to him, he's looking dead at me.

"That's exactly how I know commitment is hard. I was a "star" athlete who was with one of the most popular girls, I can' tell you how many girls sent me notes and messages about hooking up. And it got worse when I broke up with Isla, it was like everyone was vying for that "number one" spot and it was truly irritating. You know how I get with female attention."

He nods yes and gives a low laugh.

"Exactly, I didn't have to be all over the place to know that commitment can be hard, but it's worth it, trust me."

He diverts his attention back outside and his shoulders relax. "Do you remember Rose?"

"You mean Danielle?" I ask, and he smiles a little.

"Yeah, her. You remember what she did?" his jaw tightens, and I know he's still angry about the events that led to his first and only relationship to come to an end.

Danielle was the girl that made up our little gang. We'd all been friends since kindergarten and it continued all the way into high school, and that's where the two started dating, leaving me to be the third wheel until Isla joined the picture. I honestly thought she was the one for Sheldon, anyone who saw them would think so, but it wasn't to be. She not only cheated on him, but she cheated on him with his older brother. To this day, they still aren't as close and it's definitely due to that fact.

To say Sheldon was torn and heartbroken would be an understatement, clearly, it is still taking a toll on him because up to this day, he still hasn't let it go. This is the route of his commitment issues, he's afraid to get hurt again.

"Sheldon, I can't tell you to get over it, but I can tell you to let it go. It's not doing you any good and the only person who is losing is you. This is tearing you apart and taking a toll on your emotional well-being. In short, it's not healthy."

Sheldon looks at me then, and eyes are wet with tears, he gives me a small laugh and wipes at his eyes.

"You start doing a minor in psychology and all of a sudden you know what's best for me." He laughs a little more and I smile at him.

"You know it's true though."

He nods a little and smiles.

"It really is messing with me." He says leaning back, looking at the ceiling of the car.

"Acceptance is the first step."

He nods and smiles.

"If I admit to it, will it get you to shut up?"

I laugh then, and he does the same.

"For now."

"Thanks man, I didnt know how much I needed to have that talk."

"You know I got you."

He looks dead me and nods, "I know."

I turn around in the car, take up my phone and dial for Reena.

She answers before the second ring, "Like I can see your car."

I look through the window and I see her silhouette approaching under a thick coat. When she enters the car, she removes it and her head puts it at her feet.

"Hey Sheldon, sorry for taking so long."

Sheldon looks at me and gives me a wide grin, I flip him off.

"Oh," I say turning to her and she smiles, "Where's my apology?"

She stretches across and kisses me on my forehead. "Better?" she asks, and I nod.

I start up the engine and when she puts on her seatbelt, I head for home.

***

So today I saw that this story was ranked #1 in High School and that made me so happy. So I published this part a bit earlier than planned as a way of saying thanks because this wouldn't be possible without you guys! Thanks so much!!

HAPPY READING!