Dalliance - Z.M. (An Exquisites Original Story)

69; XO

Chapter 69

"There's so much love to pass around."

(Raine's POV)

The cool grass feels like a plush heaven against my bare feet as the birds above me chirp in rhythmic unison, making their presence known to the world. The once green leaves are now covered in a burnt sienna color, marking the beginning of the fall season. The day breaks, the sun shining down on our little plot of land as the warmth of the beams graze over my skin. I pull my legs to my chest, dropping my chin on my knees as a hint of a smile spreads across my face. Leaves fall all around me in a blissful ignorance, but I allow myself to think they're falling for me.

My back presses firmly against the oak tree behind me as the fresh smell of Autumn fills my lungs. The entire house was still sound asleep when I left an hour ago, though I find that is relatively normal for me. Where I once used to be able to sleep for hours, my mind has become restless in its pursuit against Ana. Ever since I'd been assigned the task to plan and execute a mission four days ago, I have had nothing else on my mind. My entire nights and mornings were consumed with one thought and one thought only- kill that little bitch.

But for now, I bask in the glory of the sun rise. No matter what happens to me or whether or not I survive this, the sun will always drown out the moon every morning. This will never fail to be true.

"There you are."

My stomach plummets at the sound of his voice. His shoes crunch against the leaves as he makes his way over to me, finding me even though I'm minutes away from the house. This was not a moment I wanted to spend with anyone, let alone Zayn.

But I don't run away from him this time. I've been completely ignoring him for the past few days like he deserves but he is persistent in his efforts to talk to me. I don't care to listen to anything he has to say, even if it's so mind-blowing that it makes the sun seize to rise. He is no longer the object of my affection but he's trying desperately to reverse time, though I don't need to remind him that's not possible.

"You shouldn't be leaving without telling anyone," he tells me so casually, you would think there's nothing wrong between us at all. I keep my eyes focused on the arch of the trees in front of me while he takes this opportunity to take a seat right beside me, leaning against the tree with me. Our shoulders are pressed against each other's so I'm forced to scoot an inch away from him, putting necessary space between us because I know he never will.

"Why are you here?" I ask him, so furious that he's ruined yet another thing for me. But instead of answering my question, he just opens his carton of cigarettes and extends one out to me as a peace offering. I accept it, but as nothing more than a stick of tobacco, this he knows by the way I snatch it out of his grasp. As he pops one into his mouth, he holds the lighter up to mine and ignites it for me before doing the same with his. Both of us sit back in silence and smoke to avoid the awkward air between us.

I'm nearly halfway through my cigarette when he finally clears his throat to speak up.

"Happy Birthday."

The taste of tobacco on my tongue turns sour at his words. Out of everyone, I didn't expect him to remember my birthday. He has clearly made his feelings towards me obvious, so the fact that he's the first one wishing me cheers to another year makes the day that much more depressing.

"How you feeling?" He continues to ask me. Even though no part of me wants to entertain his efforts to make amends, I stream a stagnant cloud of deep smoke through my nostrils and make him wish he never came here to begin with.