Ephemeral

Chapter 3

George

The silence that felt like hours; but was probably only a few minutes was broken with the soft sound of droplets hitting the ground. I shivered as within seconds we were engulfed in a cold downpour. My eyes find themselves drawn back to the boy and my heart skips a beat. To my surprise he stands there, head thrown back and arms spread wide letting the drops softly fall over his skin; peculiarly the same way I do everytime it rains. He lets out a soft laugh, eyes darting to meet mine
"I love the rain" his words shot down my throat and caused my heart to skip a beat yet again.
I must have been staring at him for a while because his expression changed to a concerned one as his eyes land on my shoulders, the fabric from my sweater dampening.
"Quick come with me" he proclaims reaching a hand out for me to grab.
Without a second thought, I do.

Speed walking along the path, running along the top of the hill, water quickly changing our damp clothes to soaked clothes as the rainfall thickens.
We approach an old large Ferris wheel with circular carriages. The framing is covered with twisted overgrown vines that have trailed their way up it, creating detailed patterns in amongst the rust-covered metal.
"Quick in here"
He leads me into one of the carriages that had seemingly been cleaned out. It wasn't overly dirty like the other ones looked and the door appeared to close with ease as he shut us in away from the harsh rain filled wind.

The windows were fogged and glazed over with grime and a few vines creep in from a rusted hole in the ceiling which acted as a sort of decoration. Although only being a few feet off the ground feeling the whole carriage shake was not a pleasant feeling and I ashamed to say I felt uneasy.
I glance up at the figure in front of me, his blonde hair was wet and flicked out of his face as he glances up at the sky. Water drops run down his face and I can't help but hyper-focus on them. Eyes following them down his smooth skin lingering for a moment on his lips.
"Are you okay George?"
His voice snapped me out of my trace as I felt the familiar heat creep over my face.
"I'm fine... You've been here before?"
The childish smile on his face feels warm
"Yep this is my hideout"
The beaming expression is one similar to a kid showing his friends his secret base and I can't help but let out a small laugh.
"Are you a kid?" I push the hair back from my face and close my eyes for a moment smile lingering on my lips.
I can feel his eyes on me.
"What?" My words don't come out as calm as I would have liked.
"Are you real?" He tilts his head to the side like a curious puppy I don't know why I find everything this guy does so amusing but yet again I find a giggle escaping my lungs.

Rather than giving him an actual response I simply respond with "are you?"
"Yes, my name is Clay. I'm 17 and I live in Florida" his voice is serious and he has a glint in his eyes that says he thinks ill vanish into thin air any second.
"So you are real...and here I thought I just made you up" I mutter under my breath more to myself than him but he hums in agreement regardless.
"Well I'm real, although I don't feel it most days...George, 17, Carolina"
Clay raises an eyebrow ringing out his shirt.
"Carolina? Your accent...I'm sure it's from somewhere in the UK isn't it?"
"It is, I'm from London but my family moved here for work about a year ago now"
"I see"

A few moments pass, as the cart sways softly in the wind. The constant sound of water of mental filling the small space, I breathe in, the scent of rain and natural filling my senses, bumps covering my skin from the cold. But those eyes are still on me whilst I am trying to look everywhere but him.
"Didn't anyone teach you not to stare?" I glare at him stern tone in my voice; I wasn't really mad just embarrassed.
"Mm sorry it's just-" he pauses emerald spheres pacing their way across my skin.
"Just?" I respond voice softer fidgeting more feeling judged.
"Nevermind" he finally looked away and I swore I sore a hint of link creep its way onto his freckled dusted cheeks.
"No see you have to tell me now" with his head turned to the side I could see his jawline clearly.
"I just think you're attractive" the words were quiet he wasn't looking at me, rather mumbling under his breath in hopes I wouldn't hear. But I did.

My brain screamed 'no you' although I would never say it allowed, instead I shamefully let the stupid ache in my chest speak for me.
"I'm not" my voice came out much colder than I intended and I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes although I know they shit back to me as I said that.
"Yes you are," he said almost too eagerly jumping slightly forward in his seat. Noticing my distance he moved closer and softly placed his hand on my knee. It was warm and I lifted my head to meet a gaze full of sincerity and seriousness.
"You are George" the tone of his voice spread the heat from my cheeks all the way to the tips of my ears as I found myself getting lost in his eyes. Within them, I could see mountains of foliage and lush green surfaces. The most beautiful view you could imagine.
"Your one to talk" the words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them and he lowered his head breaking our locked gaze and I couldn't help but notice the warmth in his cheeks grow as well. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one getting embarassed.

The space between us seemed to close on it's own and before I knew it our faces were meer inches apart I swear I can her our heart beats echoing around the small space in rhythm with the rain. We wernt thinking just lost in each others eyes. I could see the rain bouncing of the earth reflected, his cold hand moved from my knee to my cheek and I instinctivky leant into the touch. Neither of us said a word. My eyes found themselves tracing down to longer on his lips as the soace between us shrank further, I can feel his breath on my lips I close my eyes and-.....

My bedroom ceiling and that God awful alarm ringing in my ears.
What the fuck