Wildest Dreams

t w e n t y - e i g h t

I took in a deep breath after my long narrative. It felt like it was only yesterday, a wound that opened up again and swelled so badly that it pained my whole body. My heart began to beat stronger and louder against my chest.

"And ever since then, I had nightmares for so long. I was too scared to fall asleep for months because I would dream of dying and then wake up with my hands bleeding, all covered in blood, because I wanted to stay alive."

Glen's eyes glanced at my hands, finally knowing the reason why I always had them in gloves. He took my hand, cupping it and letting me touch his face. He gave it a gentle kiss.

"Can you believe it? I was told I was lucky I survived a pack of wild dogs that killed my parents. A fucking wild dog that can slit a straight line across a man's neck. I felt more distanced from the world after that. I plan to get out of this place as soon as possible to be honest. I have the money and what's left from my parents', then just escape whatever kind of fucked up reality we have."

For a minute, we were both silent. The crickets outside had gone somewhere else and it felt as if the world decided to mourn with me for the first time. Glen was just there to tell me I'm not alone in this empty world of cruelty and madness.

"I'm really sorry you had to go through that, Maple. You've been really brave and strong—"

"I can't be anymore, Glen. I've been lying to you, to our friends, to myself for too long. I've been running away because I'm scared. Is that the girl you used to be friends with?"

I looked at him with tears pooling in my eyes. I turned my head away to stare at the ceiling before tears could roll down. Glen inched closer as his eyes stayed on me.

"Yes. Yes, that was her. She's my best friend and I'll always be there for her," he muttered. He slipped his hand on mine, his fingers perfectly filling the gaps of between mine. He gave a comforting squeeze.

My walls crumbled down all of a sudden when our eyes connected to each other. Tears flowed endlessly down my face and on the sheets of the bed. My heart finally gave up and became shattered from all the pain I've been storing and holding back for too long.

Glen moved to my front and pulled me into his chest. We both sat up. I wrapped my arms around him and sobbed on his shoulder. He laced his arms secured around me as well, tight as if he was afraid to let me go. His right hand supported my head, brushing my hair with such care. He gently rocked us and it seemed to help me calm down. When I pulled away, he wiped the tears from my face.

I held my breath when he leaned in, only to place a kiss on my forehead. Its softness lingering.

He looked at me again with such tenderness in his brown eyes. He flashed a grin, not a charming one that makes anybody swoon nor playful to show how friendly he was. It was genuine and it was perfect. Under his breath, he vowed: "You're a lot of secrets, Maple Hartley, but I learned to love to you for it."

His expression soften when our eyes connected again. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear then his hand rested on my neck. His dark eyes flicked between my lips and eyes as he leaned closer to me.

"Maple."

"Glen." It came out kind of breathy, like a whisper, like I was surrendering.

He licked his lips and breathed. "Can I—"