Author Games: World Seasons

Task Three - Buttons - Valentines Tributes

Cupid Valentine

I opened my eyes, and thanked my lucky stars I was still at the bottom of the Christmas tree, where I had fallen asleep. Luckily, I was alone as well, something else I could definitely be thankful for. I started to get goose bumps, and a sick feeling that came with danger nearby. I turned around, looking all around me. There was nobody at all.

I felt something prick my skin, but shrugged it off; it was probably just the pine needles. Then another arrow landed right above my chest, and I gasped in pain. My eyes started to close, as my vision grew dark and blurry. I couldn’t die already, could I? I may not be strong, but I was stronger than this. There was still something I could do, I was sure of it.

My chest felt like it had caught fire, and for the first time ever, I was feeling ready to give up. This was too much pain. I had no idea how Rubyn could volunteer for this, though I knew why he had; he’d received the order to protect me. Not that that was going great, I hadn’t seen him once throughout the Games. Then again, did I really want Rubyn to come save me, turning me into some damsel in distress? No, this could be an opportunity to discover myself, and get stronger. Why would I waste that?

My thoughts were interrupted, as the burning in my chest intensified. I looked back to the giant tree behind me, my eyes open just enough for me to see that five lights were burnt off, and one was flickering; mine. My breathing began to shorten, leaving me to constantly gasp for air to enter my lungs.

Suddenly, I felt a burst of cold on my chest, fighting the heat that was spreading through me, as well as the arrow that had been shot in my chest being removed. The light on the tree seem to be stabilizing as well. A pair of hands started to methodically press against my chest, as they started to pump against my chest, somehow evening my heartbeat, which had been rapid and wild.

A mouth landed on mine, and my eyes tried to flutter open -this had never happened to me before, and I felt the need to see who it was coming from- but they were too tired to do anything but stay closed. The mouth blew air into mine, and then pulled off, only to come back on and blow another breath of air into me.

I jolted upwards with a gasp, my head reeling. Yet somehow, other than that, everything was fine. Whoever had been pressing my chest and putting their mouths on mine, though they seemed odd, had saved my life. Did I want to open my eyes and see who I owed my life to? But why would they save me in the first place?

I hesitantly opened my eyes, to see one of the Halloween boys in front of me, the older one, who I believe was named Jack. I instantly looked down, my cheeks vivid red. My first kiss had been with a boy? Tears started to flood down my cheeks, as shame curled into my stomach.

“Relax, will you?” Jack said, an annoyed tone in his voice. “It was just CPR. I would never do… That.”

Although I was relieved, tears began to flow even harder. Of course it hadn’t been that, how could I forget how utterly undesirable I was? Even if I had wanted it to happen, it wouldn’t have. That would be banking against everything about me. “CPR? What is that?” I asked, confused.

“It’s just a way to start people’s breathing back up.” Jack stated. “I needed an ally. I was hoping for a pretty girl, but I guess you’ll do. You seem like a cool guy.”

I gulped, attempting to swallow the tears of doubt that wanted to keep flowing. I couldn’t make him think I was a weakling. “Well, thanks.” I replied, making sure to avoid looking into his eyes. They’d been the first thing I’d seen when I had regained full conscience, and I’d rather not have to see them again; it had felt as if his green eyes had pierced into my soul.

An awkward silence went on –all we could hear was the harsh winter wind- until a face appeared in the sky; Alithia Warwell. “I’ll be honest, I’ve seen better.” She began, and it almost looked as if she was glaring me down personally. “Call that a bloodbath? Anyway, Vivius and Vinella said I couldn’t just sit here and criticize, so on with the show!”