Manifestation

19: The Scrapbook

"Would you rather, swim with sharks or......" Ryan tapped his chin in deep thought. "Wrestle an alligator."

"Wrestle an alligator." I replied.

"Why?"

"Sharks is plural."

He laughed his deep, smooth laugh that made me want to melt. "Your turn."

Another zig zag of lightning lit up the sky. The storm had continued for a few more hours and didn't show any signs of stopping.

"Ok, would you rather.... End this like it never happened. Or keep going." I expected his answer to be obvious.

"Keep going."

I was confused. "Why?"

"You said end it like it never happened. If it never happened, we would've never happened."

I put my hands on his shoulders and swung my leg over his chest, so I sat on top of him. He rested his hands on my waist. My hair dangled in his face, tickling his nose. I leaned down and kissed him. He ran his hands up and down my sides, curving with the slight dip of my torso. He pulled away for a moment to whisper "Beautiful." Then continued. I rolled over next to him and snuggled up to his chest.

Another clap of thunder, like two symbols crashing together, followed by a bolt of lightening.

"Will this ever end?" Jack grumbled.

"Nothing lasts forever." I reassured him.

"I just want to go outside." Jane complained.

"I just want to run." Jack chimed in.

I turned my head to see tears forming in his eyes which were staring down at his remaining legs.

"You will run again. I'll make sure you do." I smiled.

"Like that's going to happen."

I laughed. "I survived the Virus. I think we can make you some prosthetics."

He smiled.

I felt Ryan's lips press against the top of my head. I rolled back over and rested my head on his chest as he stroked my hair. I looked down at the glimmering diamond-like stone on my finger.

"Can I ask you something?"

"'Something' is pretty generic." He laughed. "Sure."

"Where did you get the ring?"

He took in a deep breath. "Somewhere."

"Somewhere is pretty generic." I laughed back.

"Let's just say, it was quite the challenge to get it."

I closed my eyes and laced his fingers between mine. "Ok."

I turned back over to look at Jane. "So back to you....."

Her cheeks flushed bright red and the corners of her mouth turned up.

"I want to hear more about this 'Liam.'" I could sense Ryan's eyebrow cocking.

"Was that him at the door?" I saw another flash of lightning out the window and heard a loud crack as a tree fell over in the distance.

She rested her head in her hands, looked at us, and nodded.

"I think I'm going to have to have a talk with this boy." Jack chimed in.

"Please don't! That would be so embarrasing!"

"Ooh! I might want to try that too." Ryan said as I laughed.

She buried her face in her hands but I could still see her rosy cheeks smiling.