Like No Other

Part 3

Am I sorry? No

...

The sound of soft pattering against the window next to the bed brings you from the land of dreams, the room is splayed in the aura of lazy days full of rain. The blankets are a warm cocoon from the chill in the air.

You feel safe and content.

Soft rustling to your left makes the hazy fog of just waking up lessen but you don't want to start the day just yet.

"It's morning." You murmur out into the room before a hand grazes your bare shoulder underneath the blankets.

"Stay." A whisper that's more of a sigh rather than a word makes you smile.

You immediately want to give in to the plea, you want to stay and ignore the world for just another day.

"You know I can't." You whisper back and the hand that's on your shoulder travels further south, touch light as a feather, teasing.

"Stay," The plea is stronger now, more word than breath, "Please."

Fingers graze soft skin that protects your ribs and you fight the chill that runs up your spine. "Stay."

You let out a soft sigh before opening your eyes to see her.

Her eyes are so very blue, like the sky on a sunny afternoon, so blue and so bright and you feel like you're peering into her soul.

There is nothing hidden in the depths of her gaze, all the yearning and hoping and wanting, you see it, you see all of it.

"Maria," Her name a plea of your own. You don't want to hurt her, you don't want to tear this moment away from her, you don't want to do that. She's so special and so beautiful, and she's been your friend since forever. You don't want to cause her more pain than you already have.

You close your eyes when you feel her move closer, you can't look because there is so much in her eyes and you want to cry. "Please, please."

Thunder sounds in the distance, the sky a darker grey. The rain has picked up in speed and force, thrumming against the window. "I want you to stay,"

You can feel her breath fan over your face, you can feel her against you. You feel her warmth and the softness of her skin, and you want to stay, you want to stay so bad.

She's slow, cautious when she leans closer, sharing the air you breathe. Giving you plenty of time to deny her, but you don't, you can't.

You let her steal your breath, you let her pull you in, you let her make your choice.

...

The sky is blue when you look up, the few clouds are scattered to win a race that declares no winner.

The sun is bright and daring, and looking down on you as the minutes tick by as you wait. Birds chirp and prance around the sidewalks as they look for anything edible, children laugh and scream in glee as they explore the park as parents watch like guardian angels.

It's peaceful.

"Hey there stranger, long time no see."

You're brought from your thoughts when you hear her voice and you give the blonde a smile when you catch sight of her, walking towards you with purpose and a smile.

"It's good to see you too Carol." You barely have time to stand from the bench before she's pulling you into a hug that steals the breath from you. You've forgotten how strong she is, how amazing her hugs are as you relax in her embrace. "You can't leave for that long again. I won't let you."