My protector

12. A Clearing Of the Past

James POV:

I grab Rileys wrist and drag her to my car which is parked in the far corner of the school parking lot. The journey to the car was silent but far from awkward.

"so can I get a hint or you just gonna stay silent?" she laughs watching me unlock the door.

"well surprise is my middle name" I laugh opening the door for her. She glares at me playfully before giggling along, god that sweet Innocent giggle.

I run around and climb into the drivers seat and start up the truck. Looking out the window and pulling saftly out the spot. The ride is a comfortable silent one.

but honestly I'm a little nervous. I have no idea why though.

I pull onto a dirt road leading into a forest and I can just sense her curiosity.

"why are we driving into a forest?" she says facing me. I turn to her brefily before turning back.

"don't even worry bout it" I laugh softly. Although I'm nervous the nerves are small. And I'm more excited than ever to show her my little place.

After a few more minutes of silent driving I reach my usual parking spot and park nearly in between the grass lines. I hope out and let out the small brunette, feeling her eyes on me at all times.

"James please tell me where we are now? Please" she pleaded the entirety of the walk. But I don't reply just simply smile weakly down at her then pulling her close into a side hug.

Rileys POV:

James lead me through this strange unfamiliar forest. Im beyond confused at this point and am dieing to know where we're going.

"right now, can I trust you to keep a secret?" he suddenly says. Turning and placing his hands lightly on me shoulders. I look up at him and nod with a reassuring smile.

"Ok so, this is where I go when I need my space" he trails on moving some vines away. Once there pulled back I'm suddenly stood in front of this beautiful clearing.

Some birds flew above us then. As I take a step closer, in absolute astonishment. I take in the field.

The grass was bright and healthy, the water from the lake was pale blue reflecting the light from the sun, making small white specks visible. The great trees created a secure wall around the place with vines hanging from the branches. I was in awe. This was absolutely incredible I'm at a loss for words.

"it's nice huh?" James questions from behind me, his voice sounding soft.

"it's beautiful..." I whisper looking about me. I can't believe I never knew this existed.

After being awoken from my daze I ran after a small squirrel I found. Thankfully it didn't run away and choose to stay.

I hear James chuckle in the distance, the sound getting louder as he approaches me.

Sadly by the time James got near the squirrel casually wondered off. I stood up and pouted at James.

"aw did your little friend leave you" he says in a baby voice pulling me in for a hug. I nod and continue to pout for a little while longer before we both bursted out laughing.

Then we spent are time, chasing each other around the field, playing catch with some sticks I came across, splashed each other with water from the lake, dancing around in the open space and after laying down facing the sky above

I have never felt so free and pure in my life, until now...

"this has been the best day ever" I smile letting my eyes flutter closed. I don't realise I'm speaking aloud until he speaks from beside me.

"I bet your normally to busy to make time for things like this huh?" James says, his voice soft and quiet yet audible.

"yep, my life has always been a routine that I refused to break, that is, until now obviously" I sigh.

"well maybe breaking that chain Is a good thing. I mean some day you'll need to break free and enjoy the world around you while you can. You know?" he says making me think. I have to admit he's right.

My life can suddenly end at any moment and I should enjoy the world around me while I can, I should know that.

I turn to him and he does the same. We share a look and neither of us move. It's just a beautiful moment.

"ya, I know" I say in a daze. Looking deep into his dark eyes. He just makes me feel so at home and I don't exactly know why.

I soon choose to blink and wake myself up, then shuffle closer to him and cuddle up to him. His warm embrace making me feel whole.

"thank you..." I suddenly mumble into his chest, his arm is draped over me while he fiddles with the ends of my hair.

"thank you for what?" he asks not sturing.

"for everything... You've helped me so much in such a little amount of time" I say taking a short break before justifying.

"after all this I feel as clear as day. I'm no longer trapped in that loop I was in, and that's because of you" I smile, curling up, out faces only inches apart.

"well sometimes it good to let go and start fresh. And sometimes, you may need someone to help with that" he smiles weakly moving a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

"and I help you because your an amazing girl, you deserve so much more in this world Riles" and that's all he says, resting his forehead on mine. I close my eyes and enjoy the warmth.

His words play on in my mind as we start to head back, we sadly have to get to the studio otherwise I would of happily stayed here all evening. But what he said never left me.

Maybe it's time I restart and focus on myself and my heart...