HIM

CHAPTER 47

At the first ring of the end of the school bell, I walked out. Willing myself to run away from the cruelty this day had stored for me.
I would rush out and just inhale the fresh air, the only thing that had been kind to me today.
As soon as I got out of the classroom, my heart leapt, adrenaline splashing through my veins. It was oddly exciting to feel that way, as everything inside me went into a wild uproar.
What was happening?

Behold, his image was ahead of me. His profile was by now very familiar, I just had to try seeing him in the dark one time to be completely sure about it.
The thought made my body warm up in a strange way, and in strange places to be totally honest.

He stood waiting, waiting for me. His arms folded, his legs slightly apart. He watched me walk towards him.
Every step would take me closer and closer to him, slowly but irrevocably.
I had to be sure I was moving forward, because my legs felt weak. But I kept the pace.
Then he smiled.
I fluttered my lashes over my eyes, and blushed.
He gazed.
He looked irresistible, and I felt myself so drawn to him.

"Little cupcake, I missed you," he announced coolly.
OK, the sound of the name coming from him sent a chill through my body.
"You know my father calls me that ever since I told him about it," I informed him.
"Sounds like I have an impact already."
"A lot more than you know."

Then he held my hand again, for a second time today. I was quite sure there were glances aimed at us. But I ignored nonetheless.

We walked out onto the long, wide path that fronted the school gate.
I was suddenly aware of the brisk breeze, and the gentle warmth of the glorious sun,as it touched and bathed my face.
I tilted my head upwards, taking in the fresh feel.
"You look beautiful when you do that," he murmured.
I smiled then looked at him.
"You are very handsome when you gaze at me like that."

This river had been the beginning of the attraction. It's funny how the first time we'd been here as strangers, but now were two little people in love.
How quick circumstances change!

"Flinn," I declared.
"What did you say?" he questioned.
"I said Flinn."
"Is it what am thinking?"
"If it's what am thinking you're thinking, then yes."
He laughed lightly, "You have a funny way of saying things. But I love the name; Flinn."

"Now let's get personal, how're you Flen?" I asked him.

He exhaled deeply.
"Well, it has been hectic. My father moved out on Monday, moved to Sphinx town. I am divided between staying here while in school, then visiting my Dad during the holidays."

"What happens when you finish your senior year?"
That question felt threatening, because it affected me too. Sphinx was a town so far away from Lakeview. 12 hours of travel wasn't an easy journey.

"I am currently trying not to think about it. Being in the middle of all this is so exhausting."
I took a long deep breath then started, "My father left when I was 12..."
"I thought I heard you mention your father earlier," he interrupted.
"I know, please let me finish the story then you can ask questions."
"Am all ears."

Then I told him everything: father leaving, Jaimie dying, Mum getting sick...
I felt as if a valve opened so widely in me, because I let my story flow upto Bill and how I lost my best friend, the humiliation, the death of Cindy's sister.
"... And now Grandma is sick, Mum thinks she'll die. I just want everything to be OK."
By the time I had finished my narration, my eyes were all so drenched in tears.
He looked at me quietly, "Why did you not tell me about all this? Why did you have to bear all this alone?"
"I tried calling you Flen, but you were off. It was all heartbreaking, too heavy for me. I needed you to be there Flen."

"I am so sorry I wasn't. I also wanted to be next to you as I went through the divorce thing, but I could not come to your home, I didn't want to use the phone either because family members kept calling, so I turned it off, I just needed you to be there physically."

"We should have been there for each other."
"I will be, for you, from now on," he promised.
Then for the first time since we'd been there, I smiled.
He moved closer than he had been, and gathered me against his side.
I felt loved, I felt protected.

The clouds started closing in fast, the sunlight was fading, its last glow far off. Soon it'd be dark.
Then the wind howled around the trees.
It was a lovely evening.
I slowly eased away from him and walked towards the river bank more closely.
I saw him study me intently, somewhat surprised.
Then I just stood there, watching the sunset.

Pacifying.

I sensed him standing behind me, then I felt him touch my shoulder.
I froze.

I turned my head and looked at him, for the longest moment of my life I think. Our eyes met, and we just smiled.
Then I felt the heavy pull of desire, deep in me.
It was spellbinding.

"Flen, I love you."

His stare deepened, and it suddenly and violently aroused me.
He did not move, he rested his hands lightly on either side of my neck.

"I love you Linn," he said in the harshest of whispers, sending a rush of heat through me, igniting a spark I'd never felt.

Then he used his forefinger to tilt my  head so I would see the fierce arousal in his eyes.
Then his mouth closed over mine. I wrapped my arms around him, pressing myself into him.

He felt alluring, daring and powerful.
He kissed me the way I'd always thought he would.
Provocative, inciting and savoring.
Every part of me felt alive, intense emotions pulsing beneath my skin.

Then the world didn't matter anymore,
only this hot passion that swamped me with pure erotic sensations.