Survival

Chapter Four

We pull up to a little White House with a fence in the front yard. It was beautiful. "Wow! Cool! A ball sissy!" I laugh at Noah getting excited at the ball sitting in the grass by the front porch. "I got that just for you Noah." Mason voice spoke softly as he helped Noah out of the truck. This was our new home.

Mason opened the front door letting us enter. I take in the house around me as I slowly walk around the living room. "Wow, this house, Mason, it's beautiful." I look at Mason who was watching me closely. "You think so? I have a confession... my little sister decorated it." He let's a small smile after his confession. I laugh, this makes sense there's no way a man can make a house look this perfect. Noah was already running upstairs to find his room.

"So.. Madeline. I can have officers pack up your items or we can plan a time for you to grab them while Noah's in school." My breath caught in my throat. Going back into the house, that my family was murdered in? I felt hands on my shoulders, it wasn't until then that I realized I was having a panic attack.

Mason's POV

I put my hands on Madeline's shoulders when I realized she was zoned out. "Hey Mads, breathe. You gotta breathe Madeline. Focus on me. Jason! Madeline, come on. Noah, go get Jason, he's the police officer that's standing on the porch." I pick up Madeline and take her upstairs putting her in the bathtub, grabbing a wash cloth I get it wet placing it on her forehead. What I suppose to do? Noah ran in. "Nobody was there." What the hell. Noah walks out, Madeline still freaking out.

I quickly close the door and do the only thing I can think of. I put my lips on hers, the only thing I've wanted to do since she turned 18 two days ago. Her body instantly reacted towards mine. It was less tense, I felt her heart rate with my free hand as my lips moved gently with hers. When her heart rate was to my standards I slowly take my lips off hers. She sat there eyes wide. "W-what did you just do? Why did you do that Mason?" Tears brinked her eyes. "What's wrong? Why are you going to cry Mads?" She brought her knees to her chest, resting her forehead in her knees. I knelt there frozen, waiting. Why did I do that? What the hell did I just do? Why is she going to cry? What did I do? "You're going to laugh at me." I frown and lift up her head. "I'm not." She was bright red, tears going down her face.

"T-that... was my first kiss." Her voice got quieter at the end. That was the cutest thing I've ever heard. I let out a chuckle which receives a look from her. "Masonnn, you said you wouldn't laugh." Madeline says with a puffed out bottom lip. God damn she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I wipe away her tears and look into her eyes, still holding her face in my hands. "I'm so sorry for taking that from you. Truly, I am. You were having a... a panic attack. I tried everything I knew how to do. The changed in hormones helps so... well, I kissed you." She looks down but I don't miss a flash a hurt in her eyes. "It's okay Mason, I understand. Thank you. Where's Noah?" I hold out my hand helping her out of the tub.

"I think he's in his room. I - uh have been preoccupied trying to get you to breathe." She gently squeezed my hand before walking to the bathroom door. I fight back the urge to pull her back so I can feel her lips against mine. But I can't. It's not allowed. Her hand gently slips out of mine as she walks away.

I shut the door behind her before placing my hands on the sink counter and staring down. What just happened can't happen again. Her safety matters more.