Falling

nine

latibule:
n. a place of safety and comfort

*****

We sat there, entangled with each other,  and time became irrelevant. 

The gossipers with other beady eyes muttered and whispered from one to another, but none came near.

The one or two brave souls that dared overstep their boundaries immediately departed with one glare from the wild beast holding me so tenderly.

I was in awe as I felt the power emitting from him, turning even the teachers away from this spectacle.

For once, I was at peace.

I felt safe.

And yet, I did not.

There was the constant nagging feeling that something, was off.

But that thought dispelled as strange tendrils of warmth encircled my heart, and seemed to be playing catch with the organ.

The pulsating, wild beats only became more erratic as the beast leaned down, burying his nose into my mess of dark locks that was once upon a time, silky straight.

"It's okay," I muttered softly, trying to untangle myself from him, away from all the feelings.

He growled in return, scooping me up in one great movement, back into his arms. "No, it's not."

I did not have a response, the roar of my heart has triumphed over all other senses, rendering my vocal cords silent. I didn't know where he was carrying me, and frankly, I really didn't care.

His steady, strong footsteps were like a lullaby, welcoming my suddenly exhausted self into a promising sleep.

Before the sweet oblivion consumed me, I managed to mutter weakly, "leave me alone, I'm not good for anyone."

The reply I heard might be of my imagination, but still, the corners of my mouth twitched upwards, both in disbelief and an emotion I can't identify.

"Except me."

-

I woke up disoriented and confused.

My clothes were not drenched in buckets of cold sweat, and I wasn't being plagued by the remnants of nightmares holding my throat by a chokehold.

And my bedroom certainly did not smell like him nor does it reside on the backseat of a car.

As reality slapped me in the face, I shot straight up, only for my eyes to expand wider than I thought was possible, taking in the sight before me.

A chuckle laced with amusement resounded throughout the space.

"Do you like it?"

Jaw hanging as if broken, I could only bobble my head, afraid to blink, as if everything will dissolve with a swept of my lashes.

Majestic gates penetrated the night sky, with extravagant decorations scattering around the name. Bright, colorful lights dotted the darkened land, as far as my eyes see. Faint music came from within the gates, interrupted by the occasional scream of joy. Massive, raging structures of thrilling rides filled the space, attracting crowds of smiling people. But, what caught my eye was the wheel. The looming monstrosity easily towered over all the others, clearly ruling the entire show. Yet, the wheel was anything but intimidating. It spun slowly, hypnotizing me, the twinkling lights surrounding the construction is blinking rapidly, as if beckoning.

A carnival.

*****

A/N:
Well, this became an especially long chapter. *wipes sweat*
Writer's block is real and reality block is even more real. Trying to meet my quota of one chapter per day and almost didn't make it for this one.

I just want to thank every single reader that has followed this short story along so far. And some special thanks to those that have showered me with support with every vote, comment, and annoying messages. (You know who you are.)

Does this story seem to be turning into a romance novel? You guys better sit tight, for a hell of a ride. Take this whichever way you want. (;