Break the Man

Chapter 4 (part two)

July , 1978
Roland POV
Burnham-on-Sea

"This would be so much better if we had music." Amelia said, looking out into the sea ahead of us.

"Yeah, it really would. And I know the perfect song for right now too." I said as I turned to her and smiled lightly. She got a little bit closer to me so we were just slightly touching. Every time she gave me affection I got so awkward. I immediately turned my attention from her back out to the sea, focusing on the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below our feet.

"Do you know that song that was released just recently? Sailing by Christopher Cross?" I asked her, still gazing out at the sea.

"Oh my goodness, yes! The one with the beautiful orchestral intro and the smooth guitar." She said, thinking.

"Yeah," I said, smiling at her. "that one. It reminds me of the ocean, and being here with you with the waves and such. I love it."

"Well, you should sing it to me." She said, smirking at me and looking up at me.

"Huh? Nah, no way. You're crazy." I said, nervously smiling.

"I mean... look around you, Roland. It's just me, you, the sunset, and the sea." She insisted. She was right. This was the perfect situation I could've asked for, especially with her.

"Ugh... you got me. I'll sing for you." I said, looking down at my feet and laughing.

"Good." She said, smiling at me.

"Okay imagine this beautiful orchestra playing real quick so I can get ready. It'll give you a proper intro." I said, jokingly.

"Alright, whatever you say." She replied. I snuck my arm around her waist and pulled her closer to me, angling us toward the setting sun. The scene in front of us was absolutely beautiful. The orange and pink sky was reflecting off the water. This gave her this absolutely beautiful kind of glow, with her freckles and her long red hair complimenting her face perfectly. She was absolutely beautiful. So much so I was in disbelief.

"Well it's not far down to paradise.
At least it's not for me.
And if the wind is right you can sail away.
Find tranquility."

She leaned into me more, putting her head closer to my neck. I could just cry right now. I'm surprised I haven't been choked up yet.

"Oh, the canvas can do miracles.
Just you wait and see.
Believe me."

She began to smile at me, proud of herself that she got me to do this for her. She smirked up at me, which made me laugh.

"Stop, you're distracting me." I said, laughing.

"I know. I just, I don't know. You're really something else, you know that?" She teased.

"What is that supposed to mean??" I asked, dramatically putting my hand to my chest.

"Nothing! I mean... It's a compliment. What boyfriend just sings for his girl at sunset on the ocean. Now you know what I mean. Keep going!" She insisted. I smiled at her and rolled my eyes in a joking manner.

"Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be.
Just a dream and the wind to carry me. Soon I will be free."

—————

I was laying on the couch of the cottage my mom had rented for my family for summer. I was so thrilled when I heard I could invite Amelia along because I knew we were going to have an amazing time. The only stipulation was that we had to sleep in separate rooms, but I get it. But right now separate rooms sucked. I missed her even though she was only on the other side of the wall. All that I wanted right now was to be next to her. I waited a little bit of time, making sure that everyone else in the house was asleep. I got up off of the couch as quietly as I could and tiptoed to her room. I refrained from knocking on the door because I didn't want to make any unnecessary noises. I turned the knob to her room and silently closed it behind me.

"Amelia?" I called out, whispering.

"Hmmm? Ro, is that you?" She asked, just waking up out of sleep.

"Yeah it's me. I've come to join you." I said, smiling and crawling into the bed behind her.

"Roland, what are you doing?" She whispered, raising her voice a little bit.

"Shhhh! Don't get us in trouble." I said, laughing quietly.

"Us? I think you're gonna be the one in trouble! This is my room." She objected. I just smiled and shook my head. I snaked my arm around her and rested it around her waist. I could feel that she was still a little bit tense about the situation. She hadn't quite gotten used to my affection yet, but damn was I going to try.

"You know something, Amelia?" I said quietly, as I rested my head into her shoulder.

"What?" She murmured.

"I love you." I said, somewhat unconfidently because of her adverse reaction to my gestures. There were a few moments of silence but she finally gave me the response I wanted.

"I love you too, Ro."