The End

Chapter 7

            The earliest beams of light streamed through the window as I awoke. Duke lay atop of me, his eyes closed peacefully, the lids fluttering, his mind in a distant dream. Before he could awaken, I gently kissed him, as he had to done me, so thankful he was here. I decided to watch him for a few seconds longer, trying to memorize every detail, not wanting to miss a thing.

            I had to wake him, though I would willingly lie in his arms for the rest of my life if I had the chance. Gently shaking him, his eyes opened slowly, the gray clouded with sleep. He smiled, kissing my cheek. As if he just realized where he was and what time it was, he bolted up, mumbling something about school. We prepared quickly, him planning on changing into his soccer jersey at school, as he had a game this evening, which he had invited me to.

            Before I knew it, we were on our way to school, the evening we had shared previously gone, not a trace of the moments spent in the car.

            Parking the car, he finally looked at me.

            “Thanks again for yesterday,” he smiled, grabbing my hand. I smiled in response, unsure of what to say. He rushed to prepare his books before finally opening the door.

            The day began uneventfully, drawing to a close quickly. As each class passed, I found myself growing closer to him, each little conversation between lectures a treasure. I found it hard to ignore him, his voice smooth, pulling me in, his eyes comforting.

            Everything about Duke seemed to fit; his laugh genuine, his personality radiant beneath the dark clothes and tattoos. He knows what I am, knows and still accepts—something no one has ever done.

             Finally, it was time for his game. All day, he had been a bundle of nerves, scowling as students in the hall wished him luck. The bleachers beneath me were warm, basking all day in the Georgia sun. As I sat, the crowds began to grow, families and friends milling about. The opposing team arrived, bringing with it more people. Sitting alone, I saw a familiar face, brandishing bright red hair, swimming through the crowd toward me. Amber. Taking the vacant spot on my left, she blocked my exit. With his impeccable timing, Duke chose now to notice me, walking swiftly away form his team, who were warming up on the field, toward me.

Approaching the bleachers, he broke into a jog, running up the steps two at a time. As he drew nearer, he began carelessly shoving those who occupied the space around me out of the way. Finally reaching my row, Duke pushed Amber to the side, warranting a sigh of distaste and a disappointed shake of her head. He ignored her scoffing, though, and grabbed my hand, pulling me to face him. Entwining his fingers with mine, he looked to where we were connected. His other fingers fell into the ridge beneath my chin, lifting my face to him.

“Are we going to win?” he asked.

“I don’t know. If your lucky,” I shrugged, still held firmly in place by his arms.

“I don’t believe in luck.”

“What do you believe?” I asked, knowing that not only everyone in the stands was watching, but both teams were as well.

“Fate.”

“Why?”

He sighed, our hands still together, his fingers still cradling my face.

“If it weren’t for fate, you wouldn’t be who you are. If it weren’t for fate, I wouldn’t have met you. If it weren’t for fate,” he paused, “I wouldn’t be able to do this,” he answered, brushing his lips against mine. His mouth moved softly, unhurried by our location or surroundings.

When he finally pulled himself away, he smiled.

“I know what you are, Florence, but I want to know who you are. So I was wondering,” he paused, inhaling deeply, “if you would be my girlfriend?” he asked, his eyes warm, yet slightly scared. His fingers gently squeezed mine reassuringly, begging for an answer.

Giving him a small smile, I nodded. He grabbed me around the waist, dramatically kissing me, claiming me as his.

The small crowd of people whistled and cheered, entertained by the scene having just taken place. We were quickly brought back to reality when his coach tapped his shoulder frustratedly, though he was smirking. Duke smiled again, releasing my hand.

“As much as I wish I could stay here with you, I’ve got some ass to kick. Want to hang out later?”

I nodded again. He kissed my cheek, and took off running to the field.

As I watched him go, a man stepped passed Amber, who stood shaking her head. He sat on the unoccupied section of the bleachers to my right. I didn’t think anything of it—I mean, why should I? Duke just kissed me—fully awake—in front of everyone. I’m also his girlfriend now.

As I thought this over, next to me tapped my shoulder. Looking over, I saw a face that seemed vaguely familiar—no, it was the smile. I’d seen that wide, twisted smile that played on his lips somewhere.

“Hello, Florence. I never thought I’d see you in public,” he grinned.

I realized why I recognized him. I’d seen him three nights ago, retrieving my Sub-D.

As I backed away slightly, he laughed.

            “Wait until Stephens finds out what you were doing with my son.”