Duskwood After Story

Conundrum

Some notes for this chapter:

Hi there lovely people,

This chapter was hard to write for me and turned out to be quite heavy. I tried to portray the feelings as best as I can. Hope you'll enjoy it. :)

Please listen to this song from Halsey while reading. Somehow, it fits what I wanted to convey perfectly.

- End of Note -

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Jake rolled off of me while having one arm wrap around my shoulder and pulled me closer to his chest. He sighed deeply, staring at the sky full of stars before our eyes.

"You know, Jake. Sometimes I find it funny that out of all the people in our life, we somehow fell in love with each other. I mean, I was surrounded with people whom many would deem the ideal husbands, the ideal boyfriends. I came into contact with them every day, actually speaking with them, getting to know them, how they were like, exchanging small talks, sharing laughter... But I ended up falling for you, someone who hid his identity behind so many deep layers. "Jake" in my head was not the face of a man. Your name resonates with something deeper within me. There was no one single thing to identify what you are for me. I just know that my heart comes alive, my entire being blossoms in joy whenever you call for me. I waited for these feelings to subside but I failed miserably. The longer I get to know you, the more I love you. I don't believe in God or a higher power, but with you, I really feel a strong force pulling me towards your direction. When we finally collided, it was like fireworks. And it's all so strange because I've never felt like this with anyone before."

"Oh Bailey..." Jake pulled me closer to him as I poured my heart out, as if I was afraid if I did not say them then, there might never be another chance.

"I have so many things I wanted to say to you, but when the time comes, they all suddenly escape me. But one thing I have been wondering the whole day is how did you feel when you received my letter?"

Jake took a contemplating pause.

"At first, I was mad because you broke our promise. And also because you were jeopardizing your safety to come see me." He stared down at me with a disapproving look. I stuck my tongue out, returning a playful smile.

"But when I saw your letter, I started looking further into your background right away. That was an oversight on my part. I really don't know much about you at all." He smiled sadly. "If I had known you have an extensive background in computer science, I might not have been that protective over you. I would have shared more, explained to you more about my plans, because then, you would understand."

"I can possibly help you too! And don't forget my black belt in karate!" I eagerly announced, interrupting Jake's train of thoughts.

"What do you mean by helping?"

I sat up, preparing myself to convince Jake with all my might for my upcoming suggestions.

"Listen, Jake. I have thought about us, about how we can be together, how our life would be. Do you remember when you told me you wish you could have thrown everything, taken my hand, turned our backs on everything and just run away?" He nodded.

"Now, I know even when we already completed our mission in finding your sister, Hannah, you are not totally free from your pursuers. And I know you're living every day in anticipation of going back into hiding. Heck, you were already doing it when you stopped responding to my messages months ago..." He gave me an apologetic look while squeezing my hand.