Tulip's Destiny

XXVIII- Broken Deal

He stood behind me, I felt his breath over my ear. I took his hand and squeezed it. He smiled, and I couldn't help but notice how much brighter and more lively his smile had become.

His feelings for her, so reverential and pure, couldn't leave Raine cold. Something new and unfamiliar rose in her chest. Pushing her into his embrace despite all reasons. She held his face with her hands and kissed him on the lips. Impulsively in one breath. Still a bit childishly awkward, but already passionate like a grownup. Raine moved away slightly, still holding his face in her palms. Her heart was beating loudly. Her chest heaved with deep breaths. For a moment, he froze, really gazed into her eyes, as if finding something in them. And she stood there without blinking, letting him do it. Slowly, attentively, he read something in her eyes that no words could convey. About her worries, doubts and hesitation.  And her desires. Timid, yet strong enough to overcome this timidity. To let him wrap her in his love and care. To immerse herself in that tenderness. Then he picked her up and carried her to the bench. Just as slowly and surely, he parted her lips with a kiss. The hot, moist skin of his lips, his breath... strong but tender hands held her waist and her chin. Each of his movements, so desired and sweet. Made her budding feelings for him grow and strengthen. Raine wrapped her arms around Mikhail's neck, pressing her chest and her entire body against him. Leaning deeper and deeper into the kiss, leaving nothing behind. The caring and sensual movements of his lips made her arch her back in his arms. The wave of pleasant, exciting sensations in her body made her shiver. She'd never felt something like this before, and she hadn't thought she could. But in his arms, her hidden, subconscious desires revealed themselves. They caressed one another, but did not cross certain lines. Their interactions were passionate, but still inherently innocent.

She pulled away, looking back at him only to push him away harder at the sight of his nothing but a black void staring through her soul.

Then, she woke up. Raine jolted up, breathless and confused...

"The dreams. Bleu. The journal." Her brows creased for a moment, but she immediately shook her head and smiled at the sight of Hail looking up at her. "I'll think about it AFTER BREAKFAST."

It was a gloomy start to the day. The skies were a dark shade of gray and there were no sounds of birds chirping. Just the unbearable silent gust of winds outside. "It's a bit chilly, isn't it?" Shaiya said, breaking the silence.  "Is there a typhoon? It feels like the calm before a storm." Raine suggested. "Probably just the monsoon." Father dismissed.

"Ay ah, Shaiya bring an umbrella and go home early. Ikaw Raine, be attentive to your surroundings. Be on guard. Your Father and I will probably be home late, so just reheat something in the fridge or order yourself something." Mother reminded, before going back to the kitchen. Soon they all left.

To calm her thoughts and recuperate, she took to painting in her room all morning till lunch. The man in the portrait depicted vaguely resembles him. Bleu. She felt irritable, walking around the house unsatisfied. Raine couldn't help but think of the journal. "What the hell happened to it?!" She hissed, plopping down the sofa. "And what's the deal with those dreams?"

"Raine! Auntie!" Someone from outside called out. His voice was oddly familiar. "Who's there?" Raine asked, placing her ears on the front door.

"Raine! It's me."

"I don't know anyone named me." She smiled, mischievously.

"Me! Manuel!" The voice shouted, convincingly. "Remember? The young handsome man who returned Hail?"

"But that guy's not even handsome." Raine grinned, pulling the door open.

"Hey!" He sneered, crossing his arms.