I Choose All of You

Chapter Forty-One

Atlas's Point of View:

The warmth of her skin seemed to linger on my lips, as I joined the group of running royal guards. I tried to imagine what it would have felt like if it wasn't herforehead I had kissed. Seems like Leo beat me to it.

Oh well. I know he cares about her. I'd go as far as to say he loves her. I know I found her too late. Years late. I mentally kicked myself. If only Sarah knew...

I stopped outside the entrance of the mansion, to wait for Leo. Wherever the hell he was. Probably sulking somewhere. Based on Sarah's reaction, she didn't take his kiss too well.

My mind began to wander. I know Sarah thinks I picked her out that random day at Cedar's High, when Nessa picked a fight with Talia. But that's not true. I ran into Sarah about three years ago. I was walking the street of my old home. I felt good. I had been nominated leader of the Resistance that day and spent the day drinking with my friends to celebrate. I had drunkingly stumbled onto the street where I knew my old man still lived with Leo and his new wife, and paced outside his house, debating on knocking. I was about to give up when Sarah came skipping out.

I had no idea who she was at the time, but I ducked behind the brick fence and watched Leo hug her goodbye. She then walk down the long driveway before running into me. She jumped and I was too drunk to remember what she said, but I do remember the feeling I felt before she left for the bus. It was happiness. Pure happiness. Whatever she said or whatever feeling she left me with, was something I have been trying to chase my entire life. It was stronger than whatever alcohol I was drinking that day.

I soon realized Leo and her were pretty close so I tried to let it go, but it was hard. Every once in a while I'd stop by her neighborhood, wearing a hoodie so no one could recognize me. I'd hear her parents argue and bottles breaks. Sometimes I'd leave money in the mailbox. I know her parents would probably use it on alcohol, but sometimes her mother with spend it on clothes for Sarah and that was the main goal.

I remember standing outside on a rainy sunday, watching her run out in a new sunday dress. I felt like I was helping. Like something I did mattered. I also convinced my father to talk to the school board to allow Sarah's mother to work as a Cedar's High cafeteria maid. It was an incredibly awkward conversation, but at this point, my father my happy to have me visit at all.

I'm not sure why I do it anymore. I don't even know why I started to watch over her to begin with. But it felt like routine by now. I just want Sarah to be safe and happy. If that's not with me, that's fine. But Leo better not screw this up. She's an amazing girl.

I thought about the fact Leo and her kissed not minutes ago. My chest tightened. I shouldn't be jealous, she isn't even mine.

Those dim-witted Princes have better be treating her right or I swear..

God Sarah, You're breaking my heart and don't even know it.