Before Her Eyes

Chapter 14

What was he doing here?

The longer he stared at me, the longer I didn't dare to breathe. I couldn't have if I wanted to, I'd forgotten how at this moment. The memory of what happened last time flooded my mind. My eyes instantly dropped to the floor as the dizziness made room for guilt.

I knew he was still staring at me even though I wasn't looking at him. It was the same feeling you got when you first stepped outside on a sunny day, you could feel the heat set fire to your body as soon as you're in its line of vision whether you could see the sun was facing you or not.

"W-what are you doing here?" I mumbled, hoping I didn't sound rude.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I don't really know what to say right now..." I said, hesitantly looking up. He slightly cocked his head to the side as he studied my face. I suddenly became aware of how hot I felt and the loud thudding of my heart that just wouldn't quiet down under his stare.

He didn't say a word but only moved a little closer to me and pinched his eyes together like he was trying to figure something out. Please stop looking at me like that. My legs wanted to give out, but somehow, I was still standing.

"I really meant what I said last time. I really am sorry," I said after finding the breath to speak.

He nodded and stepped even closer. Now we were only a few inches apart. If possible, my heart only thudded harder. His eyes were still glued to mine. It looked like he was lost elsewhere. I wouldn't doubt he didn't hear what I had said and just agreed with me anyway.

The weight suddenly became too heavy, and my legs finally gave away. I closed my eyes, preparing to feel the impact, but before I could hit the ground, I felt his arms wrap around me and pulled me towards him. This time, it was my eyes that were searching his.

"Thank you...." I said lowly, still looking into his eyes. He nodded slowly and tore his eyes away from mine.

"You need to lay down," He said as I closed my eyes. I nodded and let him carry me somewhere within the boat. I wasn't sure where he was taking me, but when my back hit the cloud-like sheets, I knew I was in a bedroom.

I knew I wanted him here for some reason, but I didn't want to ask him to stay, so I lightly tugged on the end of his shirt. I didn't know how I was expecting him to react, but it was painfully silent, so I hesitantly opened my eyes and found him looking down at where my hand still held onto his shirt.

He eventually brought his eyes up to mine before saying, "I wasn't leaving."

I scooted over to make more room. Once he took a spot next to me, I closed my eyes, and once again, I was encompassed with his warm and woodsy scent. I was so comfortable I could fall into a deep sleep, yet I was wide awake because of how close Valon was, making it impossible for me to get any.

"Don't go to sleep," He mumbled.

"Why?" I questioned.

"I can't let you, not until I figure out what's wrong with you."

"Good luck," I murmured and fluttered my eyes shut.

"I'm serious May."

"Me too," I smiled, my eyes still closed.

I had to open my eyes to see that glare I just knew he was giving me. I peered up at him and found him glaring down at me, of course. I broke out into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

Whenever I would calm down a little, I'd just open my eyes and still see him glaring at me, and it just triggered my laughing fit all over again.

Somewhere in my blurry vision, I saw something on his face, and I completely stopped laughing to focus on it. On his face was the faintest smile. I unintentionally wore the same smile after seeing his.