Before The Past

Ch. 59

I hadn't realized how long we had been inside until I came out and noticed the pitch black sky. There was a slight breeze blowing through the trees, but the air was still warm. I could hardly see in front of me, so I cast the lumos spell and waited for Matteo to come outside as well. 

He closed the door behind us and grabbed my hand, leading me somewhere around the house. We walked around the house and back into the woods along a small, overgrown over trail. The further we got the more I noticed that the trees had began to stop, opening up into a large field. The grass was soft and grew taller as the trail faded away. 

Eventually we made it to a blanket that created a small clear space to lie down at. Matteo held his other hand out and guided me onto the blanket. I sat down and watched as he did the same, placing a lantern on the edge of the blanket. I put my wand down and the small light went dim, causing me to just barely see the shadowy features of Matteo's face. 

"You know usually you go into a field with a blanket during the day where you can sit and enjoy the sun." I remarked playfully. 

"Well then I guess this is an unusual exception" he pointed up at the sky "I figured you'd like to stare at the stars more than the sun and the clouds." He continued. 

I looked up and gasped at the clear sky and vivid stars. My mind began spotting different constellations and stars within the atmosphere without even trying. 

It had been months since I'd taken the time to go outside and look at the stars. I had been so busy with everything else I hadn't even thought about it. In all honesty I was surprised that I could even recognize everything so well. I knew it all by heart and was familiar with all of the different stories and histories behind them all. I'd spent ages reading books and studying maps about astronomy. 

"This is amazing. By far one of the best ways I've ever spent my birthday." I spoke, still staring up at the sky. 

"Then I'm sure this wouldn't hurt to add to the day." Matteo muttered as he gently grabbed my chin and pulled my face in his direction. 

I looked at him confused for a moment until he shifted closer and kissed me. 

I placed my hand on his cheek and deepened the kiss. I got closer to him and simply took in the moment.  He rolled me over to where I was on top of him and his hand grazed down my leg. I pulled back from him a bit and looked at his face, admiring every perfect imperfection. I noted every freckle and scar on his face.  

My hair created a barrier around our eyes and allowed us to only focus on each other. He simply smiled and I couldn't help but fold at the way he looked at me. I couldn't help but want to smile and shyly laugh as he looked at me with that oh so beautiful smile. There was nothing wrong with this boy, he had no flaws. 

"I don't think I've ever felt this way about someone." Matteo whispered gently. 

"Me either." I responded. 

I gave a breathy chuckle and fell to his side once again. This time my head was on his chest and I traced along his torso, my finger catching on the wrinkles of his shirt. His heartbeat was calming and so was the motion of his breathing. Everything was just right in the moment, I didn't want it to go away. 

This was temporary, but I wanted it to last a lifetime. Maybe it could if I was with him. With him I felt secure and happier. I didn't worry as much about things, I could simply just relax and focus on the now. He was a safe space, and I loved him for it.

Love.

The word struck me.

Up until now love was only an idea. It was something I thought about, but never actually thought was true. Maybe I was denying even thinking about it, but now that it was in my mind, I was certain of it.