Last of Malaera

Chapter Three

This is the view landing in Dublin at night. So pretty, don't you think? I would love to go here someday. Anyways, enough of my rambling. Enjoy the chapter.

I look out the tinted window of the backseat as I watch the trees pass me one by one, letting my mind wander about the man from the party. The silk fabric of my shawl caresses my shoulders as I pull it tighter around my body. An involuntary shiver travels its way up my spine as I remember how chills coursed through my veins followed by the warmth that made me feel safe. It's not that I never feel safe with my parents or Roman, it's just with him. . . I don't know. It's different. Almost as if when I look in his grey eyes I feel at home.

"Mae? Mae, are you okay? You've been staring out the window for forty-five minutes now," says Roman as the car slightly jerks forward to come to a stop. I look up to see us stopped at a red light. His blue eyes find my green ones in the rearview mirror, his eyebrows furrowing and lips pressed in a thin line. The only sounds are the windshield wipers squeaking back and forth and the quiet breathing of a sleeping Jemma.

I ease my head back towards the window to stare out at the stormy grey sky, avoiding his calculating eyes. I sigh and say, "I don't know, Roman." I hesitate, wondering if he'll think I'm crazy. Surely the only thing he might have to compare it to is his feelings for Jemma. I lean my head on the window and try to get over the jumbled feelings of sadness and excitement that has overcome me. I mean, I don't even know him. How is he stirring these feelings in me?

"Esmae," he says again as the car starts to accelerate, "You know you can tell me anything, right? What's wrong? Ever since the party, you have been acting strange."

I grasp my bottom lip between my teeth, moving it back and forth. I open my mouth for a few seconds before I say, " Did you see that man at the party who was standing behind Dad? Dark hair, grey eyes?"

Lifting an eyebrow, he said, "No Mae, I didn't. Is he who has you all worked up?"

I cross my arms and look back out the window, "I knew you would think I was crazy," I mumble.

"Just because I didn't see him doesn't mean he wasn't there. I believe you." After a few minutes he continues, "So what about him has you so distraught? Did he do something to you? 'Cause if he did-"

"No, Roman," I cut him off, "He didn't do anything to me, well, not how you are thinking anyways." I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Damn it, I'm twenty four years old. I shouldn't be blushing. Turning my head back towards the rain outside I say quietly, "Roman, how does Jemma make you feel? I, she, umm," I stumble, "You just seem so different and happy around her."

Roman gives me a small smile, "I don't know how to describe it. When I see her, I think to myself: I want her with me, by my side, every day of the week, every season of the year, forever. Her smile is my sun, and her tears are my storms. She is apart of me, the stream of light on this black soul of mine, Mae. I love her."

I feel my nose starting to burn as water fills my eyes. Blinking quickly, I try to prevent the tears from falling. "Well, that's how this man made me feel, but I don't even know him." Looking up at him I say with a tight throat, "How is that even possible?"

HIs eyes suddenly become large as he turns his head slightly towards Jemma, letting out a sigh.. He lets his hand run down her blonde locks as he grips tightly to the steering wheel. "The only thing I can say is you need to find him. Only one person will ever make you feel like that."

I lean my head to the side, "What do you mean Roman?" My stomach begins to twist as I meet his eyes.

Shaking his head he says, "You'll see." Stopping at another red light, he turns towards me in the car, his eyes peering into mine, "Sleep, Mae."