PROMISES

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"I missed you so much. It hurt every day we were apart," His voice is gentle, but still with the husky ring to it that I remember from before. "I wish things could have been different. I wish you hadn't run from me," My voice shakes a little as I speak to him. He squeezes my hands reassuringly. The breeze picks up a little, blowing my hair across my face. Fred lets go of one of my hands and pushes my hair back. He lets his hand rest on my cheek for a second and then returns it to my hand.

"I was scared Maia, you know that."

"But if you'd only stayed and let me explain!" My voice grows in pitch as I become more and more anxious. "Nothing will ever change what happened that day. But that is in the past. We have the future to think about, Maia." Just his presence is comforting to me. "I'm sorry for running. That was a stupid mistake; I should have trusted you. I just didn't know what to think." Fred's are constantly in connection with mine. I know he is truly sorry, I can feel it. "You know why I did it, Fred?" He nods slightly. "I did it because I couldn't imagine a life without you. I guess I got that anyway." Fred reaches his arms out and pulls me into a tight hug. "I'm never leaving you're side again," His lips brush against my ear. "Never."

Fred pulls back. "Let's run away." His voice is eager and urgent. "I have to get out of here. They want me to be part of an army, some kind of weapon." My brow pulls together. "What about Diego and Bree? I have them to thank for bringing me here." It is Fred's turn to look concerned. "Diego is very loyal to Riley, and judging by how close Bree is To Diego, I think she'll stay with him."

It pains me to say it, but I can't just abandon my new friends without even giving them a choice. "Fred, you have to ask them if they want to come too." He frowns. "Please. They were so kind to me. I have to give them as much back."

Finally, Fred nods. "Fine, but I'll have to wait until nightfall. That means you'll have to stay hidden until then." He sighs. "I don't want to leave you, Maia. Promise me you won't get caught?" I loop my fingers around his. "I promise."

"Stay here. When the sunsets, I'll be back for you, with or without Bree and Diego." He leans forward and kisses my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull myself up so I am level with him. These kisses feel more desperate because there is an element of danger surrounding happening.

Fred untangles himself from my arms. He laughs. "You act like this is the last time you'll ever say me!" He grins as he clambers down from our branch. "I hope it isn't," I whisper as I watch him disappear into the foliage.


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