I stood there on Misty Quigley's doorstep, my heart pounding in my chest as I waited for her to answer. The seconds felt like hours until the door finally swung open, revealing Misty with a look of surprise and concern etched across her face. It was a look that made my heart ache even more.
"I didn't know where else to go," I mumbled, my voice trembling slightly as I held my hand over my eye, trying to hide the evidence of the fight I had just been in.
Misty's hand shot out, gently but urgently pulling my hand away from my face. Her touch was warm, comforting, and it sent a shiver down my spine. "What happened?" she urged me to explain, her eyes searching mine for answers.
"I got into a fight," I admitted reluctantly, not wanting to go into further detail. She didn't need to know that those kids had been talking shit about her. I'd do anything to protect her.
She led me inside, her grip reassuring as she guided me to the kitchen table. Sitting me down, she reached for a disinfectant wipe and began gently dabbing at my bleeding lip.
"What have I told you about fighting?" Misty scolded me gently, her voice a mixture of frustration and concern.
"Don't do it," I sighed, feeling the weight of her words sink in. She was right; I should have known better.
She nodded, her eyes softening. "I don't like seeing you hurt," she admitted quietly, her voice filled with genuine worry. I couldn't help but gulp and nod in response, knowing that I had let her down.
"Let me find an ice pack for that nasty bruise," she said, referring to my black eye. I watched as she opened the fridge and retrieved an ice pack, passing it to me. I held it against my eye, grateful for her care.
Misty's thumb brushed against my lip, and I winced at the slight pain. "Does that hurt?" she asked, her concern never wavering.
I nodded, unable to find my voice amidst the swirl of emotions and sensations that her touch was causing.
"Does it hurt when I do this?" she whispered, leaning in closer and placing a gentle kiss on my lips. My heart skipped a beat as I felt her soft lips against mine, and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.
"Yeah, but can you do it again?" I asked, my eyes meeting hers with a playful glint. Misty grinned, her eyes sparkling with affection, and she kissed me once more.
