Lost

Chapter 9 Isamu

I never imagined I would find myself in this situation—if I can even call it that. It wasn't a bad thing at all. I was in my house, lying on my bed with Jackie asleep on my chest. I let my fingers comb through her braids, just like she had done to my hair that one night. My thoughts had kept me awake last night, replaying the moments when I massaged her feet and then her legs. She was clearly shy but still allowed it. What she didn't know was how I felt. Feelings I wanted to deny, because, like I told her, she had gotten in the way of my plans. I hadn't come here to catch feelings for anyone—but maybe I had.

I wished for my hands to travel higher, caressing her in places I was sure had never been touched.

My hand left her hair, slowly trailing down to her face. Her skin was amazingly soft. I bet her lips were even softer. I wondered what they would feel like against mine.

"Isamu."

Her voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Hm?"

"You're awake already, I see."

"Yeah."

"It isn't late, is it?"

"No."

"Okay, good."

She sat up.

"I'm going to get ready for the day."

"Sure."

She disappeared into the bathroom for about twenty minutes before returning.

"Did you want to go in and get dressed too? I'm not sure what's planned for us."

"The elders told us to take a break today."

"Really? Wow, how thoughtful."

"Yeah."

She gave me a look.

"Are you okay? You seem like something's bothering you."

She sat back down next to me.

"I'm fine."

"Isamu, you can tell me," she said, automatically taking my hands in hers.

The intimacy between us was there, but it wasn't clear yet. Neither of us questioned it. I guess once you put words to it, the spark fades.

"Oh, we have to return our clothes. I don't want you to have to pay a late fee," she said with concern.

"Don't worry about it."

"After that, we can figure out what to do once we come back."

"Or we can spend some time in the city."

"Really? You don't have to, since I know you don't like being there."

"I was fine last time. I'll be fine this time."

I felt more comfortable going into the city now that I was with her, but I still avoided the public at all costs. The festival had been the only exception. I hadn't shown my face in years, so I knew nothing was likely to happen. This time around, I was more cautious.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere nice."

"That's helpful," she said sarcastically.

After dropping off our rentals, we continued on. I didn't clue her in on the destination, but I thought she would like it.

"Hm, let me guess. Is it somewhere pretty?"

"Most people would say."

"Is it far?"

"A bit."

"You're going to drive all the way there?"