Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: I CAN'T HELP BUT LOVE YOU
( tw! mentions of assault & self-harm )
🥀🖤
MELANIE FELT SAFEST in Carl's arms. Her head rested against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, her legs entwined with his. She cherished the warmth and security of his arms around her, the gentle way he kissed her forehead while his fingers slowly ran through her hair. Each touch sent shivers of relief and desire through her. Her chest fluttered with hope and yearning; more than anything, she wished she could stay in this bliss, shielded from everything outside. Maybe, one day, when they were older and the world was kinder, she could. For now, Melanie clung to these moments, holding Carl just a little tighter, treasuring the safety she felt in his presence.
Melanie woke up that morning in Carl's bed upstairs. She could now climb stairs with minimal pain, so the cot on the couch had been moved to Carl's bedroom. Opening her eyes, Melanie noticed Carl was gone. The distinctive click and whir of a Polaroid camera a few feet away caught her attention. Carl stood by the wall, grinning at a newly printed photograph.
Melanie sat up and chuckled, "Did you just take a picture of me?"
Carl made his way over to her and sat beside her, "Maybe."
Carl handed her the photo — Melanie asleep and peaceful. She wrinkled her nose at the image. "God, no, I look awful."
Carl scoffed, reclaiming the photo. "What? No, you don't." He studied it, smiling. "You look beautiful."
"How long were you watching me sleep?" Melanie asked.
Carl shrugged, "Not long, maybe fifteen... twenty minutes."
Melanie chuckled softly, "Weirdo."
Carl lay down, wrapped his arm around Melanie, and she rested her head on his chest. He played with her hair while she listened to his heartbeat. After a moment, with three words on her tongue, Melanie nearly confessed—until Carl broke the silence. "Do you wanna go on a date with me?"
Melanie furrowed her brows as she sat up and looked at Carl, "A date?"
Carl nodded, "Yeah, I can make you dinner or something."
"Even with everything going on right now?" Melanie asked.
"Especially with everything going on," Carl nodded once more. "A little calm in the midst of the storm around us."
