Our Moonlight

22

Levi

Wrapping the soft blanket around myself, I watch as the waves crash onto shore, creating a soothing sound.

Emilia and I have been sitting on the sand for about ten minutes, staring at the water. Other than the quiet 'okay' that came from her mouth, we've said nothing to each other and instead enjoyed the comfortable silence between us.

When I saw her at the cemetery, I wasn't completely surprised. After some research, I know she lost her sister and father in a wreck. I was more surprised at the fact that she was visiting them at such a late hour.

The night is a dangerous time.

My heart almost flew out of my chest when she told me she walked to the cemetery. There was no way I was letting her walk back by herself and in the dark.

But things did not go according to plan.

Instead of driving her back to the safety of her home, I drove to the beach.

Just because she asked.

Now here we are, both of us gazing into the ocean with blankets wrapped around ourselves.

I had a couple blankets in my car because Darren and Josie had stopped by during tryouts for soccer last week. Soccer tryouts ran late since there was only one field for a couple teams but they came all bundled up to watch me.

The cold is not as bad. Emilia is not shivering and shaking anymore, so I'm glad these blankets stayed in my car.

Staring out onto the water, my eyes focus onto the sky. There are tiny stars scattered all throughout the dark sky. The moon hangs high, half of it covered by dark grey clouds.

"Levi."

I turn at the sound of my name. "Yes?"

Emilia keeps her eyes straight, giving me her side profile. Her dark wavy hair is lying down her back, some strands tucked behind her ear. The blue blanket envelopes all of her back and arms.

"Were you seeing your dad?"

I move my gaze away and back onto the water. My chest constricts at the mention of him, my hands tightening the blanket around me.

"Yeah," I answer softly.

It's no surprise she knows. Everyone in our town knows me and my story. My family.

"I was seeing my dad and sister," She says just as a wave crashes down harshly onto the wet sand.

I don't make my shock visible. I take a quick breath before glancing towards her, her focus still on the water. A breeze drifts by us, making her hair lightly flow back.

"How was it?" I ask gently.

"I . . ." She lets out a long breath and quickly mumbles, "I don't know."

"Was it your first time?" I keep my eyes on her.

I don't want her to close back up. I'm not sure what's compelling her to talk about her family. All I know is that it warms my heart to know that she trusts me with this information.