Oceanside

Chapter 31

Odette

I paused waiting for another noise. I heard rustling and felt the urge to dart back inside. In fact I took a step back. That definitely wasn't a small animal. I felt silly and stupid for a split second. Silly for calling out into a dark forest and stupid for the same reason but with the realization something more dangerous than Silas could show.

Both feelings rolled off me when I heard his voice.

"Yes Odette?" His voice sounded relaxed but I could hear the happiness behind it.

I smiled though I could hardly see his figure. He was walking towards me from my right. He was dressed in his regular clothes, I couldn't see his expression yet.

"You're here," I said. The relief and joy was soft but clear in my tone.

He came within three feet of me and I could finally see his face. Handsome as always. He matched his tone though. His face was relaxed with a tiny smile, his eyes blazed with bliss. It was just like him to hide his real excitement. He'd claim he didn't want me to feel pressured or influenced by his reaction. I didn't feel either but I did feel much more assured in my decision with it.

"I told you I would be," he said simply.

"I'm glad," I expressed.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." The distance between us started to feel forced. Like I wasn't just standing in front of him but physically holding myself away from him.

"So I was thinking," I started. "I know I said I wanted some time. And I still have a lot of questions."

"I'll answer anything you want."

"I know," I said. "And I'll definitely take you up on that but right now I just wanted to see you...I miss you."

I saw the longing in his eyes. "I miss you too." He glanced back to the house. "Did you want me to wait with you until you fall asleep?"

Silas needed a million more credits than I was giving him. He really was trying to give me all the time and space I needed while also finding a way to comfort me. Waiting with me until I fell asleep was his way of allowing me to see him for a bit but still giving me space. I would have agreed if that was what I needed. But I didn't, I needed more than that.

"Would you stay longer than that?" I asked instead of agreeing.

He looked over my face. "You want me to stay with you tonight?"

"And longer," I clarified. "If you want to." I didn't want to make him feel like he had to. This was what I wanted. I didn't know exactly what he was thinking.

This time it was him processing my words. Almost like he couldn't believe I said them.

"Of course I want to, but I thought you wanted time to think."

"I did," I stopped him. "Like I said I have questions still but that doesn't mean I don't want this. I still want to be with you Silas."

He looked like he wanted to pull me towards him. I half expected him to. Although it occurred to me he was probably holding himself back on my account.

"Yeah?"

I couldn't help the small laugh that bubbled out of me. This confirmed for the hundredth time he was the Silas I knew. Double checking a million times and hesitating to make me more comfortable. I didn't want that anymore. I wanted to actually be comfortable. That meant being as close to him as possible.

With that in mind I nodded, muttering a 'yes' then closing the distance between us. I hugged him to me feeling his arms wrapping around me immediately. I smiled and laid my cheek on his chest.