My Moonflower (Luna Story)

🌙🌼🤍 Chapter 17: Breaking Down Barriers🌙🌼🤍

The soft melody of my alarm cut through the silence, urging me from sleep. I usually hummed along, but today, I reached out and silenced it, confusion swirling in my mind.

As I sat up, reality washed over me. I was in my bed, but the last thing I remembered was the crushing weight of a panic attack, thoughts of My Sunflower in danger swirling in my head.

"Daughter, are you awake?" My mama's voice broke the stillness as she knocked lightly on the door before stepping in.

"Yeah, Mama. Can I ask you something? How did I get in my room?" My voice was thick with sleep.

"Oh, umm, your dad carried you up. You fell asleep near the door," she replied, her tone almost too casual.

I blinked, struggling to recall. "I... fell asleep?"

"Yes, my perfect angel. You were so tired. Your dad tried to wake you, but you were in a deep sleep. He carried you to bed," she explained, her voice soft yet deliberate.

My heart raced as doubt crept in. "But I don't remember falling asleep." I narrowed my eyes. "And you... you locked down the house. You trapped me again, just like last time."

"Trapped you? Daughter, you are our perfect angel. We were just doing what's best for you. Your dad and I were at work," she said, her tone defensive.

"Like I would believe that again, Mama? If you were at work, you wouldn't lock me up. What did you do to My Elio?" The words tumbled out, laced with urgency.

"Nothing, darling! Why would you think that?" The edge in her voice sent a chill down my spine.

"Actually, I don't want to hear it. You're going to join me and Dad for breakfast, then you'll get ready for school," she said, her tone firm, as if I'd happily comply.

"No, I'll grab a yogurt from the fridge when I'm ready and leave to walk My Sunflower to school," I insisted, a mix of defiance and determination surging within me.

"Or I'll force you out, Mother," I challenged, my tone icy, eyes narrowing as I faced her.

"You will not speak to me that way, young lady," she replied, her voice steady, yet a tremor of warning lingered.

"I can speak however I like. Now get out of my room!" Frustration erupted, and I raised my voice, an echo of my anger.

I pushed her out and slammed the door, my heart racing. I changed quickly into my Moonflower folk dress, darting downstairs. I snagged a yogurt from the fridge, eating it on the way to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

Once ready, I slipped on my Sunflower Black Prints Casual Flats, grabbed my backpack, and burst out the door.

The cool morning air brushed against my skin as I walked to Elio's house. I knocked, the sound echoing in the stillness. His dad answered, his expression cold, dismissive.

"Luna, what do you want?" His voice felt like a door slamming shut.

"Hey to you too," I replied, sarcasm dripping from my words. "I'm here to walk My Elio to school."

A pause, then his dad's tone lowered, unnerving calmness settling in. "Ekatsim is sleeping. I'll wake him up for you. Just wait here."

The door shut with a thud, leaving me on the porch, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I hated that middle name-Ekatsim. It felt like a label, he is not mistake. He was My Sunflower, my boyfriend, the one I wanted in my life forever.

Frustration surged within me as I clenched my fists, my heart racing. What if something was wrong? What if he was hurt?

I knocked again, anxiety twisting my stomach. Minutes dragged by like hours. Just as I was about to knock once more, the door opened to reveal My Elio.

"Sunflower!" I exclaimed, rushing to his side. My eyes swept over him, taking in the limp in his step and the pain hidden behind his forced smile. "What happened?"

"Hey, My Moonflower. I'm-I'm fine. Just a little tired," he said, but his eyes told a different story.

I reached out, my fingers brushing his arm. "You don't look fine, Elio. You're limping. You look... hurt." My voice softened, yet my gaze was fierce, refusing to let him downplay it.

"It's nothing, really." He pulled away slightly, the weariness in his tone sharp. "Just had a rough night. Can we just go?"

"No. As your girlfriend, we're not leaving until you tell me what's wrong." My resolve solidified, determination igniting my words.

His frustration flared, voice rising. "Luna, as your boyfriend, I'm telling you to leave it alone. I said I'm just tired. Let's go."

My eyes narrowed, and I whispered, "Elio Raphael Goldendock, tell me the truth. Now."

Before I could blink, he collapsed into my arms, burying his face in my shoulder. My heart ached as I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close while his sobs shook him.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I murmured, my voice laced with sincerity.

He shook his head, unable to speak, tears flowing freely. I held him tighter, my heart breaking for My Sunflower.

After what felt like an eternity, he pulled away, wiping his face. "Sorry, My Moonflower, for soaking your clothes," he said, voice small.

"Don't worry about it," I said softly, brushing a tear from his cheek. "I'd rather have you cry and let it out than keep it all inside."

A small, tired smile broke through his pain as he leaned in, pressing his lips against mine. The warmth flooded me, transporting me to a field full of sunflowers.

"Let's go to school," he said quietly, taking my hand. But before we left, I paused.

"Did you have breakfast?" Concern filled my gaze.

He shook his head. "No, I-"

"Come on." I tugged him toward the street. "We're going to your Uncle John's first. You're not going to school on an empty stomach."

At his Uncle John's restaurant, I ordered his usual muffin and handed him a dark chocolate s'mores hot cocoa, a small smile on my face. "Eat up, Sunflower."

"Thank you, My Moonflower," he whispered, taking a sip. Relief washed over me, easing the anxiety coiling in my stomach.

As we finally arrived at school, I walked beside My Sunflower, hoping my presence would comfort him. Approaching his locker, I hesitated, nervously twirling a strand of my hair.

"Sunflower," I began, my voice soft. "After school... instead of going straight home, do you want to go on our first date?"

Surprise flickered across his face, quickly replaced by a small smile. "Aren't I supposed to ask you out?"

I laughed lightly, eyes sparkling. "Well, I did ask you to be my boyfriend. I figured I'd take the lead again."

He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Alright, but I get to plan it."

My teasing grin softened into genuine warmth. "Deal. I'm looking forward to it."

As I walked to my locker, I glanced back at My Sunflower, a smile spreading across my face before heading to chemistry.