Skies & Florets

Chapter 22

LILAC

Sitting on the worn wooden bench under the old oak tree's s p r a w l i n g branches, I can feel the tonic evening air gently brushing against my skin. It's a beautiful day that makes everything seem perfect, yet my heart is heavy with worry.

Wren sits beside me, his eyes trained on the ground, his brow furrowed in contemplation. I can sense the tension in the air, thick and palpable, as I steal glances at him, my mind racing with thoughts of Quentin and what just transpired.

"Wren," I start, my voice soft but firm, "I really wish you hadn't done that." I take a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. "I know Quentin might not have handled things well, but he didn't deserve to be punched. You didn't have to escalate it like that."

He looks up at me, his captivating eyes searching mine, filled with a mix of confusion and frustration. "He grabbed you, Lilac. I couldn't just stand by and let that happen." There's a defensiveness in his tone that I understand, but I also feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us.

"I get that, and I totally understand what you really mean," I reply, shifting slightly on the bench to face him better. "But Quentin isn't that person anymore. He's not the boy who left me behind. He's grown up, just like I have." The words tumble out, and I feel a pang of nostalgia wash over me as I remember the innocence of our childhood. "He's just an old friend now, Wren. I've moved on."

Wren's expression softens slightly at my words, but I can still see the turmoil beneath the surface. "I'm sorry, Lilac," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to ruin our first date. I just. . . I hate how he grabbed you."

"It's okay, really." I force a smile, wanting to ease the tension between us. "I know you were just looking out for me. I appreciate that, but I promise you, Quentin is not a threat. He's just. . . complicated."

I can see Wren nodding, though he still seems unconvinced. I reach out, placing my hand on his, trying to convey the sincerity of my feelings. "You didn't ruin anything, Wren. I still want to get to know you. It's just. . . a lot to unpack right now."

He gives a small nod, though I can tell he's still grappling with the aftermath of our confrontation with Quentin. I can't blame him; it was a chaotic moment that caught us both off guard. "I just didn't want you to think I wouldn't stand up for you, Lilac," he says, his voice firm. "You deserve to feel safe, and I am responsible for it."

"I do feel safe with you, Wren. That's why I like spending time with you." I bite my lip, feeling the warmth of his hand under mine. "Let's just forget about all of that for now. What do you say we get some ice cream? It's a beautiful day, and I'd like to enjoy it with you."