Your Last Breath

a. Is It Too Soon To Say Perfect

I lay comfortable in his arms as we gaze at the sky. Another perfect night with the boy of my dreams.

"A million stars in the sky and none shine as bright as you." He whispered in my ear as he entwined my fingers in his.

I giggled and rolled my eyes. "You're a cheese ball Lucas." I sat up in the soft grass and fixed my tangled hair.

"I may be but you adore me." He batted his big blue eyes and I groaned.

"Do I have a choice when you look at me that way?" He giggled and stood up holding his hands out for mine. I took his hands and he pulled me to my feet.

"I should get you home my dear." I followed him down the hill toward his car.

We rode the entire way to my house in total comfortable silence. No music or words. Just happiness. His hands stayed tangled in my own and I couldn't fathom how I'd ever felt right before him. He pulled up in front of my house and as expected all the lights were off.

"No one home?" Luke asked kissing the back of my hand and looking up at my house.

"Seems that way. Do you want to come in?" He smiled and nodded.

Luke hated leaving me alone in the spooky old house my parents had bought four years ago. He said it gave him an uncomfortable vibe. Spirits live here, I can feel it. He had said once. I thought he was full of it but it was cute how he worried. It was close to midnight and both my parents were still working which for them wasn't unusual. It was turn around at my father's plant and my mom worked at the local nursing home and sometimes wouldn't come home until 4 in the morning only to go right back at 6. We went up to my room and I changed into a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt.

"Movie or netflix?" I asked turning on my xbox.

"Can we finish Devious Maids? It's oddly addictive." I giggled and grabbed my DVD set of the drama.

Many nights passed like this. Luke in my room with me watching random movies and TV shows until we either fell asleep or one of my parents came home. It was comfortable and perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more. When Luke and I started dating a year ago I didn't see it going this far. I had never been good at holding a steady relationship. I was too emotional, too weird or too quiet. However, Luke accepted all of me. I was never too anything except too beautiful to him. Four months ago he said the three words every girl wanted to hear and I returned the favor willingly. I knew in my heart I loved him more than anything in the world. I rested my head against his chest and giggled as Rosie, the dingiest maid crooned after her boss. Luke looked at me with complete joy in his eyes.

"You're laugh is the best noise I've ever heard you know that? I could die tomorrow and be perfectly content knowing your giggle was one of the last things I heard." He kissed my lips lightly.

"You can't die tomorrow silly. Tomorrow is prom." I joked with him and he laughed loudly.

"Oh! Okay well then I can die after prom then." I laughed and buried my head into his neck.

"Not without me you can't. I won't let you go. I love you too much." I said seriously enough to stop the laughter.

"And I love you just as much." I closed my eyes and smiled.

The rest of the night was full of devious maids and tons of drama. By the end of the season we learned who really killed Flora and Marisol's son was released from prison. I was half asleep when Luke turned off the TV.

"Goodnight my princess." He kissed my head and my eyes closed.

That night I had a dream. Luke and I were driving down a long dark road. The radio was playing some song I knew I recognized, but I couldn't think of the name. I asked Luke where we were going but he wouldn't answer. He just turned to me and smiled that amazing smile that caused his dimples to be more prominent and his blue eyes to shine. I dreamt of trees. Tall trees that reached high into the sky as if they longed to reach the stars which shone too brightly in the sky. I still couldn't place the song and it was starting to bother me. I changed the station, but the same song kept playing. I turned to Luke and tried to ask what was wrong with the radio but he didn't say a word just kept driving. I sat quietly and tried to focus on our surroundings. Everything was fuzzy and unfamiliar but I wasn't scared. Luke was with me and I knew I was safe with him. I tried once again to ask where we were going. Luke turned to me and smiled like before but this time he spoke. I love you Nina Holly forever and ever. I started to say I love you back but before the words left my mouth I saw a bright light and heard a loud crashing noise.

The shock of the noise jolted me from my dream and I sprang up too quickly startling Luke from his sleep.

"Babe, what's the matter?" He asked concerned.

I tried really hard to remember what had scared me. My heart was pounding and my breathing jagged but the only thing that came to mind was a few word.

"Too soon to say perfect..." I muttered to myself. It didn't make sense.

"What? Nina, what's the matter?" Luke asked making me look at him.

"I'm sorry. I just had a bad dream. I don't remember it though. I'm sorry I woke you." I looked toward my window. It was still dark out but my clock said it was 4:55 am.

"It's fine sweety. Just lay back down you're safe now." He pulled me back down next to him.

A few moments passed and I could hear Luke snoring lightly. I did feel safe with his arms wrapped securely around me, however, I couldn't shake the terrible feeling my dream had left me with. I tried desperately to remember the stupid dream. I knew if I could only remember it that it wouldn't bother me so bad. Those words kept resonating in my head though. Too soon to say perfect. It was haunting and unsettling. I didn't know what they meant but it was significant. After about thirty minutes of stressing over a silly dream I was able to fall back to sleep and this time I didn't wake up until 10 am to Luke lightly kissing my face.

"What are you doing? Your breath reaks!" I squealed and giggled pushing Luke off me.

"Well your hair is fucked up and you have eye crusties." He shot back playfully.

"That was rude..." I grumped and he laughed and kissed my cheek.

Luke finally left after about an hour telling me he'd be back tonight to pick me up around 6. With a final kiss and hug goodbye he walked out of my house. I spent the rest of the day primping and prepping for prom.

"Tonight is going to be perfect." I whispered to myself.