Take A Deep Breath

Chapter 9

"Hey."

I try my best to smile, tucking a curl behind my ear.

"Hi."

Saffron links arms with us, both of us this time, and confidently walks into the mall. It's definitely familiar and I can tell I've spent plenty of time in here before. No doubt Saffron had dragged me in here every weekend.

"Where are we off to first?" Cadence's voice is monotonous and he is obvious not even trying to seem like he is looking forward to the next couple of hours.

I contain a laugh as Saffron rolls her eyes, "Glad to hear that you are so ecstatic, my dear. We are off to Amber's favourite clothes shop."

Again, I hear buzzing and feel words spinning in my head. I can't remember the name of the shop she could possibly be talking about. Though, my style has probably changed since then- who knows what I am now.

"Fine, I'll let you drag me along, But, I require some ice cream afterwards"

So Saffron grabs my hand and suddenly we are speed walking, her pace suddenly becoming faster. As her flats make a small tapping sound on the floor, I glance around the centre. Its Friday afternoon, so I'm not surprised to see plenty of school kids around. Couples holding hands, teens carrying bags, mothers dragging their kids along. It's certainly familiar. I'm not surprised that I recognise some of the names of the stores.

"Okay, here we are. They have just ordered in their new winter stock- I'm paying and you can NOT tell me otherwise. It's all on special."

I roll my eyes but keep my purse handy.

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-Night time-

It was the first time he really noticed her. She had a shining smile; her bright green eyes had something special in them and her curls cascaded down her back like vines on a tree. Her skin was pale, seeming so fragile. But, he knew she was strong. Stronger than most people he knew. Stronger than himself.

When she spoke, it was was a smooth as honey. Her laugh was beautiful and he loved making jokes just to hear it. As she lay beside him, looking up at the sky, he knew that he had been right. That he had loved her since the minute they met- and he had only just confirmed it now.

He held her hand like it was a precious jewel and she never wanted to let go. As they stared up at the sky, forming cloud shapes with their minds and telling stories, he only grew more fond of her. If that was possible. He didn't know how long he could handle not telling her- she was beautiful and he wanted to tell her over and over again.

He had been friends with her since their young years of high school. Back then, it had been a school boy crush. It faded and came in waves, stronger each time between dating other girls. But, he always returned to her. And this time, he knew it would stay.

When he looked at her, all he wanted was to hold her tight. To protect her. To love her. And he would do anything for her, no matter the circumstances. He knew he was young, only nearly an adult, but it felt like she was the only one for him. It was cheesy, but it felt right.

"Look, aren't they beautiful?"

He looked at her,

"Yes. Very."

And she looked at him. She could see in his eyes that he wasn't talking about the clouds she had just spotted. They were a dark grey mixed with purple, a bruised colour. A warning for rain to come.

"I...eyes front, soldier." She joked, but nerves cracked her voice.

He laughed subtly, shaking his head. He propped himself onto an elbow, looking down at her.

"You're the prettiest thing I've seen, you know that? And you know what? I don't care about keeping it in anymore- you're wonderful and smart and funny and everything."

She gaped at him, surprise racking her brain. "Cadence..."

He shook his head, running his other hand through his hair. "It's true. I know you probably don't feel the same, but I really like you. I've known you for what, five years? And now is the only time I've had the courage to admit it."

She sat up, eyeing him. "Cadence, I...I don't know what to say..."

He smiled. "Then don't say anything."

And before she could protest, he leaned in and suddenly they were kissing. She was in so much shock that she didn't respond at first, but soon enough they were melting into each other. They moved as one, a desperate movement that had been held back for so long. She realised that she felt the same way and as it clicked, it became more passionate and she wanted him more than she had wanted any other previous boy. As the kiss deepened, he cupped her cheek and she wrapped her arms around his neck, shifting with him. It was beautiful and perfect, just as he had imagined and dreamed it would be.

And as if on cue, the clouds erupted into pouring rain and they were pulling apart, both laughing. She didn't let go of his neck, leaning her forehead into his and their noses barely touching.

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