The Boxer and the Badboy

Chapter 31

I gradually slowed down when I saw the wall of trees looming high above my head and the motorcycle leaning against one of the trunks. It was unmistakably Blake's. I removed my helmet and tucked it in the small compartment  at the back of the bike. The winds were refreshing here and the air was absolutely clean. With a contented sigh, I started for the woods. The cliffs should be near.

I lifted my head and spotted sun-rays seeping through a cluster of trees a bit further away. I pressed on, carefully missing the branch hanging low. When I finally broke out from the vegetation harsh lights bit into my eyes and I quickly shaded them.

It took me some time before clearing the spots in my eyes and when I finally regained my vision, I couldn't help but gasp at the breath-taking view in front of me. The place was beautiful. Before my eyes could linger on the hue of colours, it met a silhouette.

He was sat at the edge of the cliff, his legs dangling and his posture slouched. His phone was next to him, playing the Imagine Dragons.

Blake.

As if he had heard my thoughts, his back suddenly tensed. I bit my lip and stepped closer, my shadow growing over him.

If I told you what I was,
Would you turn your back on me?
And if I seem dangerous,
Would you be scared?
I get the feeling just because
Everything I touch isn't dark enough
That this problem lies in me

My step wavered when the lyrics hit me.

His hand reached out and gripped his phone, "You should go," his voice was emotionless.

I blinked- had he actually talked to me? I thought he would ignore me. I stayed where I was, I had to explain myself or things would worsen.

"Go," he said in the same blank tone and his back more tensed than ever.

"No," I said softly, "Blake-," I reached out to touch his shoulder but he swiftly moved to the side. I winced at the sharp pain in my heart as I drew my arm back. This is not the time to act up, heart.

"I can explain-"

"-Why didn't you tell me?" He cut me off, his eyes staring at the horizon.

"What are you talking about?" I frowned deeply.

"You're scared of me, aren't you?" He winced as if it was physically hurting him to say it, "Do you think I'm a...monster,"

My eyes widened. Where the hell did he get such ideas? Is it the song? Before I could say no, he was already speaking.

"That's why you like Brian don't you? Because I'm a fucking monster and he's a human who can't hurt you," his eyes swivelled to me, full of pain and anger- anger at himself. I started shaking my head vigourously, "No-"

"I thought we understood each other- that you knew much you meant to me-"

"No, I-"

"-and how without you, I wouldn't make it-"

"Blake-"

"-I don't know what to do anymore to make you accept me, maybe it's impossible, I'm just a monster who doesn't deserve anything-"

"Blake!"

"-What's so interesting about Brian? Does he sweet-talk you? I could do that too if you want-"

"BLAKE!" I yelled, slamming my hand on his mouth, "I'm not interested in Brian, goddamn it, I'm interested in you."

He blinked twice, "Wlah?" He grumbled incoherently and I removed my hand from his mouth.

"What?" He repeated.

"My clothes were being washed so I headed for Stacy's room but then Brian offered to knock on Stacy's door for me because my towel could fall. When you came up the stairs, he was about to knock on the door, not kiss me, but since it seemed like we were in a suggestive position, you took off before I could explain," I elaborated and his mouth formed an 'o' shape.

His eyes widened and he asked, "He was just knocking on the door?"

"Yes, Blake"

"And you and him weren't about to kiss?" He pressed on.

"No, Blake."

His dark eyes searched mine for answers but I had already explained everything. A huge smile formed on his lips and before I could react, he had scooped me up in his arms and was turning me around.

I yelped and laughed, "Blake, put me down!"

"You don't know how relieved I am- seeing you with Brian...it was unbearable," he closed his eyes and breathed in softly in the crook of my neck. I couldn't help but smile and wrap my arms around his waist.

"I would probably feel the same way if it happened to me," I laughed.

"That would be something new for you- getting jealous," he pulled back and winked.

"Come on, let's watch the sunset," he tugged me to the edge and we sat down. The view was absolutely breath-taking. The sky was a pinkish purple and the blazing orb of the sun stood out like a ball of orange and red. The city looked small from up here, with all the small houses and buildings below us.

"Look at this," Blake pointed at the sky and I lifted my head to see two stars standing out dimly although the sun had just begun to fade.

"Wow, those stars must be really huge for us to see it in daylight," I smiled and he nodded.

"And they look really close," he said and I stared at them. Maybe those were my parents, keeping an eye on Mia and I.

"Introduce yourself to the stars," I nodded towards them and looked at Blake expectantly. He laughed out loud but then noticed that I was serious.

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah,"

"Why?" He huffed, pouting those light pink lips at me.

"Just do it," I rolled my eyes.

"Fine. Hello, I'm Blake Miller and I really like Hayley,"

My eyes widened at his words and I tightened my hold on his hand before looking back up at the sky.

Yeah, mom and dad. He likes me. And I like him.