Viridescent Flares

43

The moment that I woke up from the nightmare, we had made it to our destination. I would've noticed that we were in the beach if I wasn't crying in Lauren's arms and contemplating deeply into the dream that I had. My girlfriend managed to calm me down though, asking for help to carry our things to a spot by the shore. It was quarter-to-seven and the sun was replaced by the bright full moon, giving us a better view of the sea. The beach was mostly empty because it's a strange time to be here but it only gave us the opportunity to enjoy the place without reservations.

I was currently sitting between Lauren's legs on the blanket she brought as her front was pressed against my back. Her hand have been playing with packs of my abs under my shirt for a while now and it felt like she was lighting my skin up on fire with every touch. She knew that I needed time to clear my head and we have been in the comfortable silence since we got here.

Little did she know that I'm done thinking about the nightmare and the only thing in my mind now was the way treated me today—and the constant grazing of her fingertips on my stomach. What Lauren gave me or did for me was every girl's dream. From the surprise in the morning until this view in front of us. Lauren loves beaches a lot and I've grown to like them, too, in the moments I've been with her. It was the same thing with my attraction for rooftops at night. I loved the way Lauren made an effort to gather my former basketball teammates in high school and even made them play with me. They all had busy schedules but they still complied with the green-eyed girl's wishes. But I knew that they did it, too, because they wanted to see me. At least that's what I thought.

I loved how she and the girls spent their money for our lunch. I loved how Lauren treated me to shopping and bought literally everything I wanted. The money she earns from work doesn't go straight to her pocket. I know that she divides them with her family to help them with what they need at home. Although it was really the reason why she joined us—to help her family with their financial issues. Clara might have told her to stop giving them money—saying that it was hers and it came from her hard work—but Lauren's stubborn and she loves helping her family so she cuts her income in half to give the other to them and the other for herself. When needed, she even gives them more generously.

And I felt grateful when she ran her wallet for the things that I wanted although they weren't much needed. I wanted to argue with her about it but I know I wouldn't win. But most importantly, I was happy and I loved the fact that she spent the whole day with me. She spent it by making me feel good about myself and making this birthday even more fantastic than it already is. Actually, I didn't mind if we'd just lie down and cuddle for the rest of the day but I knew that my girlfriend wanted to do something special for me so, I let her. Speaking of—have I thanked her already?

"Lauren?" I called, pulling my head back to see if she was awake.

She was, and her chin was still resting on my shoulder as she met my eyes. "Hm?"

"Thank you for today," I said, watching her lips turn into a warm smile. "I really loved everything. I appreciated every single one of it that you did. Thank you for making this birthday unforgettable. Not to mention the best."

She laughed, tightening her hold on me as she pulled me closer to her before kissing a lingering kiss on my cheek. "I love making you happy."