Chapter 31: There's Still Beauty

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{Lauren's POV}

The moment between waking up from a dream and still feeling the remnants of the reality you've created in your head, is such an odd feeling. You have to remind yourself what's real and what's not. Sometimes, it's a little disappointing, while other times it's a relief.

At this moment, I had no hesitation in wiping clean my memories of a fictional scenario, despite the fact that my dreams can get rather elaborate and wild.

The feeling of my chin, which rested on top of a head that hid itself shyly against the crook of my neck, was far more of a rush than anything I could dream up.

Savoring a moment is something we don't do as much as we should. I don't think we as a society even possess the ability. Everything is always moving at a rapid speed and at this point, most of us feel a subconscious sense of entitlement to always be in tune with what's new, what's popular, what's interesting for the next 15 seconds before we lose interest and look for something else.

It's a shame really.

We miss out on so much that's in front of us, for the sake of a picture to post for others to see and lose interest in. For the sake of a status most won't read . For the sake of being perceived as a lively, active, happy individual by others.

I was once told as a joke, "If you didn't post it online, it didn't happen," and I laughed because it's true to most people.

But maybe, just maybe, we should learn to be a little more selfish with the moments we share. To me, if a moment is truly worth anything, I want to savor it. I want it for myself. I want it as a memory that is as true as I can make it in my mind.

This is one of those moments.

Placing a kiss on my lover's forehead, I sigh contently. The little lion, her hair was a mess if I've ever seen one, ever so slightly retreated from the safety of my embrace, allowing my fingers to effortlessly glide across smooth exposed skin, but also letting a chill of air take the place of her warmth.

"You're up." she said lowly, a slight grain in her voice induced by her slumber.

"I am." I say with a small smile, not containing the need I had to tame her crazed mane that was tickling my face.

The younger girl lazily turns her head to face her alarm clock, the time reading 6:20AM. She turns back to me with a more stoic expression than expected.

"It should be illegal to be awake at this hour." She grumbles, before plopping her head forcefully on the pillow, making me playfully scoff at her dramatics. Turning to face her, I let my fingers trace aimless patterns on her back, a habit that calms both her and I.

"It's Tuesday." I say. By now, the brunette is used to my moments away to see my mother. I've never missed a visit before. I don't intend to start anytime soon.

"I know." She replies back softly, her eyes fixated on mine.

We remained this way for a few moments, enjoying the tranquility that had fallen upon us. Enjoying our time together and trying to make up for moments lost these past two weeks.

I still traced patterns and she stilled stared back. When the time read 6:50AM, I knew I had to start my day. At some moment, I watched brown eyes grow heavy, though her fight to keep them open was rather adorable, she'd eventually lose. Sliding stealthily from her grasp, I helped myself to a quick shower and got dressed. The sleepyhead was still resting peacefully through all of it, so I decided to leave behind a note. Just in case.

I know you know I would only leave your side because I really had to. I would gladly spend the rest of my days next to you. Uninterrupted by the world around us.

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