Running Away-Travlyn

Smile-Ch.7

Travis' POV:

Through the window glass, I watched as rays of golden light emerged from the horizon. Warm shades of red and amber, soft hues of orange, like a phoenix, rising from the ashes of cold lonely nights, symbolized hope, burning like a small flame, and warmth. The sunlight poured in through the window, illuminating the entire room. I wanted to just stay here forever, staring at the sunset, sitting next to her. Today, as I could tell, was going to be a peaceful day.

Turning around, my gaze met Katelyn's eyes. She was smiling, a genuine, pure smile. Golden specks of reflected sunlight danced with joy in her eyes, like a gentle fire. I noticed that this was the first time she smiled since she got here. I smiled back in return.

"Hey," she said, breaking the silence, "This is the first time I've seen you smile like this."

"I was going to say the same thing, I guess there's just not much to smile about these days," I answered back.

"You were tossing and turning last night, what was that all about? You made me worried..."

"Just nightmares," I said, not wanting to worry her with my own problems.

"What do you mean 'just nightmares'? You can tell me Travis, don't hide."

I looked away, I wanted to tell, but I couldn't. I just met her, she doesn't need to know all the details, right? Ugh, why was this so hard?

I decided to tell, for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to keep secrets from her. "Sometimes, I get nightmares of how the Demon Warlock used to torture people, back when he was stronger." I paused for a moment, trying not to get too emotional. "I hear the screams Katelyn, and, when I see my...father terrorizing the people, I-" I started choking with tears, I couldn't bring myself to say anymore. "I-I just can't take it," I sputtered, trying to hold back the thrashing waves of tears.

I looked at her through my tearful eyes, and saw her face, still listening intently. She edged closer to me as we sat together, there on that couch, her strong arms embracing me, keeping me safe. And even through all those tears, her gentle smile was constant.

"I understand," she said, speaking in a hushed voice, "In O'khasis, there was a lot of terror. Zane, an evil High Priest, took my family. They took my family, two of my younger brothers, and my father as well, and as the oldest one, I couldn't do anything, just because I was a girl. I remember it so clearly too. It was just one normal night when the guards broke into the house. They recklessly came in, destroyed some of the house, and took away everyone who was able to fight. I wasn't taken, obviously, because they didn't want the girls, but I had heard the stories. I heard the rumors from other families, soldiers breaking in, taking all the men, and using some dark magicks to brainwash them. Out of fear and stupidity, I attacked them, using the weapons I had, hidden under my bed. Then, I ran, away from O'khasis and onto the ship. I ran from them Travis, I abandoned my own family."

I understood the pain she had. I thought something I hadn't dared to say before, although I should have. I knew that my mother would not survive this battle.

Katelyn's POV:

I closed my eyes and hugged my arms around him tighter, burying my face so he wouldn't see the single silver tear that had escaped despite my efforts to control my emotions. I thought about something I didn't dare to mention: They are chasing me, and they're going to take me, sooner or later.

I didn't want to leave though, as wrong as it was, I didn't want to go back to O'khasis or my family. Here, even though there are O'khasis guards all over the place, I could be who I truly am around him.

Lifting my head up, I wiped away my tears and smiled. His strong arms around my waist, and mine around him, I wanted it to last forever. His beautiful emerald eyes were so comforting to look at, like something from a fantasy. Then, together, like one mind, he began to lean closer, and so did I. I could feel his soft and tender breathing, no words were needed as we embraced each other, saying I love you. Slowly, I felt his hand, warm and sturdy reach up to my cheek. In response, I leaned over more, two hearts so close, beating as one. Together. Nothing else mattered right now, it was only the two of us. He began to press closer....and then.......