Dark & Light

~Chapter Twelve~

(You all can listen to One Call Away by Charlie Puth while reading this chapter if you like, it seemed to blend well with some of the emotions I am trying to convey through Chris's point of view this week. ;))

Chris's POV

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All I knew was that Paige had run away, because I had said too much, asked too much of her. I had suggested something that, judging by her reaction, had scared her to death.

It was scaring me too, to speak aloud those faint hopes I'd rather keep deep inside of me then ever dare reveal to others.

But, I wanted to take a chance on those hopes, as desperate as they are. Even if it meant I'd be as frightened of the outcome, I had to still try.

It had to happen. I would have to try to convince Paige to take a real chance for once in her life. A daring chance that could never taken back later.

So I began running after her. Only she quickened up, noticing I began approaching her more swiftly.

Just like earlier today.

I wasn't going to give up. Not on her, not now. So I just began running all the faster after her.

And thankfully, I began gaining ground behind her and caught up to her...barely; she ran long, fast, and hard.

Its as if she has always been running away from something chasing after her in life...just like she was running away from a desperate hope now...

"Paige!" She didn't slow down.

I stopped her by running even faster and moving swiftly in front of her, breathless from running. She tried to move to my side and continue, avoiding eye contact with me, but I stepped in front of her before she could get away again. She finally lifted her eyes to meet mine.

"Paige, why? Why?"

"Because none of this can happen. Because you're beautiful. And I'm broken."

"I'm just like you." Beautiful?!

"No."

"Yes."

"How could you be like me? How could anyone be like me, Chris?" Tears were in her eyes, threatening to burst forth.

I touched her on the shoulders, grasped them delicately with my hands. I could feel her recoil at the touch, then ease into my contact, as a look of vulnerability and longing passed over her face.

"Believe me," I whispered. "I know. I understand. I do."

"That's the frightening thing. I think I do believe you, though I shouldn't."

Her voice had grown shaky. She was biting her lip, trying to control the tears from falling. And then I saw her stare at me, and totally lose it.

Angry, hurt, hot tears burst forth from her eyes. She suddenly leaned her head against my shoulder, and hugged me tightly, trying to control her crying but failing to do so. I held her close, praying inside I or someone could do something for this girl. I didn't know all of her story, but I knew some of the pain she was feeling.

I knew so much.

But could I offer this girl any hope? Was it too late? Would she retreat? Would she stay? Would she trust? Would she back away forever from my embraces and touch?

Before I even knew what I was doing or I could myself hold back, my own eyes burned with pained tears. They rolled down my cheeks, as I realized how vulnerable and hurt the girl who was in my arms really was. I could not tell how long she had been really left alone, but it was obvious the loneliness that had defined her had become something she had stored away inside, deep in an internal hole that was meant for wonderful, happy things. But instead it had always been filled with hurt and loneliness and heartbreak.

So much pain in the world...and so much pain in this girl in particular. She was suffering, hurting, attempting to deal with it, trying to move on but not really making a single step forward...

All of that contained within one being. One girl. One teenager-not even an adult, and Paige was already developed far beyond her seventeen years.

I waited for her to let go of me, as her sobbing slowly subsided, for her to wipe away her tears, and say quietly she had regretted what she had just done. Mad at herself and me for having opened herself up, even just a little bit and for a little while.

But she didn't. Not yet.

Would she break away? Would she become angry? Cry more, then run?

I didn't know. I didn't want any of that happening.

But I knew better than to hope for anything other than one of those things occurring.

If there's one thing that's true in this finite, ravaging reality we exist in, its that those broken are usually too afraid to be willing to be put back together by the love of another. It does not and will not happen.

Or will it?

I breathed in and out as best I could, because Paige had just slowly let go of me.

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Hey everyone! This was a pretty emotional chapter, right?? :'/ Let me know in the comments what you think of what happened in this update, and what may happen next. Make sure you vote too!

xx,

Veronica