Princess

six

He was right, always was. The night had only just begun. I soon found myself riding in the passenger side of his old station wagon, windows down and wind rushing at my face. He was a reckless driver, but it was refreshing, if I'm honest. It was a nice break from the careful stepping of every other aspect of my life. This newfound recklessness was like free-falling. The only thing was I couldn't help but think about when I was gonna hit the ground. And when I did, I hoped Emerson would be there too.

"What's goin' on in that pretty mind of yours, princess?" Emerson turned to me, one large hand carelessly on the bottom of the wheel.

"Nothing. Just thinking."

"Then something is going on in your mind." He turned his eyes back to the freeway. I watched him in awe. He made living look effortless. His eyelashes beat his defined cheekbones when he blinked, hiding his wintery eyes for a moment. The last remains of sun wove themselves into his golden locks, giving them an unearthly glow found only in images of Greek gods. Not to mention the perfect wind-swept look he was sporting so effortlessly, his hair and skin glowing.

"Princess? I lost ya again, darling."

"What? Oh yeah, sorry." I gave him a sheepish grin and adjusted my glasses that had been knocked askew by the wind.

"Are you gonna answer the question?"

"What was the question?" I saw him roll his eyes.

"I asked what you were thinking about." I started to open my mouth. "I want an honest answer." I closed my mouth and sighed. Him and his honesty would be the death of me.

"Fine. I was thinking about how one can look so physically perfect and god-like."

"Who can look so perfect?"

"You, you idiot." I saw him smile.

"Thank you, but I prefered knight in shining armour over idiot." I could hear the cheeky tone in his voice and knew he was just playing. Well, Emerson, I can play this game, too.

"Really? I thought idiot was more fitting for someone who throws rocks at people's windows and goes stargazing on the school footy field at midnight."

"But you had fun. And you called me your knight in shining armour earlier."

"That I did. But I still firmly believe idiot is a better title." He pouted. God, even his pouting was perfection. How could someone be so beautiful? He must've been a descendent of a god. Seriously, there was no other way to explain it. Emerson was a Greek god, that was that.

It was almost dark by the time we reached, well, wherever we were. He pulled the car into an open field. You could see the last remains of the sun glowing a dark orange at the edge of the trees. He didn't unlock the doors, just sat there for a moment, eyes closed.

"Emmy-"

He drew in a sharp breath, but didn't miss a beat. "What did you call me?"

"Uh, Emerson?" I turned my head to look out the window. He was angry with me, and I didn't want to get hurt. I should've never trusted him. My breathing sped up and my vision began to go a little spotty. He placed his hand on my shoulder, making me jump. I cursed under my breath. He slowly pulled my shoulder back so my body was facing him.

"I'm not gonna hurt you, darling. And I'm not mad." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. He wasn't mad, and he wasn't violent. Well, maybe he was, but not with me, so that was good.

"Sorry."

"Don't apologise, love." His hand slipped from my shoulder and rested on the top of the seat. "You had a question?"