Foreigner of Fire

17 - Infatuation

Her knuckles rapped against the wooden cabin door. Ash opened it, dressed in a pair of jeans and a thin pullover hoodie. His hair was messy and his silver eyes looked haunted.

"May I come in?" Lily asked quietly. Ash didn't say a word, but he stepped aside and let her walk in. She sat down on the bed, trying not to remember what had happened just two nights ago. "I wanted to talk to you...About that night..."

"Go on." Ash said to her. He didn't feel comfortable, knowing that was the reason why she had burst out crying in front of everyone at the interest day speech yesterday. He wanted to apologize, but he couldn't find the nerve.

"We can't do that again." She held in her breath for a moment. "We can't do something like that again."

"I'm sorry." Was all he said. They were met in silence for a while. "I'm sorry I did that."

"You need to understand that I am devote. I am saved. Jesus means the world to me. He died on that cross for our sins. He vanquished the Earth of all its sorrows and sins and agony and pain..." Lily continued. "I love Jesus."

"I know." Ash replied, not looking at her.

"Why did you do it?" She asked, her voice fading out towards the end. "Why did you kiss me?"

"I..." Ash paused before sighing loudly. "I like you. I'm infatuated...You literally make me go..." He groaned. "I don't even know – You make me feel euphoric."

"You can't – " Lily felt the tears. "We can't do anything like that unless we are married. I don't want to abstain."

"I know." Ash muttered. "I know, and I'm truly sorry I let it go that far."

"We have to stop." Lily shook her head as the tears fell. "I can't see you like that. We have to stay friends. It has to be platonic. Until and unless you can marry me; it has to be platonic."

"I can't just...Your parents..." Ash breathed. "Lily, I'd like to make you mine. But you need to give me some time. Marriage is a big step."

"I can wait till marriage. I am determined to remain virgin until I marry. Only my husband deserves it. If you want it..." She got up off her bed. "We're old enough. If you really want it..."

"I do." Ash turned to look at her. "I want you. I want you and everything you have to offer." He shook his head. "But not yet...You must know the truth."

"Then tell me."

"You're not ready, Lily. I can't share it with you. I'm not ready." His eyes held pain and he wanted to tell her so much.

"Then come for me when you are." She concluded before walking out of the cabin.

He didn't stop her.