blue

XXVII

I continued hopelessly searching for someone who I wasn't meant to find.

I wasn't sure if he was in danger, happy, or just lost. All I know is that I'm lost without him. He may have betrayed me but he did it out of fear; or at least that's what I'll continue telling myself.

The image of my dad falling to his knees played in my head repeatedly. It brought me such joy and for once, I didn't feel guilty.

I had to find Ashton and say my goodbyes. There has to be another side to the story. He simply wouldn't just hand me over to "them".

But that's exactly what he did.

I walked with the occasional sprint for what was at least a couple miles. I didn't know where he was or what he was doing. I had absolutely no hints as to what his whereabouts are. But my gut kept telling me I was getting closer, so I kept walking.

I saw something. A body.

His body.

Laying lifeless on the ground.

As I walked toward him I got flashes of colour, almost like a glitch on a computer screen. It kept cutting in and out until they were only faded pastels. They may not be bright but if I'm seeing colours then Ashton must be alive.

"Ashton!" I yelled, shaking his lifeless body. "I'm here. It's okay. Everything is going to be okay. I forgive you. I-I love you. I understand." I sobbed into his jacket, which was damp from the rain. "Wake up!"

His eyes peeled open and he bolted upright.

"What the hell is happening, Ashton?"

His bright blue eyes stared at me for what seemed like ages. They sent chills up my spine and made me release my grip from his jacket.

"That's not what matters right now. The real question is what the hell are you doing here? I thought I made it clear that I don't want you anymore." He paused. "I never did."

I tried to let those words slip past my heart instead of stabbing it directly.

"That's not true, angel. You care about me. I can see it. I mean, you make me see colours for god sake! You cured a disease Ashton. How can you even try and tell me that that doesn't mean we are destined to be together?"

With that, he gave in and pulled me into a hug. The colours didn't explode vibrantly as usual which worried me, but I ignored it end accepted the embrace.

"I was afraid. Your dad... I wanted to protect you. But I only did the opposite."

I couldn't hold it in and let the tears fall from my eyes. He immediately wiped them with his sleeve.

"I'm so sorry, Melia. I won't ever let you out of my sight again. I promise."

I didn't show it on my face but I knew this went true. I made the connection minutes before he said this -

the reason that the colours are fading from my vision is because Ashton is fading away, too.

**
I haven't updated in months so I apologize!!! There's only one more chapter & an epilogue until this train wreck of a book is over.