You Will Be Okay Here: Christian Novelli

Chapter Twelve

The sound of a light wind whistles through the trees above with crunching leaves under my feet. My back has a drip of sweat trickling down the middle just under my backpack as I come around the bend in the trail to where we would be spending a few nights. I look up towards the sky to see how much day light is left and the sun is just cresting down behind the trees as the lights sparkles through the branches.

A few hours later, we set some collected wood alight; the fire crackled triumphantly projecting long shadows on the surrounding area. The light cast by the flames danced across the dark trunks of the trees, twisting and curling in obscure shapes and providing a small radius of light. The fire itself was pulsating, the glowing embers seemed to move in rhythm with the flames - matching every dip and sweep. It was mesmerizing to watch, colours of orange and red gave way to yellow and white near the centre, where the emanating heat was the greatest.

"Are you alright? Warm enough?" Christian asked, passing me a marshmallow to roast over the roaring fire.

"Thanks. Yeah. Just a little chilly" I responded.

Without saying a word, he shuffled closer to me on the fallen tree truck, which we were sat on, and threw his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his core. Snuggling into Christian, he kissed the top of my head lightly.

"I have a surprise" he spoke after a few minutes of comfortable silence. Smiling, he stood up and jogged to our tent. Next thing I know, I hear the beautiful strums of a guitar as well as a perfect singing voice. No, that can't be-

Looking up, Christian slowly stepped towards me; flashing his grin and sang. I never knew he could sing - sing so well too!

'Sitting on the old bridge

Catching all the shellfish

They all think we're selfish

But they din't understand

The way we feel

Casting ancient magic

Nothing is real

A crescent in the water

We seal the deal

Eating our bad habits

With one big meal

Sitting on the old bridge

The sky is painted dark red

Running from the cool kids

Cause they don't understand

The way we feel

Nothing is real

Nothing is real

Nothing is real '

He sang, his voice made me melt.

"Anna?" Christian peered up to me, staring into my eyes, "can I say something crazy?"

"Sure"

"I" he hesitated for a few seconds, "I love you"

"Can u say something crazier, I love you too"

Leaning into each other closer, putting his guitar onto the floor, we kissed.

Oh my, Christian Novelli loves me! He actually loves me.

Is this happening?