Behind The Shadows (Complete)

Episode 1

Behind The Shadows

RAIN ROSE

Published by Rain Rose

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Copyright © 2023. Rain Rose. All rights reserved. Including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"We are but fiery spirits of feelings and emotions, 

clusters of stardust in search of our divine soul-home."

- Rain

CHAPTER 1

INNOCENCE

"Don't you think I'm pretty?"

"You're the prettiest thing I have ever seen," he quipped softly.

She blushed, pleased with his answer. They had grown close over the last two years. A visceral connection had nurtured and grown effortlessly. They communicated in a language of love that transcended words, found in the depths of their gazes. She was drawn to him just as naturally as he was to her.

"So, why don't you ever - " she began, but he cut her off gently.

"Because, you are, so beautiful," he responded before she could complete her sentence. "The way people see the beauty in gold is how I see the beauty in you. You're pure, you're more powerful than you know and you shine brighter than anyone I know."

He stepped closer to her and took her hand. "You," he said softly, "you're an anomaly I can't explain. You're here in my life...stirring up feelings," he sighed, "I shouldn't feel."

He let go of her hand and put both his in his jeans pockets. "Listen, I need you to know you're worth."

"Worth what?" she asked.

"Everything. Everything good you deserve and everything I can't give you."

"But, I don't want everything. I just want you," she slipped.

"I'd rather never see you again than ever hurt you," his hazel eyes drew watery.

"You could never hurt me, I know that," she replied naively.

"Baby girl..." he muttered. He removed his cap and ran a hand over his low haircut. "You're only 15. One day you'll understand why I can't give you what you want. But you're fixed in my heart and you'll always have a place there."

"But, we almost -"

"Almost doesn't count," he interrupted gently.

Stepping back, he adjusted a partially smoked blunt behind his ear.

She looked at him despairingly knowing too well that for whatever reason, her only light was bidding her farewell.

The truth was there, behind the tears that glistened in his eyes.