Caught In The Gray

Chapter Eleven

Entry Seven

I almost did it. I almost gave in and kissed her. It was hard enough being around her all day, touching her for the self defense class. I couldn't sleep because the thought of her was keeping me awake.

I went to the pool of water to clear my head, see if I could stop thinking about her, but she was there. I was surprised to see her and I almost kissed her when she was talking about how perfect it was. Her eyes were bright and excited, that was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, her in that moment. When we raced in the water and she was yelling at me, her nose scrunched up in the most adorable way.

I was so close to the edge, teetering over it when she looked up at me and moved closer. I stormed away and now she probably thinks I'm a jackass. It's better than her thinking of me as wanting her only for her body, only wanting her for sex.

I can feel myself getting closer to the edge, everyday I get a few steps closer and I don't know what's going to happen when I go over, falling into the unknown.

I'm meeting Alaric's parents at the Base today. Yesterday, I didn't see Alaric much, we both mostly stayed in our rooms. We didn't talk about swimming or anything really.

I look in my closet and grab a black pencil skirt and a gray blouse that his hints of blue. I rummage around and find a pair of gray heels. I leave my hair down, but I twist and pin sections above my ears. I put on deodorant and and move to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

When I'm done, I walk to the kitchen and make coffee. I give Rosy food and water and make a piece of toast. The coffee machine beeps as Alaric walks into the room. He looks really good in a dark charcoal gray three piece suit and a white dress shirt. His tie is white and gray stirppied and his hair is meticluously styled.

"Coffee?" I ask and hold up the pot.

"Yes, thank you." He says and sits down at the table. I pour two cups and put cream in mine before giving Alaric his. My toast pops up and I rush to grab it.

"Is there anything I should know before I officially meet your parents?" I ask as I sit down.

"Their relationship is a pretty facade. They're not in love, they've never loved each other. My mother was chosen based on her beauty and her docileness. Having said that, they both are very quick to judge." Alaric says and I nod taking a drink of coffee.

"Is there anything else I should know?" I ask, taking a bite of toast.

"Most likely, my mother will sit there and say nothing other than a greeting or make polite small talk. My father on the other hand," he says, stopping shaking his head. "He's on edge because of the transition, he's trying to control everything before he loses power." Alaric says and his eyes turn a cold, stormy, calculated gray. I feel like there's something he's not telling me.

"Okay," I say and finish eating. I take another drink of coffee and stand up. I grab my coffee mug and plate and I put them in the sink. I walk towards my room and grab my backpack, I put my journal and a pen in it and I put the iPod and earbuds in it too along with a few other things.

I walk back into the kitchen and Alaric stands up, moving to put his empty cup in the sink. Rosy is wagging her tail and sitting really nicely, I smile and give her a treat. "Ready?" I ask and Alaric nods.

We start walking towards the Base and I shift my backpack. It's hot and humid out today, the air is thick and I can feel my hair getting thicker and curlier. I look up to the sky, the clouds are heavy and hang low in the sky, the color is dark. I can tell it's going to start thunderstorming.