Missing Pieces

Sparks Fly

Up above a stream of lights flickered. We pushed away relocating under the water's surface. Several ships flew above heading towards the city. We could not get caught. I glance at Damon; he gives me a worried expression in return. I begin counting. Neither of us can hold our breath longer than two minutes. The ships keep coming. Now they fly in clumps. 30 seconds. There's a gap, but you can hear more in the distance. 62. Damon is beginning to struggle. Three more fly by. 84 seconds. Another ship glides in pursuit of the rest. We wait. 103. Finally we surface.

I squeeze my eyes shut trying to reduce my headache due to the lack of oxygen.

"You okay?" Damon gently grasps my arm.

"Yeah, I'm fine, you?"

"Alright, that was more than usual." He furrowed his brow.

"Kind of strange," I raise my eyes to sky.

"Maybe we should go..." He clasped my hand and tugged me toward shore.

We almost kissed. Things have never gotten that close between us, except last summer.

•••

"I hate this place." Damon growled.

"I thought you loved it here? I mean, we do run here every night." I was confused.

I still remember the night. I remember it better than myself. It lingers among my dreams continuously.

"I do here, with you, but I mean our city. Our entire system is a joke," another wrinkle joined the pack on his forehead.

"Why do you say that?"

"We should have a choice. Who are they to say what career we have? I don't care if I'm better at science than politics. If I love something shouldn't I pursue it?" He seemed to be shouting.

"I don't know... They think it's better for us," I reached for his hand.

"It's bullshit!" He jerked it away, "We should also choose our partners. I don't want to wait around for my match." He was shouting.

"The studies have shown that it's more productive, besides most people eventually fall for their match," I know there isn't a point arguing.

"I want to spend my life with someone I care about and love already; I don't want to be told to care," Finally he settles back against the grass.

"Oh." I hold still, contemplating his words.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have erupted on you." He pulled my hand to his lips. He lightly kissed my palm and grinned.

•••

My eyes transfer to my palm. It pulses red. I remember the tingle his kiss left. I remember the electric jolt that cursed through my veins. I miss our simpler, star-stricken nights.

His feet contacted the pavement, sending echoes throughout the hollow woods. My calves burned, and my thighs ached. With every step my bed became more appealing. Within yards of the arch we began to slow; we needed to lighten our strides and quiet our feet.

Damon walked me to my window. The city streets were empty. Only one guard traveled along the edge, patrolling the neighborhood. We waited until he turned the corner to speak.

"That has definitely been missed." He stated scratching the back of his neck.

"Yeah," I barely whispered, rocking back on my heels.

"Promise me we'll do it again? We can't give up on us." He reached for my face and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Whenever you'd like, just let me know." I stifled a grin. His hand lingered, brushing my jawbone.

"Wow," He allowed his thumb to glide across my cheek.

"What?" I asked, suddenly becoming extremely self-aware.

"You really are absolutely beautiful," He smirked and leaned in. He let his lips brush my chin, drifting along my jaw.

"We can't do this," I found myself placing both palms against his chest.

"Yes we can," He tilted my chin upward and smiled.

"But," I trailed off. His lips fluttered against my own. He slipped one hand to the small of my back, allowing the other to cup my face. My lips parted letting a small gasp escape. The corners of his mouth tightened drawing his smile upward.

"Goodnight," He dropped his hand from my face and clasped my hand. He kissed my pulsing marking.

"Night," I squeezed his hand.

He winked and began jogging toward his home. I pushed open the glass on my window and slipped inside. Quickly I removed my shoes and tip-toed up the staircase. I stripped into my nighties and hopped into bed. Finally I exhaled a deep, longing breath.