•Back To You• {old title: She's Broken}

XIV

-

Seconds of silence passed.

I didn't want to see her.

I wasn't ready to.

I didn't move. I couldn't move.

I remained stiff and frozen.

My arms still had my head laying down on it. 

The only difference between now and before the door opened with that swishing sound, was that my eyes were now widened.

I was too afraid to see her.

Too afraid to face the effects of what happened that day.

"Save it."

I flinched again.

The words. How visibly hurt she was. 

It was all coming back.

"I think I made a mistake... h-ha ha..."

I immediately closed my eyes. 

I inhaled sharply.

So sharply she gave out a sigh, clearly sensing how nervous I was.

"Come on, just look at me. Eventually, you'll have to, you know."

Her voice.

It's just as I remember. 

There were just minor changes because of growth.

It had become a little lower in key or pitch or whatever you call it, and it had become stronger.

It had these little cracks every now and then. It was a little more raspy too.

It was quite different but I wouldn't recognize it for anybody else.

Still, it was different.

It's the same person, I know that. But I can tell, things have changed.

"You know, we're getting late for breakfast. Can't have you sleeping through it. You'll not be able to get any food in the middle other than our scheduled meals."

I just can't get used to this voice.

It's the same yet so different.

And the difference was so impactful.

Her voice was impactful.

Imagine how I'd be when I actually listen to her songs during my time here.

Lord, have mercy and save my soul.

Now, compose yourself Adrien. 

You have to go for breakfast and as she also said, I have to face her eventually anyway.

It's going to be hard to do that, and I'll never be ready for it.

Just like right now.

Might as well face her now and not attempt to avoid it.

So with a deep breathe, I started to get up, and while trying my best to ignore hesitation, which almost won midway, I turned around.

I saw her.

I saw Marinette again.

I knew I wouldn't be ready.

But I didn't know that even after knowing her presence was around me, which happened through her voice, 

That looking at her would give me shivers.

There she was.

With her arms crossed on her chest.