Rebel

Day of Discovery

         The smell of burnt fish reached my nose. My eyes flew opened as I realized I wasn't in Valerya's house. Memories of the night before wafted up to my head. I glanced down with wide eyes. One of my arms was currently draped over Eugene's bare chest.

He rested peacefully, his curly hair looking almost blonde in the filtering sunlight. I slowly lifted my arm, pushing myself on my elbows. The blanket over our bodies fell down, exposing my chest. I scrambled to cover myself quietly. I cursed at myself, a million of thoughts running through my head.

              I dared to peek under the blanket to see if it was really true. I almost cried out as I realized our legs were tangled with each other. How did I let this happen? I'm too young for things like this! What if I ended up the same way as Esmeralda? Or would I have to marry him? The endless of thoughts and questions crammed into my mind until one voice ceased them all.

"You don't need to cover yourself," chuckled a very sleep Eugene. "I already saw everything." My cheeks grew hot with embarrassment instantly. I glanced down at Eugene, who was squinting up at me with a lopsided grin.

          I frowned. Eugene nodded. "Yup. There it is ladies and gents. That famous frown I've grown to love." He said in a loud voice. I gripped his mouth, pressing my palm over his lips. "Shh!" I hissed. Eugene laughed into my hand. I realized I was currently on his chest.

Naked.

    My hand slowly fell away. "You're annoying me." I said. Eugene brought his hands up to my face. "And you're annoying me with that frown." He said. It wasn't funny. But yet, I still cracked a smile. "Shut up." I grumbled as I pecked his lips. Eugene pulled my face back to his, deepening the kiss as I squealed.

I tried pulling back, chuckling. Eugene shook his head. "One more." He whined. "No! Everyone might be looking for us!" I exclaimed with a grin as I tried to swat his hands away from me. "One. Please. I promise." He pouted. I shook my head.

                 Eugene placed his hands under my jaw, forcing me to look down at him. I froze under his gaze. A certain nervousness bubbled inside of me again.

"I love you, Zaila." Eugene whispered, his green eyes looking deeply into mine.

    The whole world was still for only a few moments. I swallowed, my mouth suddenly running dry. I blinked down at him with a loss of words. My mind drew a blank. The only thing replaying were those words; I love you, Zaila. Eugene loved me. My heart was painfully squeezing tightly.

The guy who I thought I would never see loved me. Something I never knew I could achieve after Jako. Did I love him? I wasn't so sure. I thought I loved Jako... then how did I get over him so quickly? I asked myself.

Maybe because Eugene was always on my mind.

           I was tightly gripping his shoulders. My tongue didn't seem to want to work. I realized age didn't matter. People died at all ages. Why was death reasonable among all ages but love wasn't? My thoughts whirled around in me, leaving me slightly confused. But it was simple. Did I love Eugene? Could I picture him in my life? We were so young.

"Zaila... say something." He said softly, stroking my cheek. I narrowed my eyes at him, returning to reality. My heart was pounding rapidly against my chest. My stomach was a tight knot. I chuckled, letting out a breath. "I love you. I love you too, Eugene." I said, grinning down at him. My shoulders sagged with relief as my chest expanded with a breath of freedom.

      Eugene blinked rapidly, smiling. "Really?" He asked in disbelief. I chuckled as I pushed myself away from him. "Don't make me say it again." I said as I ripped the blanket away from him. "Hey!" He exclaimed as he reached over to cover himself.