The Island Boy

Chapter 13- Commemorate

Kissing my neck, he ran his fingers through my hair. "Jake." He looked up, and saw the tears falling down my face. "I'm sorry."

My hands went around him, taking in the embrace. "I'm always thinking about myself. So, I'm sorry." His thumb went under my eyes to stop me from crying. "Please... stop. I don't ever want to see you cry." He kissed my forehead. "I only wish to see you smile."

I gently smiled. "That's better." He let go, and grabbed a towel. "I'll be in the bedroom." The door clicked open, then shut close.

I sighed, and grabbed the pajamas. Slipping them on, I headed to the mirror. My shirt's not that bad. It had long black and white striped sleeves, and the rest was royal blue, with a small pocket decorated with a black and white heart over the breast.

My black shorts were mid thigh, which would explain the letter.

I sighed, and walked out of the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Jake was sprawled on the bed, head slumped against my pillow. I chuckled.

I quietly tip-toed towards the bed, and crept on the bed. I leaned down slowly, and kissed his forehead. His hand grabbed me, and pulled me towards him. "Jake!" He smiled, and sat me on his lap. "Sneaking around huh?"

"You got it wrong." I folded my arms. "I was simply checking your temperature." He laughed. "That's what the thermometer is for."

He stared at my face. "Do I have something on my face?" He shook his head. "How's that nose?" His hand reached out and gently touched the tip of my nose. "Is it healed?" He looked at each side of my nose, "Maybe I didn't break it."

"Speaking of which... Jake, what was your home like?" I asked politely, getting off his lap.

"Home...Let's see." He smiled. "I lived with a mother, father and two siblings: Wendy and Peter, they were twins. My mother named them after the characters in her favorite fairy tale. We were two years apart." He chuckled.

"They were always in trouble, always living life to the fullest. I remember one day, Wendy had a bad cold, and Peter came back, with her in his arms. It was quite shocking. Wendy was never one to get sick." I smiled. "They seem like nice people."

"They were. Always smiling, always joking. I admired them."

"How about your mother and father?" He chuckled. "Mom was always cooking and smiling. She had a heart of gold. Always worrying about us, always wanting the best for us. She always stood up for us each time one of the villagers chased us around. 'they're just kids!'" He mimicked a female voice.

"Ah... those were the days." He muttered, and looked to ceiling. He slowly reclined against the pillows. "My dad was almost never home, he joined the army when I was born. But when he did come home, he would take Wendy, and Peter, along with myself to spend time together. Mom used to tag along, but ever since she was hospitalized, Dad went back to the army so he could help pay for her hospital bills even though he really didn't have to."

He paused, and then continued. "But he thought it was best. Because of this, I ended up raising my siblings. I taught Wendy to cook, and Peter to treat wounds. I ended up working all day."

"Was it fun?" He shook his head. "No way. The only job I managed to get at that time was as a produce delivery boy. I was packing fish in boxes every day."

I chuckled. "Not to talk about low pay." He went on. "Six hours every day, only getting paid twenty cents per hour. Not to even mention how terrible I smelled after the days' work."

"I can imagine." I muttered. "And then I came over here. It was like heaven at first. But now... it's changed. I can't put myself in danger like I used to. I have to think about you. What would happen if I wasn't there for you?"

"I'd probably be dead." I answered honestly. "I know, that's why tomorow, when we go hunting, we'll stick together."

I looked at him, "But wouldn't that slow the process?" He looked into my eyes. "Protectors like to have tests pop up at any moment, and they'll do it just to see us suffer."

"I wasn't born with these scars... I got them from the test."

He muttered. "Anyways... it's getting late, and we have a long day ahead of us."

He moved over to pull the blanket over the two of us, then turning the lamp off. His hands fumbled around nervously as he remembered I was pressed up by his chest.

I was almost able to sense him blushing, as I cuddled against his chest. It was silent, although we were both purely awake. I shifted for a mere second, my head lying comfortably on his chest. He didn't budge. He didn't blink.

"Jake..."He turned to see my face. Suddenly a hand traced up my leg. My heart jumped out of its cage and sent me shivers down my spine. But suddenly he stopped, and sat up.

I sat up along with him, turning the lamp back on. "I can't do this." He muttered. "Isn't there another pair that isn't as revealing?"

I sighed. "This one was the least revealing."

He got up, and headed towards the door. "I'll sleep on the sofa tonight."

"Jake, I'm fine with it." He shook his head. "No...I'll regret it if I do. Goodnight."

With that being said, he closed the door behind him, and headed into the living room, without another word. I could still hear my heart thumping against its cage, still in shock about last night's events.

I turned the lamp off, and closed my eyes. Thinking about this won't make anything better, it'll just make you wonder why he did so. Why he couldn't do it. So go to sleep, or tomorrow morning you won't be able to hunt.

But my mind didn't stop it's one way conversation, and I stared blankly at the ceiling. And finally, after hours, I fell asleep.