Generation Infinosil

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen - Shane

2050

When the rain finally stopped, we decided that it was best for us to go and get cleaned up. We were both drowned rats and were in desperate need of a towel and a change of clothes.

As we waded through the ankle-deep puddles, I thought about how well things had gone. Despite the unplanned downpour, things seemed to be coming along nicely. We spent the whole time laughing, smiling and chatting; genuinely enjoying ourselves, or at least I hoped she enjoyed herself.

First stop was Kaitlyn's house so that she could grab some clean clothes and a pair of more suitable shoes. She invited me inside but I declined the offer; I didn't think her parents would appreciate the trail of muddy footprints that I was bound to have made around their house.

I waited for the moment that she'd step through the door and I could be near her again. The truth is, I loved being around her, I felt like I belonged by her side. And I prayed that one day she'd feel that too.

When I saw the door open, I felt my heart speed up and I couldn't control my smile whilst she walked towards me, looking as beautiful as always (if not more beautiful). I was finding that every time I saw her, I spotted new things that I loved about her. This time it was the way she tucked her hair behind her ears, even though it always fell back immediately. I don't know why I loved these little things about her but I couldn't help it.

She threw a towel at me and explained, "if I had some guy clothes that would fit you, I'd gladly let you borrow them, but unless you want to wear some of mine, all I have is a towel."

"That's okay, thank you," I responded, smiling, "I think I'll take the towel."

I dried my hair and neck before passing it back to her, "I bet my hair's a right mess, I must look like a tramp."

"Yeah, you do a bit," she said, "but I think it's the clothes that make it seem that way, they're drenched." She grabbed a bunch of my shirt and wrung it out; the water didn't just trickle, it poured.

"Woah, you're right, I didn't realise they were that wet."

She was so close to me. Close enough that I could see the few freckles that were spread over her little nose. Close enough that I could hold her and pull her into my arms.

There was nothing I wanted more in that moment than to embrace her and feel her warm body hugging me back; pulling me close. But I couldn't do that, if I did, I could risk scaring her away. If she no longer wanted to be around me, I just knew how I'd feel: lost, broken and incomplete.

And what killed me was, I didn't know if she felt the same about me.