Endless - starry sky

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ＰＲＥＳＥＮＴ
"And always remember poppy, you're not alone in this game."
The last words Ethan could whisper in my ear before he got surrounded by all his 'fans', I like to call.

Not even 5 seconds after entering school he already got stolen from me.
And the stupid cousin of mine doesn't even tries to free himself.
Leaving me alone standing at the school entrance.

Making my way through the hallway I try to dodge every student who doesn't notice my presence.
Being invisible to everyone makes my school life honestly easier.
I don't have to care what I do or if I behave strangely.
But still I'm still aware of all their glances.
And I know why.

They don't get to see the tall grey eyed bo-
No.
The tall grey eyed man.
That's what differentiate Cayden from all the other students.

Nobody could be compared to him... and nobody even dares to try.

I barely got in time to class with everyone else rushing in Ms. Bells class.
With all my books in both arms, I collected from my locker I made my way to the back.

Ms. Bell writing the topic of todays lesson on the blackboard.
Ben the person sitting next to me stuffing his nose in a comic.
Jessica the girl in front of my making out with her newest boyfriend.

Everyone were doing their thing.
Something they did daily.
Are familiar with.

And me...
I am sitting in the back and observe my classmates.
Why?
Because I'm envious of them.

All of them have something, someone they know.
And mines got snatched away.

And so the lesson went on...
My eyes felt heavy and I got greeted by another dream...

ＰＡＳＴ
"F*ck flower get back here!"
"No!! Why should I, you don't accept a no!"
"That's right Babe I always get what I want. And I want you to stop running around, dammit!"
Almost reaching my wrist I make a sprint for the other side.

After Cayden suggested to meet up with some of his friend I hesitantly declined.
Because I know how stubborn he can be.
But persistent as he is he won't stop to annoy me until I agree to go with him.

The thing with Cayden is, that he always wants me at his side, never want to avert his eyes from me.
Some may call it annoying that he is so possessive of me.
... But I kinda like it, knowing how much he loves and cares for me.

And Cayden does trust me, but not the others.
Especially the world we life in you don't trust others...

And here we are running around the kitchen counter and fighting.
Nothing unusual.

Thus time I try to make a sprint to the front door.
But even before I could open the door I feel arms wrapping around me pulling me against a muscular chest.
Arms I am familiar with.
Looking down the beautiful tattoos decorating both arms greet my eyes.

On the right, all kind of morbid motives.
The complete opposite his left sleeve. Beautiful arrangement of flowers and so on...
Tattoos I got to see from the beginning.
When he was only 15 and got his first tattoo.

"Like what you see darling?"
His husky voice against my ear startled me.
Smirking at my fluttering face I hide my face in the crook of his neck.

"Don't look."
I doubt he could hear my muffled words.

Nevertheless I could hear his chuckles.

"Don't be embarrassed flower. Let me see your beautiful face."
Still in his arms I reveal him my face and got to so see his handsome face along his usual smirk.

Leaning in he kiss me just right below the corner of my mouth.
"Hmm you are so beautiful. You know that."

Trying to hide my face again he holds my chin between his fingers.

"No flower."
"But- "
"I've told you many times you are beautiful. Don't let them change your mind. Ignore their stares. I am sorry you have to be confronted with that only because you are with me. You know I love you right?"
"I know and I Love you too. And... I will try... coz I can't lose you..."

His lips meet mine.
And I can feel his fingers sneaking under my shi-

ＰＲＥＳＥＮＴ
"... The question?"
I could barely make out the voices in my state, still dreaming.

"Ivy!"
Ben the boy next to me nudges me with his elbow waking me up from my dream.

sh*t I didn't pay attention.
"I am sorry Ms. Bell could you please repeat the question"
I tried to win her over with my innocent smile and the puppy eyes, even Cayden couldn't resist.

"Only this time."
And so the lesson went on without any problems.
Only that a sole tear was able to escape my eye.
Wiping it away with my sleeve before anyone could register that.

----------

"Hey kiddo you hungry? You gotta need some weight on you."

I don't even acknowledge his presence and get on the passenger side.

"Not kind of you to ignore me cousin."
Ethan also decides to get in the car behind the wheel. Ot looking at me and instead starts the engine.

Looking at my lap and fiddling with my fingers I barely got out an audible sentence.
"...sorry just had a bad day... And no I don't want to talk about it... Please not this time."

At the end I'm at the brim of crying.

He decides to look me in the eyes and finally sees my distorted face.

"Fu*ck sorry poppy. What happened?! Let me ask as your protective cousin who deadly loves you. Did somebody hurt you?"

I shook my head.

"A boy?"

I nod.

"... Cayden?"

Pulling my feet to my chest...
"A dream again... And it felt so real..."

At this point I decide to let my tears to slide down my face.
Ethan the loving cousin just drives us home not uttering a single word.
Because he knows nothing he says will make me or anything feel better
... or bring Cayden back.