Meeting the Man of Steel

Ch. 14

But my mind reminds me of the pain he inflicted. The days I operated like a zombie. The months were a blur with out him, but the days seemed like a year at a time.

Cleaning my apartment endlessly. Not eating at all or randomly eating junk food once a day. Surviving solely on coffee and maintaining  productivity absent minded. Time filled the days but you did not fill them. You couldn't feel.

I didn't love things like I used to. Clark wasn't around long. Just long enough to make a difference in what I love.

I left my home to get away from pain. But immediately found more pain after moving away.

Why is this life? Why does pain have to be included? Why is it never fair?

I let my face fall from his gentle touch. Tears welling my eyelids. "I can't hurt anymore." I manage to tell him while turning away as fast as I can. My voice is cracking and the sadness fills my throat and eyes.

I can't let him see I'm hurt. I have to be strong. But as I turn I feel his hand lightly hold on to my arm. He pulls just hard enough and I'm instantly in his arms. My hands rest on his chest and my breath hitches as I recover from the sudden movement.

"I will never let anything hurt you ever again." Clark whispers, letting his words sink in as the tears pour out. I gasp in the realization. Relief. Instant relief washes over me and I collapse against him. I love him and I can't keep that from myself anymore. I never wanted him to leave. I let him cradle me as I sob. I cry for the pain of missing him for months and being without him. I cry because I'm scared and don't understand how I can care so deeply for someone. I cried because I love him so much.

Clark soothes me in his arms while slowly running his fingers across my hair. He's rocking me from side to side effortlessly, so softly, I feel like I'm floating. His hold around me so sweet and tight to stop me from floating away again.

The night around us is quiet and dark. It's a cool summer night. A light wind passes through our close embrace. I lift my head from his chest to look into his eyes.

Clark stares at me for a moment with worry in his eyes. Like he's reading a sad chapter in a story. But then he relaxes, wiping my cheeks clean from the tarnished tears, and then he smiles. A small and warm smile. As if he's wiped the slate clean and will let everything fall into the right place.

And finally. His lips find mine.