Dusk & Dawn

Chapter 50

Mason

After a lengthy negotiation with the doctors, I managed to convince them to discharge Quinn under my care for the next few days. Zach sent me a text, informing me that he and Lexi were attending a charity function dinner for the night, leaving Quinn and I alone at the house.

"Here, let me help." I held out my hand to her to escort her out of the car. Her gaze pierced through me, and her eyes had a way of unravelling my very being I knew she was recovering but I couldn't help that she brought out the animalistic side in me.
"Thank you Mase... for everything." Her delicate hand slipped into mine. With utmost care, I lifted her legs and cradled her like the queen she was, carrying her to her room.

I busied myself with arranging a multitude of pillows, ensuring her comfort. I fetched manga from my bedroom and brought it in for her to read, along with snacks and water neatly arranged on her bedside table. I wanted to provide her with everything she could possibly need. But wait, I forgot the chocolate!

In a rush, I sprang to my feet and hurried towards the door. I had a burning desire to show her just how much she meant to me. I had missed that opportunity with my mother, failing to demonstrate my love until the very end. I wouldn't squander my second chance.

"Mase, slow down, I'm fine." Quinn's voice carried a hint of laughter, ready to burst forth at any moment. My hand froze on the doorknob, waiting to hear her next words.

Maybe she needed tampons? How would I explain that to the cashier?

"You know, although it is nice having all these things, I don't need them. I really appreciate you running around like a mad man, but I only want one thing... you." I stood there, studying her carefully. She clasped her dog tag necklace with one hand and made the most adorable expression known to mankind. It was in that moment that I knew exactly what I had to do. I needed to speak her love language.

I retrieved the laptop from the desk and searched for a piano instrumental on YouTube. This time, I was going to serenade her right, making up for my previous monumental screw-up at Jim's Tavern.

I pressed the play button and interlaced my fingers with hers, my hands enveloping hers entirely.

Life had dealt us both a shitty hand, and there were so many things left unsaid between us. But tonight, I wanted us to forget about the world and its problems. Tonight, it was just the two of us against it all. We could tackle our challenges tomorrow. Tonight belonged to us.

As I poured my heart out through song, tears streamed down Quinn's delicate cheeks. I gently wiped them away, holding her close while continuing to sing. It was a healing experience, not just for her, but for me as well. I could feel the empty spaces in my heart slowly filling up with her presence. Where pain, betrayal, and loss had once resided, Quinn now occupied that space.

We sat there, listening to the instrumental melody on repeat, wrapped in each other's arms, shutting out the rest of the world. She entwined her pinkie with mine and pressed our thumbs together, no words necessary. I tightened my grip, silently promising her, Quinn, I'm here for you.