Perfect

n

January
Both Tae and Theo are 15 now

Theo's Point Of View

"Alright Rain Drop." I grabbed the reins in my hands. "Take me away from here." She neighed loudly and ran out of the stables, taking the dirt road to where the apple trees stood, the furthest spot away from my house.

I took a deep breath and extended my arms as Rain Drop ran. I imagined I was flying, enjoying my life and the freedom it gave me.

But I only imagined.

"Slow down Baby." I patted her gently after riding for a while. We were several miles away from home, the open fields the only thing in sight.

Rain Drop snorted and slowed to a walk, both of us enjoying the smell of winter. I pulled my hat lower and my scarf tighter, my gloves slipping slightly.

I sighed as I looked around, the frozen fields something I've seen every day. My mother, I thought her hitting me would only last for a week or so. She's never gotten so violent like that. But ever since the dreaded day, it has become a habit for her. My bruises and cuts have become a habit. Covering them up with makeup became a habit. A habit I never wanted.

My siblings are too afraid to defend me. They help me with my wounds afterwards, but lower their heads once she hits me. I wish they would step up, but I guess it's better me than them. I'm worthless. I'm just here for manual labor. I'm strong, my mom knows it. Ballet and swim built me well. But that pushes my mom, she pushes and pushes, trying to find my breaking point.

A soft whistle cut through my thoughts, causing me to pull Rain Drop to a halt. The whistle was whistling a song. A very familiar song.

Moon River

Someone turned to face Rain Drop and I and my jaw dropped and I think I almost cried.

"Tae!" I exclaimed, jumping off Rain Drop and sprinted towards him. He dropped his bag and opened his arms for me, a huge, beautiful smile on his face. I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, him spinning us in a circle. "God I've been waiting for a hug for a long time."

"I've been looking forward to this." Tae grinned, picking up his bag once more. He looks so much older, more handsome if I do say so myself. Yes we FaceTime a lot, but it's so different in real life. And his voice seems deeper, not a lot, but enough to notice. "Man, you look really good."

He bit his lip nervously immediately after and I could feel heat spread through my cheeks despite it being freezing outside.

Don't make it awkward

"Thanks Bud." I nudged his shoulder lightly, smiling widely up at him, hoping my cheeks didn't look too red. "Why are you here?"

"Well, I thought it would be fun to visit with you." He smiled nervously, locking eyes with me. "I missed my little Dumb Dumb."

"I missed you too." I nodded once, studying his face. But I frowned once I reached his lips. They're blue. "Are you seriously only wearing a coat in January?" Tae looked a bit surprised when I threw my scarf at him and tossed him my gloves, shoving my now bare ones in my pockets. "Put them on." I smiled teasingly at him. "I'm the Dumb Dumb, huh?"

"But you need them too." He spoke, staring at them in his hands.

I sighed, and rolled my eyes. "I'm used to the cold. I'm out in it everyday." I'm lucky I even got gloves and a scarf today. Usually it's just a jacket.

Thanks mom.

Tae grinned as he put them on. "Say something."

"What do you mean?" I frowned as Tae chuckled slightly.