How The Sparks Begin

Chapter 31

"Why?" His eyes pierced through my soul.

"Do you not know?" I looked away. He was still holding on to my arm, not even a hint of letting go.

"Geraldine." Emmanuel said softly. I turned to look at him.

My heart was racing and I felt my face heating up. I was right. This feeling was exceeding the feeling I had for Travis.

I laid my head down on his chest. I didn't want to fight it anymore.

"Emmanuel..just stay like this okay? For a moment. After that I would never approach you again." I closed my eyes. I already regretted what I just said.

Never approach him again? That seems impossible for me.

Suddenly, I felt the warmth of his arms around me. I could feel his breath.

"You are such a fool.." Emmanuel whispered.

I remained silent. Fool or not..I didn't care.

"Yes. You're right. I am." I replied.

Emmanuel sat up and hugged me. I wrapped my arms around him too.

I didn't know what was going on. I don't know what is going on in his mind.

We didn't speak for the next few minutes. My eyes were shut the entire time. I was afraid.

Afraid that the moment I opened my eyes I have to let go of him.

"You're really a fool." Emmanuel repeated. I could feel his breath on my neck.

The words were harsh yet I felt that it was gentle and warm.

"Why fall in love with me?" He mumbled."Because..I can't-"

I pulled away. My tears were already on the edge. I didn't want to hear it.

The words of rejection.

"Don't say another word..I don't want to hear it." I covered my ears.

I thought I would be strong enough to face it but I was so wrong.

I felt Emmanuel's hands upon mine. He removed my hands from my ears and whispered, "I can't ignore the fact that..I feel protective of you..and..the fact that .. I didn't like you with Travis."

I turned to him. My vision was blurred due to the tears that were streaming down.

I was lost for words. My heart felt like it had stopped beating.

Emmanuel held my hands tightly. His eyes was red as well. I could see the tears.

"I lost the right to take care of anyone... ever since Nicholas...died. But..ever since I met you..that has changed." Emmanuel continued slowly.

My eyes widened at every word. I couldn't believe he was telling me all this.

That boy whose heart was cold as ice forced itself to melt for me.

"What I feared most has happened..." He continued.

"What...did..you fear..?" I asked staring down at my feet.

"Love." Emmanuel answered.

I looked up at him. Our eyes met.

Slowly, he brought himself closer and kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry."

I wrapped my arms around him. He didn't say those three words that every girl wanted to hear in order to believe.

But I felt that it was enough.

"It doesn't matter." I smiled.

Yes. It doesn't matter anymore. This person right in front of me is the one that truly mattered.

And I knew. He smiled too.

****************************

I opened the door and headed in to the living room.

"Hey Geraldine!" My dad rushed in to hug me.

"Hey, Dad." I smiled.

"Wow. Looks like someone is on the roll today." He broke away smiling.

"No.." I laughed.

"Yes. Tell me what happened? Is it that boy who sent you home?" He smiled and sat down on the couch.

My smile disappeared. I forgot about Travis.

I shook my head."No..it is Emmanuel."

"Emmanuel? Emmanuel..Hmm. Emmanuel? You don't mean Erika's boyfriend?" He turned to me.

I nodded.

"Geraldine. This is not funny. Don't tell me you fell in love with him?" Dad's tone changed.

"I did just that." I replied softly.

-To be continued.