A world apart

Part 16

"So what brought you here?" I said. "Except for the tulips. Of course." I finished.

I'm sitting on my bed exactly across from him. I felt little too open since I'm wearing my tank top and pajamas. My hair is messy. I haven't brush it since he arrived.

"I just wanna pay you a visit." He replied.

"A visit." I repeat his last 2 words.

"Yah. I haven't gone to see you for days."

"Weeks." I corrected.

I avoided his gaze as I stood up to pick the tulips and place them on the vase that I always prepare for his little present.

I turn to him and was surprised to see him standing in front of me. So close, towering over me. My chest is heaving. My heart racing as this space between us seems to be so close. Breathing hard. I want him to wrap me around his arms. I want to feel the warmth of his body around me. I want so badly to close this space between us just to satisfy myself with his touch and warmth and presence. I wanted to hear him whisper words to me. But then I can't. I stopped myself. I need to stop myself from letting this space between us to close and at least let his presence fill my existence.

He reached for my hair and sweeps the others covering my cheeks. We are breathing the same air. I can sense the intense in his breathing.

“Your heart is beating fast.” He whispered.

“Why do you always –“

I heard the creak on the door. We froze. The door is wide open and Aunt Marie is standing. She’s carrying a surprised expression on her face. Her eyes wide open. Franco immediately moved to my side. He’s surprised so as I. He’s breathing nervously. I am breathing nervously, don’t know what I should tell her to explain what’s going on, why Franco is here. Or why was he that close to me.

“Why are you still awake?” Aunt Marie simply asked with eyes wide open and a finger pointing on me. She checked her watch. “It’s almost midnight, you’re supposed to be in bed and why – “

“I can explain.” I cut her off. I said walking my way toward her. I looked at Franco and he’s still stiff from where he’s standing. I’ve never gone to see this expression in his face.

“Why? –“ She pointed a finger to Franco’s direction. Her mouth slightly opened with surprise.

“Aunt, listen, I can explain.” She pushed me aside making her way near the table where the tulips are placed.

“Where did you get this?” She said pointing on one of the tulips. She seems to ignore Franco’s existence just next to her. I stare at Franco who’s still not moving.

“I uhmmm… picked them a while ago.” I lied. “uhhmmm.. Aunt Marie, you can actually leave.” I said.

“By the way, you hadn’t answered me about you being awake in the middle of the night.”

“About that, I can’t sleep.” It’s partly true.

“You want me to get milk for you?”

“No I can handle this. You should probably rest.” I said just to let her leave my room.

“Okay. Goodnight sweetie.” She said waving goodbye to me and carrying a smile.

“Goodnight.” I simply replied. She’s now out of my sight and I immediately shut the door close. I rested my forehead on my wooden door. My mind seems to be in chaos. Why did my Aunt notice Franco who’s standing exactly next to her? So close to her. Is he invisible or something?