The Things We Want

CHAPTER 14 "I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE"

It was a hot summer afternoon, the sun high, beating down on the fields. Ava sat on the edge of a wooden fence, looking out at the mountains, longing to just up and leave. She felt at peace out there, away from the craziness, and the everyday bustle of the castle...

"Hey beautiful," a voice behind her said quietly. She was startled, she screamed and teetered back on the fence.

"Eugene!" She exclaimed as two strong hands found her waist, keeping her on the fence.

"You need to be more careful, princess," he laughed, joining her on the fence.

"I was being careful, that wasn't my fault," she crossed her arms.

"So, why are you out here alone?" He asked casually.

"Just to escape everything. I want to be out here... live out here sometimes," she sighed, her gaze returning to the mountains and the soft fluffy clouds in the sky.

"I can picture it. You out here, living... on your own," Eugene said softly, longing to put his arm around her and hold her close, but he knew it was too much. They were friends, and it would never happen. She is a princess, not a commoner... nothing about her is common, not in his eyes.

"I don't want to be alone..." she sighed, looking at Eugene. His heartbeat quickened, he was terrified that if she kept staring at him he wouldn't be able to restrain himself.

In the distance, thunder cracked.

"A storm?" Ava turned away, breaking their intense moment. Eugene shook his head and looked up at the sky. Only a few minutes had passed, but the clouds were darker, and seconds later the first drops of water fell.

"We need to take cover, too far from buildings out here," he looked around and pointed at the forest, "the thick leaves of the forest trees would work, let's go," he hopped off the fence and lifted up Ava, placing her easily on her feet.

The two trudged forward and in minutes it was a thick downpour of water. They reached the forest, drenched from the storm, and walked next to each other in silence. Eugene almost took Ava's hand, but again resisted.

"Wow my dress is ruined, my mother will be upset," Ava laughed nervously. Eugene rubbed the back of his head, laughing along with her.

"She'll have another one made, it's replaceable," he said, putting his hand on her shoulder. It fell and Ava grabbed it, her hand cold and wet, but it still sent a shock through him.

"Eugene, I-"

"D-Don't do this Ava, you can't-"

She stood facing him and was reaching for his other hand when a loud growl sounded behind him. He flipped around as a rustling sound came from the bushes. It was hard to hear over the downpour, he couldn't tell what had been there.

Ava turned around and screamed, a wild wolf lunging at her. Eugene turned quickly and pushed Ava out of the way. He pulled his dagger, and threatened the beast back, keeping it at bay. Soon it rushed off, after hearing a distant howl over the crashing rain.

"They usually don't stray that far from their pack, it probably sensed our presence. Ava are you alright?" Eugene kneeled beside her, and she held her leg tightly. He could only see a hint of red behind her hands. "Let me see," he cautiously took her bloody hands and tried to stay calm at the sight of her leg. It was battered, scratched, and bleeding from a nasty bite. He hadn't moved quickly enough.

"I-It's alright I just n-" she winced, her eyes shut tight, causing a tear to squeeze out and roll down her cheek joining the progression of rainwater.

"It's okay, as soon as the storm lets up I'll get you home," Eugene said calmly. She nodded and they sat silently for a bit, listening to the rainfall. He noticed her shivering, sitting on the forest floor. He moved closer to her, allowing himself to put his arm around her. She sighed, silent tears still falling as she leaned in closer, her shaking subsiding slightly.

"I'm sorry Eugene... I wanted to... I couldn't say... gosh, I-" she cut herself off, deciding talking wasn't working for her at this moment.

"It's alright, I understand," Eugene nodded. But Ava shook her head.

"You don't."

After that, they waited in silence for the storm to die down, and as soon as it did, Eugene scooped up Ava who had fallen asleep. He started towards the castle, and after a few paces, Ava woke up and clutched his collar.

"Eugene..." she sighed, her eyes sad.

"You can rest, we'll be back soon," He said sadly, keeping his gaze up and forward. Eventually, Ava gave up and looked down at the ground. They reached the gates as the sun was setting.

"You could stay the night, it's getting late..." Ava said innocently, "We have guest rooms and many comfortable sleeping quarters... it would be safer than getting home alone in the dark."

"I'll be fine," He said as the gate opened. People rushed forward and Eugene placed her gently on her feet only for them to basically carry her inside, "Take care of her, please..." Eugene said as the gate closed again and she was gone. He stood there only a second longer, looking at the closed gate... he longed for it to be the only way to her, the only thing he had to get through to be with her and see her... but there were things unbreakable and out of his control keeping them apart.