Different Yet The Same

Chapter Twenty-Four

-Spark-

"Spark! Spark come on, please!" I hear someone pleading.

I open my eyes, and am blinded with a searing white light. I roll over and end up leaning into someone. Their warmth is comforting and I find myself relaxing into the curve of their body.

"Oh thank the heavens." The body whispers. Pulling me close and kissing my forehead.

I allow myself to be completely absorbed in their presence, curl into them, feel their steady heartbeat. I want to stay here forever.

"Princess Spark!" Dalton gasps, pulling me from my serenity. I pull away from this mystery person and my breath catches in my throat, my eyes bulge.

It's Caleb.

He's lying right beside me on the marble floor, arms wrapped around my waist. The sunlight that is streaming through the widows reflecting off his blonde hair. His eyes are dazzling. A captivating blue, matching an early morning sky. His features are all angular and pronounced. A lopsided grin plastered across his face. He's gorgeous.

He makes my heart flutter, he makes heat rush to my cheeks, he makes me feel loved and treasured.

I look up into his eyes, full of a natural playfulness, but also tinged with a concern and worry for...me? His life has taken it's toll on him. Forcing him to mature beyond his years. He looks at me, his expression softening. He gazes into my eyes and pulls me close.

I lean into him loving the feel of being held by him. I rest my head on his chest, but he pulls my chin up and leans in to kiss me.

It's a soft kiss. Sweet and gentle, as if he's worried I'll break. I wrap my arms around his neck deepening the kiss, and he tangles his fingers in my hair.

When we pull away I just look into his eyes, treasuring this moment with him. Where finally he knows how I feel.

"Princess Spark..." Dalton says hesitantly, his eyes covered. "Sorry to interrupt but what happened?" He finishes slowly uncovering his eyes.

Caleb chuckles and let's me go, helping me up to my feet. As soon as he releases his hold on me I instantly miss his warmth and the comfort it brings.

"Um I uh..." I say struggling to find my words. "I found out about Ember."

Caleb's face drops and he starts playing with the hem of his shirt. Dalton sees the tension and sad "Ah. I'll um...I'll just go for now." He points to the door and walks away.

"You knew?" I question, trying not to get angry.

"Yes. I knew." Caleb admits. "I just didn't want to be the one to tell you."

He looks at me, eyes apologetic. "It's alright." I sigh. "I understand."

He smiles hesitantly then gives me a hug, shielding me from the world. As I start to say "Caleb I think-"

He says "Spark I think I l-" at the same time. He chuckles. "Okay. You first."

"Caleb I think I need to go see my mom." I finish.

He studies me intently. "Okay. You can do that. Of course. Do you want me to come?"

I shake my head. "No I think I need to do this on my own."

He shakes his head, understandingly. "Okay. When will you go?"

I ponder this for a moment. "Well there's no time like the present."

"Spark...just be careful okay? I don't want you getting hurt." He says, honesty showing in his eyes.

"Don't worry I'll be fine." I reassure him. "Now what did you want to say?" I ask, folding back into his arms.

"Um I uh I l-..." He starts but stops abruptly. "Don't worry. It can wait."

"You sure?" I ask.

"I'm sure." He says.

"Okay. Well would you like to see me out?" I ask playfully.

"Sure." He answers, seeming a little distracted.

Silently, Caleb walks me out to the lawn and draws me a portal, the beauty of it still astounds me. I turn to him, and give him a tight hug. He leans down and kisses my forehead softly.

"Be safe." He whispers.

"I always am." I finish and with that, I jump through the portal, so excited to be going...home? The last thing I see are two sky blue eyes staring longingly after me, and then all I see is the portals gold and white colours, shining brighter than the stars in the sky.