The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 29

Hopefully you like this chapter

-CFF

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I lay on the grass in our front yard. Xander and I had just gotten back from a date and he decided to hang out for a while. Xander and I are on our backs, staring up at the stars. The lights from the city usually block out all the stars, but tonight you can see more than usual. The moon is full, shining its pale beauty onto each of the grass blades surrounding us. I lean against Xander, my head on his shoulder, my hand on his chest. His arm is wrapped around my waist as we point out the stars. "I used to do this all the time with Liz. Since we lived on the border of LA, well, outskirts is a better word for it, it was easier to see the stars." I smile to myself as I remember. "We used to have a competition on how many real constellations we could name. Loser bought winner ice cream. That's where most of my pay check went during the summer." Xander laughs.

I flip myself onto my stomach and play with some of the grass strands in front of me. My mind wheels are whirling tonight. I can't keep myself in the here and now, and instead am worring about the next couple of minutes. I'm really nervous. I'm going to ask Xander a question. A question that I know will change everything. Xander asks, "Em?" I look up from the grass strands I've ripped to pieces. "Yeah?" Xander replies, "I asked you a question." I smile to myself. "Oh. Funny. I was about to ask you a question."

"Must be a pretty important one if you're daydreaming about it." Xander rolls onto his side, head propped up on his hand as he looks at me curiously. I shrug, trying to stop my shaking hands. "Yeah, I guess." Xander looks at my hands and reaches out to grab them. He holds my tiny hands in his large ones. "Baby what's wrong? Why are you shaking?" He asks immediately in a concerned voice. I look up at his gorgeous blue orbs. I take a deep breath. You gotta be brave Emilee. Its now or never. You'll never know until you ask. The negative side of my brain decides to announce its thoughts though. But if you do it, you're gonna have to tell him why. You really want to do that? Do you trust him enough? Yes!! Of course I do! Only one way to find out.

I open my mouth and force the words out before I can change my mind. "You..you know how you took me out today?" He smiles at me sweetly, although his eyes still hold his concern. "Yes. I told you I was going to do something big for your birthday." I smile slightly, and look at our hands. "Well..." I continue as Xander slips his fingers in-between mine, interlocking them together. "I was wondering..." I shake my head and mutter to myself, "Forget it, its a stupid idea." He wouldn't want to do it...

He obviously heard me because he asks, "You know you can talk to me about absolutely anything right?" I look up at him again, flipping my bangs out of my eyes. "Should I just say it?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

"Alexander, Kiss me?"

Xander double takes. I bet that was not what he was expecting. He looks at me cautiously as he sits up on his knees. "You know I want to Em, but are you sure thats what you want? I don't want you to think you have to or anything."

"I couldn't think of a better birthday present." I say genuinely. I can see him hesitate and speak again. I sit up straight. "I mean it. Will you?"

He traces little circles on the top of my hand with his thumb. He answers me after a minute. "You got it Princess." Xander leans forward and captures my lips with his. One of his hands moves itself so that his fingers can run through my short hair. I haven't kissed someone who I care about in a long long time. It feels absolutely perfect. I kiss him back, snaking my arms around his neck. His lips are as soft as a marshmellow and are a perfect match when they sit on mine. I'm in heaven.

He breaks away slowly after what seemed like endless millenia. Xander smiles brightly, his face milli-inches from mine. "Wow." He whispers in a low voice." I just smile, not saying anything. His soft blue eyes gaze into my light periwinkle ones. The silence is just beautiful, neither of us saying anything. Neither of us feeling a need to. We breathe softly, noses and foreheads touching, eyes closed.

After some time, I open my eyes to see him watching me. I gently place one of my hands on his cheek and run the back of my hand over it. He intertwines his fingers with mine and gently plants a kiss on the inside of my wrist. I could loose myself in him, in his touch. I whisper, "Thankyou. You wanna know something else?" He smiles at me, his smile reflecting the happiness in his eyes. "What?" I smile at him before I respond, "I love you."

Tears come to Xander's eyes. I never thought he'd cry over this. "Thankyou." He whispers. "Thankyou thankyou thankyou." He leans closer and kisses me once more. Sweet Bliss.