Felix Fractured

17 : like water

ALEXIA

From a distance I see Felix standing on the edge of a cliff. I rush to his aid but I feel as though it won't be much use. The whole amount of seconds it takes to get there, I can feel my head starting to pound from crying. I somehow reach him before he's able to jump and slip my arm through his.

His gaze makes me want to stagger backwards: deep brown eyes full of pain and despair. He starts to move away and I grip his arm tighter. I start to panic when I realize he's slipping right through my embrace. I can't reach him anymore.

His expression is a far away one now and, with a gasp, I realize he doesn't even know I'm there. I'm screaming in front of him but he can't hear or see me.

He falls and I scream again and again.

I wake and instinctively hug Felix from behind. He's in a deep sleep and I squint to make out his alarm clock. 3am.

There's a slight pitter-patter of rain against the roof. The sound is even more calming against the glass doors of the balcony. The wind whistles outside and I start to nod off. Once sleep begins to take over, a crack of thunder wakes me up. Felix just sleeps right on through. I keep my arm firmly wrapped around his waist and snuggle closer. Suddenly, something outside crashes real loud. I jump and yelp on impulse.

Felix shoots up and scans the dark room. I squeeze his arm lightly to let him know I'm fine. Once satisfied that everything's okay, he relaxes. I'm about to curl up by myself when he pulls me on top of him. I snuggle into his chest and find myself grateful that he can't see my blush. He just pulls the sheet over us and holds me tightly. I smile into his cotton t-shirt.

*****

The next morning is dark and dreary. The thunder has ceased but the rain is constant. We have breakfast and he leaves to attend pack duties with his parents.

I hardly notice it at first, but, as the day progresses, I develop a headache. I take some over the counter pain relief medication but it doesn't seem to do much.

A few hours later, I know I'm sick. I curl up on the sofa and try to let the television distract me from the throbbing pain. I had never wished more in my life that I could mind-link Felix. When the ache begins to spread, I realize what it is. I start to panic then stop and slump further into the sofa.

I know there's only one way to relieve the pain, but Felix and I have just started to learn each other. I might be ready, and I'd be lying if I hadn't thought about it since the ball, but does he want the same? Does he understand how big of a step that is to me?

I text him to meet me in the west side of the woods. Upon stepping outside, I immediately regret my decision because it's still raining. I know I'm going to be soaked but I don't want to discuss this in his family's house.

I jog through the pack-land's clearing and into the misty forest. Once I'm under the trees, I pull down my hoodie. Some rain gets through, but it's surprisingly pretty dry here. He responds, saying that he'll be out soon. I huddle against the trunk of a redwood tree and bite my lip as another wave courses through me.

True to his word, it isn't long until he shows up. I can see him running from a distance but he slows as he approaches. I know he's already aware of what's going on and I'm probably too feverish for my blush to be noticeable. He keeps at least ten feet between us as he glances over me. His posture puts up the façade that he's calm as ever, but his grip on the tree says otherwise.

"I wasn't sure what to do," I admit, trying my hardest to keep it together.

"You can stay in a cabin by yourself," His voice is slightly strained at first then he clears his throat before finishing the statement. "Until it's over."