The Rainbow at the end of my storm

•14•

We pulled up in front of a small cabin and lake. It felt cold and lonely. There was no life here, with the exception of a few insects and birds. I hadn't a clue why he brought me here too.

"Come on, this way. He walked towards the edge of the lake, the rustling of leaves coming from beneath our feet.

"Mason, where are you taking me?" I called, but he didn't turn around. He carried on walking.

I hesitated, then carried on following him. As we got further towards the lake, I got more weary. Why would he bring me out here? I didn't get too close when he stopped, aligning myself in front of the water at least a meter away from him.

"My parents passed away last year. His eyes were fixated on the cliffs on the other side of the lake, as his hands fidgeted in his pockets.

I felt sorry for him. Losing both your parents must be so difficult. My heart clenched for him.

"Mason, I'm so-"

"I don't want sympathy. I'm over it, it's done." He said, kicking a rock underneath his foot.

I didn't know what to say initially. I wanted to know why he told me, I wanted to know how, but which one did I start with.

I decided the latter. "How did they pass away? If you don't mind me asking." I looked over at him, he met my glance for a second before turning back.

"A car accident. Was quick." He shrugged it off, but I wasn't convinced he was okay by this. The fact he couldn't look at me was a sign.

"Why are you telling me this?"

This time he did look at me, and he stayed. His eyes were full of so much emotion and sadness, I wanted to squeeze him tight and remove all the badness from him.

"I don't know." He laughed a little. "I guess, I know you're hiding something and I just want you to know I'll listen."

"But why me? Why have you chose me." I blinked up at him, the sun slightly blocking my view as the clouds moved.

He looked away.

I huffed out a breath. I was getting frustrated. "Will you just tell me!" I yelled, but I was stopped when his lips descended on mine. Those soft lips that I'd become accustomed to, that I was beginning to love. God, he felt amazing.

"Stop yelling at me and just kiss me please." He rasped against my mouth, kneading my ass cheeks as he held me. "I don't date, but you-" he shook his head. "-you're so perfect, cupcake."

This time, I kissed him. So hard, so desperate. Those words were like a melody to me. No one had ever looked at me and spoke to me like that before, so I basked in it. I wanted to hear it all the time. Maybe I was a fool for falling so weak at the knees over sweet words from a hot guy, but I wasn't one bit bothered right now. I'll deal with my worries and insecurities later.

"This way." He pulled me towards a small boat. "Here, let me help you." It was old, rustic and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried it would snap in half with both our bodies on it, but nevertheless I got in it.

It swayed slightly and I screamed. "Oh my god, Mason! I'm going to fall." He laughed, holding my waist tight.

"I got you," he helped me lower onto one of the wooden planks, then plopped down onto the one in front. "This place, it's beautiful, but over there-" he nodded his head towards the cliffs and mountains. "-over there is something else."

His smile was infectious. This place clearly meant a lot to him and I was glad to share it with him.

We floated across the lake, Mason occasionally using the oars to direct us properly, and enjoyed the peaceful, tranquility of the space around us. For a wide open space, it was so quiet. I could see why he was so in love with it.

"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked, catching me stare off into nowhere.

"It's just so beautiful, quiet." I exhaled and shut my eyes. I could hear his heavy breathing over the water rippling.

When I opened my eyes he was unashamedly staring at me. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, looking down at my feet.

"Don't do that, you're so beautiful." He reaches over to pull my head back up. His words made my stomach flip and my heart skip a beat. It was like a switch had been flipped. What was going on?

"We're here." I hadn't even noticed we'd stopped. "Come on." He helped me out the boat, his larger hand clasped in my small one.

My eyes averted upwards as soon as my feet were on solid ground, and I inwardly gasped. In front of us were rows and rows of trees with bright leaves slowly dropping to the floor. The grass was covered. But in the distance I could see the foundation to something being built. Excitement got the better of me and I raced towards it. I heard Mason giggle behind me.

The wind brushed across my face, while leaves softly patted me on the head. I heard the crunching beneath my feet and I felt in heaven. I loved autumn. Over here was more beautiful. I slowed as I got nearer, twisting my head to capture my surroundings; I wanted to know what this place was.

Trying to catch my breath, I bent to my knees while still looking around me. Mason caught up eventually, stopping right next to me.

"What is this place?" I asked, still out of breath a little.

"My parents used to own the land. My uncle is building something here." He walked closer to the foundations.

"Do you know what he's building?" I asked, joining him.

"A house, maybe? I don't think he knows himself yet. There's a few ideas he's got."

"Why did you bring me out here, Mason?" I whispered, wishing I hadn't asked. I'm sure he'll either feed me lies or refuse to answer.

His lack of response and the flow of silence told me he was choosing the latter. Great.

"You're so confusing." I exhale, shaking my head.

His eyes move in my direction, still not answering.

"Come on, time to go back." He begins a fast paced walk towards the boat. I've annoyed him.

"No." I shouted, shaking inside at my new found confidence to answer back. He froze.

He smirked back at me, that ridiculous sexy smirk. "Fine, you'll be stuck out here." He began walking backwards with his hands in his pockets, his sexiness was out of control. I couldn't contain my smile.

Nevertheless, I stayed standing still. Eventually he stopped. "What do you want me to say, Victoria?"

"The truth. Why did you bring me here? You keep confusing me, and I don't want to be confused, Mason."

He edged closer, coming back towards me. "I don't know, I just know that when I'm around you I feel something I've never felt before. I want to share these things with you, spend time with you. But it scares me. I've never wanted this before." He was now standing in front of me, inches apart. "So let me figure out what this is, please?"

I nodded slowly, sucking in a sharp breath when I realised his lips were about to meet mine. What was I getting myself into?