Perfect Places

Smile

A tear fell from my eyes, and onto Zane's light colored shirt. The tear left a mark on the shirt as the words he had just said to me sunk in.

I gasped for a breath of air like you usually would when coming up for breath after being underwater for a few seconds too long.

Zane's eyes opened as he told me he loved me, which allowed us to make eye contact. He grabbed my other hand, and I hugged him softly, not wanting to add more damage to his injury.

"Three minutes." Connor told us bluntly.

"I'm sorry." I practically whispered.

"Don't be." He replied, playing with a small strand of my hair, "You're doing just fine."

   I ran my fingers through his hair.

   "You don't have to say it back if you don't-" Zane started.

   "I love you too." I said before he could finish his sentence.

   In my head I told myself at the very beginning of our relationship that I would never, ever, ever lie to him. So, I didn't. There was something I hadn't told him yet, but I hadn't lied to him.

   Lying would never be an option. Never.

   "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." I wiped the tears off of my cheeks.

   "I should have said that months ago. It just took me a while to actually ... tell you." He admitted.

   We laughed a little. Well, I laughed through tears.

   Blood from the deep cuts on my arm and hand was dripping everywhere. I don't think either of us really cared.

   "Rae, I didn't mean to make you cry." He smiled just a little bit.

   "No, no, it's not you." I sniffled, "Don't worry about that."

   "You are so strong, you know that?" His hand was still resting in mine.

   I chuckled, "Really?"

   "Really." He replied.

   Zane was in pain. I could tell. Everyone could tell. He still hadn't got up, except sitting up to face me. Even then, he still looked like he was struggling.

   "How much does it hurt?" I asked softly.

   "Pretty bad." He looked down at his hands.

   I gulped, "Connor."

   "Two minutes." Connor barked.

   I let go of his hand, and stood straight up.

   My eyes stared right into his, "Connor."

   He ignored me.

   "CONNOR." I yelled.

   Finally, Connor looked at me.

   "What?" He asked me sarcastically.

   "Zane needs to get to a hospital." I told him sternly.

   "How is that my problem?" He smiled.

   "If he gets any more injured than he already is, I can sue you for abuse, and threats on shooting him. Keep in mind, genius, that this mall is covered with security cameras, they will see everything. Also remember that I have ..." I looked around the parking lot for a few seconds, "Four eye witnesses, plus anyone who was in the parking lot this entire time. You also threatened to shoot my friend Jessica and a blade is being held against her neck at this very moment."