His Sunflower

24.Miles and Mountains

"How much more?" Elara's voice screeched with thirst as she kept a hand on her knee and panted. Archer stopped midway and handed him a bottle of water they had picked up from the trashy store attached to the gas station.

"Come on Sunflower, just a few steps more." He whined and put his hand out to her. She looked up and saw his hand and took it instantly. He pulled her closer and lowered herself to support her. He kissed her hairs lightly and Elara blushed. They were walking beside a bench when a voice stopped them," You two make a really good couple."

They turned their heads to an old man who radiated pleasent vibes. He had a great smile dancing on his lips, his dimples were wrinkly and his sea blue eyes still hadn't lost the glimmer in them. He wore a bright yellow casual tee and khaki shots.

Elara smiled at him, one of her best smiles and looked at Archer who squeezed her shoulder with reassurance. The old man spoke again, " I met my wife when I was fifteen, she was a family friend and it was an annual tradition for us to come here every year."

Elara lit up with joy hearing his words, " Then where is she sir? I would love to meet her."

The old man saddened and both of them were confused. He sighed and looked at them, " Two years ago, I lost her to cancer."

"But you come here every year because it reminds you of her presence." Archer completed his statement and the old man nodded with his lips tight. Elara shook her head, "I am so sorry for your loss sir. I can't imagine a day without him. Even though he likes onion ring better than fries."

"And I like her even if she likes my dog more than me." The old man laughed so much at their sweet roasting of eachother that he was in tears, "See that's what I'm talking about, you both are keepers. I hope you both never seperate." The old man wished for them and they parted ways giving him a respectful nod.

They had walked about a half mile more from where the benches were. They were finally there after a lot more whinning and 'I hate you' that Elara didn't mean. She was kneeling down the floor and panting hard while Archer was still holding her hand and waiting for her to get up. She inhaled a longer breathe and then stood up taking his support.

The view was mesmerising..

The sky was contrasting into the shades of orange, purple and blue. They stood on top of the hill from where they could see the whole village underneath them. There was a soothing noise of the waterfall trickling down, skimming and skipping through the rocks. The exterior of the resort was made out of wood, contrasting with all the green behind it. In large and brillant neon colours was written the name of the resort God's Orchid.

Elara gasped at the beauty of the place. She was fixed on her place looking at the view in front of her. Archer, on the other hand was dumbstruck by her beauty. Her hairs were floating around her face while her cheeks were crimson red as of the harsh and cold wind on her face.

Shaking his head and out of the trance, he took out his cell phone from his jeans and snapped a silent shot of her looking at the water fall, soon to be frozen.

" You know that I didn't mean it when I said I hate you for bringing me here, right?" She asked and he chuckled. His hands feathered on her cheeks and he kissed them both, "You're forgiven."

She looked away from the fall and lunged at him making him lose his balance, but he managed to keep them both above the ground, "Woah there, I didn't know you would like this place so much."

She didn't reply, instead she kissed him with ferocity. Her hands roped in his hairs and lips on his, making the bliss of a kiss. She pulled away and held his face in her hands, her eyes were wet already and she looked ready to breakdown.

"Is it that time of the month love?" Archer asked wiping her tear. She shook her head and then upon realising what he had said, smacked his head with her hand.

"No, I'm crying because I'll leave in a few days." She sunk her head on his chest and he put her hands in her hair comfortingly and pulled her into a hug, " Love, you and I, both of us are ambitious. We're ambitious about our dreams as well as the love we share. Trust me, it's going to be hard, but when we're are old, you and me, we sit on the same bench as that man and when we see another couple like us, well tell them about how we never broke under so much pressure. You love me and I love you and truly, distance is nothing. We'll get through this okay. Sunflower, live in the moment, what comes later shall be taken care of later. I don't know after how many miles I have walked with you, just to see you smile and make you happy. Do reward me now." He chirped and wiped away all the years that had fallen from her eyes. He flung his hand over her shoulder and they walked into the warm resort.

Elara looked around eyeing the wooden interior of the place. The place smelled heavenly, wood mixing with the fragrance of coffee and sweet roses. Archer 5alked to the receptionist and collected the keys from her. Elara looked at the key and squeaked when she saw the room number. They were staying on the topmost floor of the resort.

Archer inserted the key and the door flung open. They didn't have much luggage but the bellhop followed them inside with two bags. Elara gestured him to keep the luggage and tipped him. Ater they had left the room, Elara closed the door in a hurry and the kicked off her purple sneakers and jumped on the bed and shut her eyes. A few minutes later Archer too joined her on the bed and they lay side by side, tired and exhausted.

" My sister is going ti kick your ass for not being at her wedding." Archer said and Elara snorted in a funny manner, " A few months ago, she sent Elijah to my house with a chocolate Box and a flower bouquet, hell that was creepy."

" She's having a whole princes themed wedding, so you can expect me to wear a tailcoat suit." He laughed and she joined him and then silence prevailed.

"Oh, oh, I would just wear rags and say that I'm Cinderella." They both giggled and fell asleep in each other's arms after a few minutes. Archer kept his chin on Elara's neck and he held her by her waist, not letting her go even in his sleep. Her hands were in his hairs. She stirred a bit and kissed him unconsciously, " I love you Archer." She fell asleep again.