My alarm screeched loudly. I groaned, my back unwillingly rose up, off my bed sheets. I grabbed my phone, my eyes widening at the date.
Ugh, it's Saturday.
I nearly released all the strength holding myself up in this position, and plopped myself to return to the realm of cozy, when I caught a message notification. My finger tapped on it as I grew sober to read the text.
Calix:): Hey
Calix:): Do you have any plans today?
It was sent an hour ago, it's currently eight in the morning. My thumbs moved on their own, swiftly typing the answer to his question.
Me: No
I answered shortly. Once sent, I saw an immediate, 'typing. . .' as I rubbed my face, trying to stay awake long enough for him to send his message, though I had a guess what he'd likely say next.
Calix:): Good
Calix:): Do you want to hangout?
Knew it. A tired smile curved on my lips.
Me: Ok, 12 pm.
Me: You can decide where
Me: I sleep first
Me: Ttyl
I shut my phone down as I returned it to my bedside table, all thoughts and tensions leaving my body and mind as I laid on a piece of heaven, immediately withdrawing my consciousness off me.
I wished Saturday and Sunday played on an incessant loop, Monday until Friday disappearing for good.
My eyes fluttered open. My body jerked, abruptly sitting up as I caught my phone, my eyes wide as I pressed on the side-button, immediately shrinking to its standard size as the time showed, 10:39. I clicked on the unread message notification as I saw Calix's short statement, "I'll pick you up at 11:30, be ready by then. Sleep well," I smiled in anticipation, he refused to inform me in regards to the location.
A surprise, huh.
I placed my feet on the floor as I stood up, heading towards the bathroom to execute my morning duties.
Yesterday, it felt as though the temperature increased, so I decided to use less layers today, before presenting my outfit through my last layer of clothing. I settled with a warm, fluffy, pink cardigan with a lengthy, wool, plaid skirt in the pattern of white and pink. Topping it off with winter boots, gloves, and a thick shawl. Then I sprayed my favorite scent all over myself, and picked up a cute, bowy purse.
On cue, a gentle knock on the door reached my ears and I glanced at my phone, he was precisely on time as he'd previously said. I slipped it inside my purse before twisting the knob and pulling it backwards. My head turned upwards as Calix stood in front of me, grinning brightly as he always does. It contagiously infected me as I felt the muscles on my face constrict when my lips widened on their own. He stepped aside politely as his eyes fleetingly expanded when he realized he was occupying my exit, and I nodded in gratitude before stepping ahead and closing the door before me. I stared at him for a good moment before we walked side by side towards the elevator.
He was neat, and his outfit style told me instantly he was capable of dressing. I was nearly charmed—slightly charmed, actually.
He was attractive, undoubtedly. Yet, I refused.
I couldn't allow that to happen to myself again.
I wouldn't.
I noticed his hair was styled in a way that complimented his facial features well, and I could sense his confident demeanor which made him fairly irresistible not to stare at. It was proved as we entered the lobby, out of the elevator a plethora of individuals turned their heads, gawking at Calix—and some shyly glancing at him.
He seemed to notice as I do, bending his knees to reach my level and lowly muttering, "you're so pretty everyone's turning their heads at you."
His praise caused my heart to blossom—I pushed it down, though I couldn't resist the smile that broke out on my face.
This man was good with his words.
And voice.
And style.
And appearance.
Ugh.
I shook my head at his comment despite catching a few eye contacts as I glanced around to silently search for confirmation—visibly receiving it, but I cast aside my pride and decided to stick with humbleness.
"How was your rest?"
The breeze attacked us as soon as we stepped foot outside, yet none of us revealed any signs of ourselves being affected.
"Wonderful, thank you. I actually forgot for a second that it was Saturday, and my alarm rang. But thank God it did, I wouldn't have seen your message otherwise."
I sheepishly smiled at the thought of the possibility that I excessively overslept and left him hanging for hours. I noticed we were heading towards the parking lot, taking into account our destination was likely quite the distance.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I'd be happy if you prioritized having a great rest that doesn't come often over a simple hangout we could set up any time."
He opened the passenger door as I quietly thanked him and entered, before reaching over to the driver's side and sliding himself in easily.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you."
He started the engines as he hummed an upbeat tune as a response.
The tires softly groaned as they scratched against the ground. The car moved, and its pace subtly increased while Calix turned his steer and around to leave the parking lot and enter the vehicle-occupied road. My gaze headed out the window as I turned my head away from Calix, the sky was a clear blue with soft fusions and touches of white, fluffed clouds. The view was vividly sparkling, and the soft shine of the sun, despite hiding beneath the clouds—unable to follow the pace of our vehicle, yet unbothered moving within its own pace as it spread pieces of its light amongst us—had a feathery touch of warmth on me, through the overwhelmingly dominant cold. I could feel it, and I was able to appreciate it furthermore due to the possessively coveting cold.
A soft melody whispered in my ears as I saw the retraction of a delicate hand moving away from the audio system by the corner of my eyes. The tune played on low as I heard the steady breathing of Calix grew halted while he took a sharp intake of breath—
"So.. this is pretty random, but what's your favorite color?"
I turned to him, his eyes shortly meeting mine before returning to the road before him.
I immediately responded, "blue."
He nodded his head softly as he hummed in acknowledgement to my response, I glanced at him and decided to return his question back, "you?"
He smiled, chuckling lightly as he turned to me once he'd confirmed the movement of the car was paused as the light glimmered red and the car behind us discontinued its movement similarly.
"Well.. it's blue now." He grinned widely, and I snickered, rolling my eyes slightly.
"C'mon, be serious," I replied. I was genuinely curious about his favorite color.
He shrugged, "I am serious. I never really had a favorite color, until now. All of them are meant to coexist and complement each other. It never really struck me to choose just one that I like most."
I thought it was quite reasonable. I knew men didn't care too much about such trivial matters, so I accepted his answer with a small hum.
"Are you gonna tell me where we're going yet?" I half-teased, half-genuinely asked.
He chuckled softly, before turning his head swiftly to me with a slight tilt and a sly grin curved on his lips, revealing his pearly teeth.
"You'll see."
He turned his head to the road as he shifted the gears and the car moved as green sparkled brightly, shadowing surfaces of the road, vehicle, and gently blowing on the white snow.
I returned my gaze towards the sky. Slightly squinting, I could see the slow motion of the clouds moving along, several moments delayed in comparison to the speed at which we are moving. The fluffy bubbles of the clouds collided and fused as they traveled through the sky without a worry of time. The white over the blue emanates a sense of calm and tranquility within me. Despite the warmth engulfing the space inside the car, I could feel the ataraxy cold lightly tapping on my skin, unpredictably increasing and decreasing the pressure of its breeze. I could see myself amidst snow, viewing the blue-white sky as equilibrium infuse my being.
I opened my eyes, returning to the air of warmth, in contrast to the previous ghostly temperature that hugged my body, "we've arrived."
A deep voice reached my ears, one I easily registered belonged to Calix, the only man inside this secluded area. I skimmed over the surroundings through the large, transparent barrier in front. The car was parked swiftly as the veins and muscles on Calix's arms flexed while he controlled the steer. Consistent, high-pitched beeps roared in my ears before it stopped, simultaneously with the car.
I registered the sight of nature before me. Snowflakes were drizzling, floating calmly whilst gravity tugged them downwards. Grass and trees pervade my vision, a majority of its natural color blanketed with white. Yet the plethora of minuscule, sharp—narrow leaves poking out of its soil, had few of themselves outgrowing the coating of snow, outstandingly revealing its vibrant green which did not mix with the surrounding white, creating an abstract polka dot pattern.
Small numbers were captured by my peripheral vision, and I turned towards it to see.
"It's still 1 pm, we have about 5 hours before the snow gets thicker." Calix's voice reverberates with my mind's in sync. I glanced at him, seeing his phone flashing a bright screen of the weather forecast.
"Oh, it's lunchtime actually. Are you hungry?" he turned to me. I saw his hand hesitantly reached out towards his keys, yet retrieved itself shortly after, waiting for my response.
"Slightly. Are you?" I returned his inquiry.
He nodded, "I am."
This time, he grasped his keys and pulled it out quickly, opening his door and slamming it shut as he made his way to my side and swung the door open. A gentle wind greets me as it brushes my hair back, and I extend my foot out, stepping on the ground as I stabilize myself before placing my other foot on the ground. The grass growled, a sound which didn't reach my hearing as the pressure of my weight caused it to bend and crumble. I closed the door firmly before turning to Calix who stood by me.
"Let's go?" I nodded towards the wide path before us.
He made a short noise of agreement, as he grabbed my hand, intertwining my fingers with his and leading the way for us.
The trees were bald of their supposed leaves. The branches expanded long and tall. In lieu of its green, white rested on it, softly pouring down as it quivered gently through the harsh air pushing directionally. The cold sprinted up my spine and entered my body as I began to feel numb, yet the unremitting warmth of our palm skin pressing unto one another helped slow down the process of the numbness. The warmth reached my heart, caressing gently as my lips curved up, choosing to enjoy the serene coolness rather than its unpleasant effects on my body. I found myself fascinated and entranced with the solace of nature's authenticity around me. I could hide here forever, and no one would find me.
"How did you find this place?" I finally shifted my attention towards Calix, who has never disconnected our contact through the entire walk so far, despite the silence. It gave me a constant reminder of his presence beside me.
"I was raised here. It's my home."
He inhaled deeply, smiling softly as he admired nature. My gaze lingered on him, seeing him immerse himself with his surroundings for a moment.
Through a fleeting breeze, I felt my heart desperately reaching out to him as his connected with nature.
Once the awareness rang in my head, I gulped down her desperate attempts to reach for him, despite the pain of her roars, as she trembled heavily within me. I released my grip on his fingers as I tugged my hand away, trying to separate our only physical connection. His grasp grew tighter as he seemed to snap out of his trance, turning his head to me as worrisome sprinkled over his face.
"It's cold. You're warm," he reasoned, yet I could hear a thin string of whining in his tone as a small pout emerged.
"Um, my hand is getting sweaty.." I countered, which wasn't a lie. I'm sure he could feel the dampness on his palm due to the constant friction of our skin.
"Okay, fine," he mumbled before releasing my hand, yet he walked to the other side of my body and held my other hand which had grown completely numb. The warmth seeped in relatively quickly, despite the cold that'd grown comfortable lying within our skin.
I sighed, realizing he was completely unbothered, and unwavering. I decided to suppress the yearning of my heart and continue with our saunter. I turned to him boredly whilst he grinned childishly, swinging our newly connected hands wildly and dragging me as he took wide strides.
Shortly, we arrived by an old, small, and slightly worn out restaurant. He entered unswervingly, a low ring of the bell attached to the door causing the turn of heads directed upon us.
An elderly man, along with an elderly woman were the only individuals within the area, aside from Calix and I. They both visibly brightened as they saw Calix, a genial smile emerging as their eyes followed suit. Calix jogged over to them as they greeted one another with a warm, tight embrace. I stood by the door, awkwardness seeping in slowly, yet my heart expanded seeing the wholesome scene before my eyes.
They released each other in unison, Calix turning to me as he lifted his hand, curling it inwards—an invitation which I accepted. I tread towards them, and the elderly woman grasps my hand joyously as she pulls me into an embrace. I wrapped my arms around her, lasting briefly before she undid her blanket on me. I turned towards the elder man as we extended our hands together, our skin clasping. He lightly shook my hand as he placed his other hand over the back of my hand, patting it lightly. He giggled lightheartedly, smiling so gleefully his eyes disappeared. Through the contagious disease that was their smile, I returned an amiable expression as an infected patient.
"It's very good to see Calix bring home a woman finally," he said. His voice was low and croaky, a light laugh ensuing.
I glanced at Calix who had his head down, covering his eyes with his hand, a red tint coating his cheeks as he visibly suppressed a smile threatening to escape.
"What's your name, dear?" a gentle, raspy voice of a woman reached my ears.
"Ah, yes. I'm Aslynne, nice to meet you," I quickly responded, shifting my entire attention to the shorter woman before me.
"Oh, that's a beautiful name." She lightly chuckled, and I glanced at Calix as I began to feel slightly lost, yet to be familiar with these newly found entities.
"Right, they are my parents. This is Elna, and this is Gabel." He gestured towards the woman, then the man.
I nodded in understanding, "ah, I see.. Nice to meet you, um.. Mrs—"
"Just call me Elna, and my husband Gabel. No need for such formalities, my dear," she smiled softly, and I responded with a nod. Before I could open my mouth to correct myself, her mouth opened, an audible intake of breath filled the momentary silence.
"Oh, please. Have a seat. Are you hungry?" Elna gestured to one of the seats by a table, before hurriedly walking ahead and dragging the chair backwards while I gratefully sat on it. Calix mimicked my actions as he sat on a chair beside mine.
Despite the visible old, and worn out objects and surfaces within the space, I didn't see a speck of dust. Therefore, I wasn't worried about hygiene. The table, the chair—they all felt clean. It battles the stereotype of old—worn out objects, naturally being unclean.
"Yeah, I'm starving," Calix elongated his last syllable as he slouched back on his seat, holding his stomach.
"A little." I answered, and Elna smiled, nodding. She began walking towards a closed door which I assumed contained the kitchen beneath.
"Well, what would you like to eat?" She grabbed an apron hanging by the hanger beside the door, while Gabel placed a single-paper, printed menu on the table in front of me. I touched it gently, examining the words written.
"I'll just have corn soup, and a glass of water please." I stated, and the paper was retrieved and returned to its original location by Gabel. Elna hummed softly before entering the door she formerly stood by. I noticed Calix was not questioned, and I concluded he had an eating pattern which his parents would have been familiar with.
Gabel dragged a chair beside Calix, and opposite of me—seating himself down. He placed his hands on the table, intertwined together. A smile never leaving his face, despite small—it was comforting.
"Well, are you in a relationship with Calix?" he slightly tilted his head, his eyes wide with anticipation.
I glanced at Calix briefly, he was staring at me. Slowly, I shook my head, "no. Um, we're friends."
It was awkward, as I had such a strong sense of knowing that he had initially assumed we were in a relationship, and he must've hoped for a reaffirmation.
He nodded, a small crease in his eyebrow as guilt flashed in his face, "my apologies, I didn't mean to assume. It's just.. Calix has never brought a woman home before, and he never talks about his love life.. So we thought the woman he brought home must be special." He reasoned.
I listened carefully, and the moment he finished his explanation, I wish I didn't. My gaze gravitated towards Calix instinctively. His eyes were on me the entire time, I realized. His eyes glimmered with unspoken words I couldn't decipher. Naturally, my heart followed my gaze—gravitating towards him as her rhythm changed. She began to beat for him.
I froze my heart, shoving memories I never wished to obtain into her. Forcing myself to remember—to recall him. My heartbeat hitched, growing fearful, as she began to reject my mind. I inhaled deeply, quietly—I exhaled.
"How did you meet?" he asked curiously.
Calix leaned forward, adjusting his seating position, "we met at Esther's cafe, I offered her a ride."
"Huh, why?" he questioned in intrigue.
"Well she was standing outside for some time, and I assumed she couldn't go home due to the weather. Thankfully I was right," he spoke proudly, grinning widely as he finished his last statement.
Gabel eyed Calix suspiciously, turning to me as his eyebrows rose slightly. I nodded, easing his suspicions and he returned to Calix, subtly nodding at him proudly.
Calix opened his mouth—
"Meals' ready!" Elna exclaimed, the door swung open, before closing slowly on its own.
Calix's jaw clenched, a subtle noise from the collision of his teeth.
She placed our meals separately, before walking over the other side of the table and taking the empty seat. She looked at me expectantly, her eyes expanding slightly with the smile on her face.
A small clank rang. I glanced to the side, Calix was munching on his food. I picked up my spoon, burying it under the liquid transiently, then moving it up above the surface.
I swallowed, "this is very delicious." I smiled joyfully as I began digging into my warm soup.
Elna hummed happily, while Calix turned to me, and my eyes widened seeing his empty plate. "Careful, once you taste her cooking, you might just turn into a picky eater," he warned in jest.
Elna and Gabel laughed, and I watched as Gabel placed his hand atop of hers, "darling. Unfortunately, our son is still single."
Elna's eyes widened, before her lips turned downwards adorably, her entire face morphing into one of animated sadness.
Her expression neutralized, a soft smile adorning her face. "But she's different," she stated with a matter-of-fact tone as she looked at Calix.
"I'm working on it," he replied. They spoke vaguely, preventing the occurrence that I understand. Meanwhile, they seem to have a very deep connection with each other.
I didn't mind.
"Ah, it's already two pm.." Calix mumbled to himself as his eyes fixated on his phone, before glancing up at me.
"Right, you two must have plans coming here. We won't keep you here any longer. Go on and have fun," Elna spoke, grinning brightly as she stood up from her chair, Gabel mirroring her actions.
Calix and I stood up in unison, the chair legs scratching on the floor loudly filled our ears. Calix and I bid our farewells before exiting the door and greeting nature's frosty view.
His hand found mine once again. I looked at him in protest, slightly frowning.
"It's cold," he pouted.
A smile broke out, and I shook my head as I turned away from him.
He led the way, pulling me along as we began treading on the snowy grass.
"How old are your parents?" I inquired curiously, they seemed quite old.
"Ah.. my mom is ninety years old, and my dad is ninety-four years old," he answered easily. I gasped inaudibly in surprise.
"I thought they were like late seventies," I exclaimed, which Calix laughed at.
"Damn, at what age did they have you then?" I questioned. He stayed silent for a short moment, pausing in his tracks.
"They're my adoptive parents." He held a poker face which I couldn't discern or poke through, and I squeezed his hand in attempts of comfort.
"Sorry, I was being insensitive." I looked down, feeling guilty. He began to move again, dragging me along as he made a noise of protest.
"No, no. You weren't, I promise. Don't feel guilty for nothing you did," he assured. I nodded softly, bringing my head up as I took in the view change of my surroundings.
I followed his steps as we reached an old, wooden bench and planted our weight on it.
I released his hand, placing my hands on my lap. "It's so pretty," I cooed in awe.
The view was ethereal. The clouds tiptoed gently on the sky, the blue and white washing me over with a sense of tranquility. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. The air was fresh, and cold. My body was cold, the sense of numbness returning.
I love it.
I could feel nature consuming me, taking my entire being in. To forget all the faux and constant facade that lies within this world—within people.
To simply accept the truth and sincerity of nature, irreplaceable of all faux and sugar-coated words that brings a constant battle for humans to decipher the genuinity of other's actions, and to constantly cipher our own actions for others.
He made a soft noise of agreement, "so pretty."
His voice held a weight of profound feelings, which triggered my head to instinctively turn and see. What is it he's seeing—to see what holds such beauty for his words to cause my heart quaking.
Our eyes met. He wasn't looking at me. He was looking through me, and I felt nudely exposed. His hand reached out, cupping my cheek. His thumb rubbed softly on my skin, brushing lightly on my lips. His gaze dropped for a moment, before returning to mine. He leaned closer, our faces bearing a pinch of proximity.
"Push me away if you don't want this." He said firmly, and I sat there, unmoving.
He inched forward, and our lips clashed.
My head was clouded, I couldn't think. I was struggling, trying to remember why I can't—why I mustn't do this with him.
Yet, I couldn't.
My mind had forgotten all there is, and my heart gained control. The feelings swirled in my heart, down to my stomach. I could feel the blossoming garden of my intestines attracting a billion dozen butterflies.
My heart thumped heavily, trying to find a rhythm to match his—
My lips moved, matching his melody. My arms moved, wrapping around his neck and my fingers entwined themselves with his hair strands. My body moved, leaning close as it pressed against his.
More. More. My heart cried, her tune finding his—wailing and stumbling in a desperate attempt to connect.
One last note. She pleaded—yet my mind's rational, and all forgotten memories returned.
I moved back, pushing him away.
"I'm sorry. I'm.." I sniffled, the friendly cold turning into foe.
"Sh.. It's okay. Don't apologize, you're okay," he affirmed.
I bit my lip, my hand fisting tightly as I could feel the sharp of my nails piercing through my skin.
His hand hesitantly, carefully took mine. He unraveled the knot, keeping my fingers unbent on his palm.
"Please don't.. hurt yourself." He requested, and I sniffled once again. The cold felt as though it multiplied, and carved spears which constantly penetrated my body.
"It's.. cold." I couldn't speak my mind's words, but he heeded.
He embraced me, the cold of our bodies fusing together as I placed my arms over his larger back, hoping I offered warmth for him, just as he did for me.
My heart throbbed, pounding harshly in pain. I could feel the dam reaching its limit, and being in such a vulnerable state, it was impossible to be suppressed anymore.
I sobbed, and the dam broke out. No words were spoken between us, and none needed to be.
The gentle, soft strokes of his hand on my back. The fisted shirt of his back in my hand. It was enough for both of us to know.
A few minutes passed, and the rain had stopped. My head stayed on his chest, us both silent. There was a silent plea we requested upon each other.
Let's just stay like this, for now.
After a moment, my breathing shook lightly. "I'm scared," I admitted.
"I'm so scared, Calix. It's not that I.. don't want to, I do. I really do, I just.. I'm terrified." I said honestly. I could feel it, if I didn't speak now—he would never know the truth, and I could lose him.
"It's okay Aslynne. I'm always here. I'm always waiting, and I'm still waiting. Don't be scared, I'll always be with you." He spoke gently, brushing my hair strands softly.
"Really?"
"Mhm," he hummed in confirmation. He planted a soft peck on my head as he pulled me back, his eyes finding mine.
I sighed heavily, leaning back to gain a sense of control and rationality back in me.
"A year ago.. I had a relationship. I was really busy at the time, and.. he was having difficulties. I couldn't—I wasn't there for him, and he.. he passed away." I finally told him the constant weight of guilt, and fear resting in my mind.
"I'm sorry that happened to you." He said, before continuing.
"I.. can't promise immortality," he lightly laughed.
"But I don't want you to face this alone. I want to be with you, help you, support and give you all that I have of me. I hope you could let me do that for you. I wish you'd allow yourself to deserve that." I stayed silent, my thoughts consuming my head.
"I love you, Aslynne. I wish you could see yourself through me, to see how very deserving of love you are. I'm not perfect, I'll make mistakes and I might get angry sometimes. But at the very least, I wish you could tell me more. When you're upset, when you're struggling. I just really wish you'd—"
I silenced him, pressing my lips onto his.
He froze, unmoving.
I separated ourselves, before his arm found my nape and held my head gently, pulling me close. His lips connected with mine again as he drank my breath as if it were his only oxygen.
We disconnected simultaneously, and I panted breathlessly. Our foreheads touched as we gazed at each other through our lashes, smiling in content. I closed my eyes, feeling the euphoric bliss settle in my heart.
I slightly leaned backwards, creating a small distance between us. "Okay," I finally accepted.
His eyes widened, as he was about to lean in once again, I placed my palm on his forehead, pushing him backwards.
"Ask me first," I demanded, grinning.
A breathy chuckle slipped past his lips as he held my hand in one, and my cheek in the other. He tucked a few strands behind my ear as he gazed at me with fervor.
"Aslynne, will you be my girlfriend?" His words pealed, sending a spike of euphoria through my bloodstream.
I nodded, smiling brightly. "Yes," I exclaimed.
We leaned in, pressing our lips together. I melted into him as he did in mine, lost in the feeling of each other. Our hearts played a melody which belonged to us together, alone.
"Thank you." He said, a soft hue of the light reflecting on his face as I stared in admiration.
The breeze striked, congratulating us both. I turned to the sight of nature, laying my head on his shoulder as our hands held each other.
"It's beautiful," he said, staring at the painted sky. A tint of red hue forming on the canvas that is the sky.
"So beautiful." I agreed, staring at him.
He turned to me, meeting my gaze.
"Everlastingly." He muttered, before meeting my lips once again.
Soft icy feathers landed on my skin as I looked to see snowflakes washing over us. The wind whooshed past, and I shivered. Calix brushed a few whites that'd landed on my face before reminding me, "it's five thirty. Wanna go home?" He suggested.
I nodded, wrapping my arms over myself. The sky was no longer as bright as the previous hours, and it'd be suitable to leave timely before the cold inhabits my body again.
We reached the car shortly, our legs moving speedily. The tires of the car were nearly halfway buried under white, and we climbed onto our seats as Calix turned on the engine and increased the heat temperature. I melted in my seat, basking in the warmth as it fought off the cold. I saw Calix rubbing his hands over one another, creating friction to emit warmth as he softly blows on his hands through my peripheral vision. Then he turned to me, grabbing my fisted hands which hadn't warmed yet, and I watched as my hands disappear in his.
The blanket of warmth laid over my hands, and I felt a surge of pleasure shook through my body—the warmth spreading out rapidly. Once the cold exited our skin, Calix released my hands as he moved the gears and steered his car into motion.
I watched as the trees swayed due to the wind, and I could almost feel it, despite the enclosed, warm space I resided during the moment. I felt a ticklish touch, gentle on my hand as I turned my head the other way, seeing Calix who glanced at me shortly with a smile—keeping his eyes concentrated ahead on the road. Then, my pupils lowered, seeing his hand clasping mine into his, intertwining our fingers as mine stood out slightly through the gaps of his fingers.
"You look so happy," I said, giggling at his never-faltering smile that's been decorating his face the entire time.
He replies, "I am. You make me happy." The car slowly halts as red light reflects on our faces.
He reached over as he pulled at his seatbelt to loosen it, and offered a gentle peck on my lips which curved a giddy smile on my face while heat rested on my cheeks heavily. I kept my eyes on him as his smile turned to a grin and he momentarily retrieved his hand to shift the gears and drive the vehicle before returning to me. My hand flew mid-air as they gratefully accepted his, laying it to rest on my thigh as I opened his palm, tracing the lines and creases.
The darkness was awakening, as light began to snooze. I could see the sun setting by a far end, whilst the sky had only turned a darker blue with a hint of gray on my side. Pulchritudinous as is, I was foreseeing the future. I hope ours will be the same.
The car's motion stopped. The sound of keys dangling reached my ears as one side of the door opened and shut close as quickly as my door opened, a joyous Calix appearing in front of me as he extended his hand and slightly bowed as an escort would a lady during historical times. I lightly laughed, accepting his hand as I gripped it firmly to stabilize myself when I stepped down.
The wind growled harshly at us, as my hair swayed violently and I shivered. I smiled at Calix in assurance as a glimmer of concern appeared in his eyes. He locked the car as he quickly headed inside the building, pulling me along.
The elevator shortly opened with a soft ding, as we entered. He clicked on 6, and I noticed he held in one hand that was not in mine, a paper bag.
"Aren't you going to return to your room?" I asked, as the elevator passed through the number 5, and 6 appeared on the rectangular screen on the side.
He shook his head, "gotta return you to yours first." He grinned at me while the elevator opened and we exited, walking through the walls of multiple doors and a couple more doors, before reaching mine.
I inserted my pin and swung the handle down, pushing the door open. I stepped forward, inside. Calix slowly, hesitantly—untied our hands. I kept the door open with my back, as I faced Calix. I smiled up at him, who returned a softer one, and brushed my hair strands back.
He held up the paper bag, rummaging his hand inside before pulling his hand out—a bouquet of paper flowers held in his hand. He extended his arm towards me, offering the gift. My eyes widened, with my mouth agape as I glanced between him and the bouquet back and forth.
I jumped forward, the door slammed shut behind me. I embraced him tightly as my heart warmed with his sincerity. He immediately held me, as we shared words we didn't say.
Stay.
Once a moment passed, and I'd relished in him—slowly, I stepped backwards and grabbed the bouquet, admiring it for a moment as I laughed when I saw the mints placed over the flower's pistils. I cooed, expressing my adoration, and my sadness.
"Thank you," I said. He nodded at me, a soft expression on his face.
I reached over, tip-toeing as I met him with my lips. A spark ignited in my heart as that connection flowed through me.
A second passed, and I planted my feet on the ground—yet he grabbed my nape as he pulled me back, meeting my lips with a fiery passion, playing a melody of yearning and craving, which I followed.
He leaned backward as my feet returned on the ground, us breathless despite breathing in each other the former bit.
"I don't have anything.." I slightly pouted, staring at the gift in my hand.
He stroked my head gently, placing a light peck on my head, "your acceptance is the greatest gift I could ever receive."
My heart palpitates, as blissfulness arouses in my intestines.
We both lingered, staring at each other as we absorbed everything we could of each other's presence. Then, he stepped further backwards.
Don't leave.
"Good night, sleep well." He bid farewell, waving as he continued creating distance between us.
I nodded, "you too. Sweet dreams," I mumbled, slightly embarrassed at my diabetically sweet words, which I hadn't said since a certain time.
Shallow dimples formed on his cheeks as he grinned at me, before disappearing by a corner.
Yet, he appeared again—his head poking out as he raised his hand, waving at me. I waved back, laughing at his silliness.
He disappeared again. I waited for a minute, internally praying he would return and wave at me again.
He did not.
I bit my lip, slightly embarrassed at my desperation. I inserted my pin and entered my room, feeling quite exhausted from the turn of events.
But I'm happy. I looked at the bouquet in my hand, gently placing it on my dressing table as I took pictures of it.
I lazily did my nightly routine, before preparing for bed. The darkness of the sky was completely awake and lively, whilst the light had fallen into a deep slumber.
My heart was lonely, and void of love.
Not anymore.
I can't sleep.