If I Should Die Before I Wake

by twilight.freak-2012

A different kind of love story willing to stand the test of time. Cara wants to give up on the world after the death of her family. Until she meets Blake. Creating a love that withstands the tragedy and separation. Better than it sounds. Give it a chance!

1. Chapter 1

I started this awhile ago and I didn't want to spilt it up into chapters. It kind of is though, but until I get enough reviews to continue I wont post the next chapter. So yeah, kind of weird. Its my first fan fic so be nice. J

If I Should Die Before I Wake

Preface

The world I lived in was a world many never wanted to see. A time of turmoil and depression like no other in the history of the world.

The year is 2024, I'm 17 years old and have known no other world. My story will not effect anyone because there will be no one left to have an effect on. The world is coming to an end. No one saw it coming. But I did.

I was born into this time and have excepted it as my fate.

1.)

Its late August, an its another extremely hot day. I live in a small two bedroom apartment with my grandmother, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. My parents died two years ago in a car accident . It devastated us all, but as the oldest I excepted my newly found responsibilities. Since I was only 15 at the time we went to live with my handicapped grandmother and squeezed into her apartment. She is very ill and its almost impossible for me to pay the monthly bills for her and my family. Her Social Security doesn't pay much of the bills so I was forced to work a part time job during the school year and full time during the summer to put food on the table.

School would be starting soon, and this year I wasn't going. My grandmother was getting worse by the month and to be able to pay for her medication I needed to drop out to work double shifts when I needed to at the highway gas station I worked at. My brother Sam was turning 13 this year and I have explained to him that I was dropping out and needed him to take care of everyone when I was working late.

He wondered how he was supposed look after the family and do his paper route. I have explained that some responsibilities are forced upon us and that they are much easier to accept if we gladly take them.

I hated saying that to him because I didn't believe it myself. I hated this life and everyone in it. I hated working at a secluded gas station in the middle of nowhere at night when I knew that sex hungry truckers were waiting for me to leave my post. I hated riding a bike everywhere because I couldn't afford the bus. I knew this is what my parents would want me to do, so I put on a happy face for my elderly grandmother.

It was early ,though, it was extremely hot. As I walked to the large front room window I opened the blinds. The scorching sun blinded me as I looked at the busy orange city street, four stories below me. The sky was hazy as the sun rose in the east. I put on my freshly ironed khaki pants and slipped on my old Converse. It was nearing seven and it was almost time for me to leave.

I peeked in my siblings' room and saw they were soundly asleep. I then turned on the television to see the weather. It was even hotter than usual. It was going to be over a hundred today and I wasn't looking forward to the day. I went to turn on the air conditioner and realized that I had to be leaving in a matter of minuets. So I hurried to the couch where I slept and folded the blankets carefully and placed them in the closet. I carefully entered my grandmother's privately air conditioned room. She was a large woman but short in height. She was much more energetic in my youth but when the arthritis began it disabled her, forcing her to the bed.

I placed a glass of ice cold water for her at the nightstand and evenly set out her array of medication.

As a stepped out of the room I heard her call my name.

"Cara ," she called with a hushed yet hoarse voice.

I stepped inside yet again to see what she wanted, "Yes, Nana,"

"Are you leaving already?" she asked with a concerned voice.

" Yes, I was just about to head out the door when you called," I said with a gentle tone to my annoyed mood.

"Oh, have a nice day at work," she muttered as she rolled over to sleep.

I walked down the long stretch of hallway to my brown leather purse on the recliner and noticed a emergency announcement on the news. These were not uncommon and I thought I mine as well see what country was at war. But to my surprise it was much different then usual. It seems that yet another country had decided to bomb the U.S., but so many countries were in on the war that it was going to hit all the major cities on the east coast. Since Pittsburgh was considered a major city I began to worry. I walked over to the open blinds and saw that the traffic had increased and many had left their cars to flee.

Just then the news went off broadcast and the city sirens rang throughout the city. I ran to my siblings' bedroom and woke them up immediately.

"Get up, get up!" I screamed as I shook them violently. They each rubbed their eyes and looked at me dazed.

" Now, now, the city's under attack," I yelled in panic as I ran out of the room to attend to my grandmother. I wondered what I was going to do. I couldn't take them to a shelter because by now they be filled to maximum capacity.

I burst into my grandmother's room, waking her from slumber.

"Cara, what's wrong, what's going on!" she yelled at me in fear.

"The country… is under attack… they say it could be an extermination," I didn't know why I gave her the details knowing it only upset her even more. I was nervous and didn't know if we live through the day.

"W-what do we do?" she said in a nervous tone.

"I don't know, but we need to move now to see if they have an evacuation plan for the city".

She didn't waste anymore time as she grabbed her few essentials. I helped her from the bed. I grabbed her medications and her nearest slippers and slipped them over her tightly plump feet. I helped her slip on her moo-moo and led her down the hallway.

My Sam was directing Kyle and Hailey what to do. I was very proud of him. I didn't see a hint of fear in his eyes. He stood proud and tall as he directed orders. He was stood at almost five seven while I was a petite five three. His black hair cropped short from a recent hair cut. His skin much darker than my own was always a dark beige color because of the constant sun. He was muscular and toned. But I still saw him as that skinny kid I'd grown up with.

I looked in Kyle's fearful eyes. He grabbed the first aid kit and stuffed it in to the already over-stuffed backpack. He was ten, but he too was already taller than me. His skin not much darker than mine was always a light beige due to his constant exposure to sun.

Hailey was a mere eight, and dealt with the death of our parents better then any of us. She was always distant and lonely, but I knew nothing of dealing with children. She rushed as she grabbed the emergency stash of dehydrated foods. Her hair was a curly mess with a headband. Her skin much like that of Sam's.

They took their time as they grabbed what they labeled 'essentials' . I was so confused I was angry. Why we needed these 'essentials' I didn't know but I was about two minuets away from being set over the edge. I looked out our large front room window and saw that there was no more traffic. All the cars were gone. The streets were empty and still hazy from the intense heat. My eyes grew wide with shock. I ran to the door to check the halls but all I saw was strewn papers and clothing. I knew we were behind and had wasted to much time grabbing things that we didn't need. I ran down the stairs to ask for help with my grandmother who was in no condition to walk down stairs. As I stepped outside I was welcomed by an unfamiliar temperature. It was unseasonably cool and it never was cold in Pennsylvania anymore.

The air was thick with a rancid fog. It was unlike anything I've ever smelled. The air was gray and dark. The silent street made me forget what I was out here for. I squinted my eyes to search for any life on the empty street. I held my arms out in search of anything. In the distance a bright light came towards me. No… it was walking toward me. Someone in an angelic form. Wearing long white robes and no shoes. I reached out for it but it walked at the same slow pace. As it got closer I saw that the blinding light prevented me from seeing this mystical being's face. It held out a hand for me to touch, but when our fingertips met the light blinded me with such a force. I knew I had died.

2.)

I awoke on the same old couch, in the same old two bedroom apartment, in the same old sweltering heat. Though it was extremely hot I was covered in a cold sweat. It was six in the morning and the calendar said it was the same day as my dream.

A normal person would of shook it off and continued their day, but this dream was like no other dream. My heart told me this dream was not like any dream that I ever had. The reality of it was staggering. So feelings coming from it were real. It was telling me something. To tell me that this dream would come true and I had to get out.

I hesitated when I suggested I leave my family behind but I knew I had to get out and get some help. I grabbed my sock full of money on top of the fridge and headed out onto the street. I left a note for my family to find explaining that their was something I had to do and for them to wait for me. I would come back for them. I had to find someway to get my family out and somewhere for them to go.

I stepped out onto hazy street. People filed pass me, not even looking up at me. I walked fast through the street not sure where to go. No one yet knew of the danger that awaited them in a matter of minuets. A few moments passed when people started running passed me. The street became rushed and crowded. I shouted out for help but the crowd over powered me and I was forced down the street.

I then saw the destination everyone was headed for. Helicopters were lined down the street picking people up. Soldiers were loading women and children onto the helicopters first. I walked in circles among the frighten crowd looking for someone to help me get my family and elderly grandmother out of the apartment. No one listened to me. They were too caught up in their own confusion to even look at me.

I finally saw a lone solider standing guard with his rifle in hand. His face was serious yet in his eyes held the frightened look of a lost child. I walked up to him slowly. As I approached him his gaze directed toward me.

" Please, I need help-" he cut me off before I could finish. He grabbed my arm and was leading me through the crowd.

" Ma'am I need you to get in helicopter out of the city," he said in monotone. I hated being called 'ma'am'. He was probably only a year older than me.

"No, my…grandmother…my family…I need help," I struggled against his death grip on my arm. We finally reached the last helicopter being loaded when I finally broke free.

" Listen, just get in the helicopter, I don't want to force you," he shouted to me over the roar of the helicopter.

I then noticed I was the last woman or child in the crowd. I looked among the empty looks on the faces of the men around me. I then looked back at the solider that stood before me.

"I…I… I have to get back to my family, they need me… they don't know what's happening. Please, I have to help them, they need me." I looked at the solider with pleading eyes. I had to help my family. I promised I be back. His face looked at me concerned. I knew he wanted to help me, but something kept him back.

" Really, I want to help you, but its too late for them. I would be going against my duty by letting you go," He yet again grabbed my wrist, locking my into this spot. His eyes held a sullen look. I turned with force to be released from his grip, but he used that force along with his own to twirl me back around. We held a gaze momentarily, and he then threw me over his shoulder.

" I didn't want to do this…really, I just don't want to let anymore people die," even as he shouted over the roar of the crowd I could here his sympathy and remorse. I struggled against his grip on my legs as he got closer and closer to the helicopter.

" Please," I said as hot tears streamed down my face, " I just want to die with my family," he hardened his grip on me as we reached the helicopter. He passed me off to another solider in the helicopter. I reached out to him as a last effort to escape their clutches on me.

" I'm sorry, but its not your decision to make," and then he slammed the door on the helicopter shut. Trapping me in this metal dungeon.

I pressed my hands against the cold glass as we lifted into the air. Tears continued to consume me as I looked down at the solider among the crowd of angry men. His serene look blocked out all the confusion and turmoil around him. He continued to look at me with desolation until he disappeared below the clouds.

I leaned against the door, my head in my hands. The hot tears that consumed me now stung my eyes. But I couldn't stop. I thought of my family and how scared and lost they felt. And then I thought of them and knew they be soon dead. I shouldn't have left them. I was selfish, and was only looking out for myself. Knowing that I couldn't live with myself. I didn't have anything to live for. I couldn't think anymore. So I let sleep compel me.

3.)

I woke with a gentle nudge to my shoulder. My head was heavy with guilt and irritation. I wanted to continue to sleep. I wanted to give up on the world and hoped it wanted to give up on me. I forced my tear encrusted eyes to open. They still stung from the amount of crying I've done. I lifted my head slowly as I looked into the eyes of the solider who had brought me to this wretched place. I never noticed that his eyes were green. A striking color of green, almost emerald. His voice is what brought me out of his trance.

" Are…you okay?"

" I… think so, just really tired." I was slightly dazed by his presence. I didn't ever expect to see him again. Our eyes were locked on each other. His eyes bore into my soul, and mine into his. I had this sudden understanding of him and awareness of his emotions. I never had this kind of feeling toward someone. I didn't quite understand it. It was as if his eyes held a story I couldn't decipher. I understood the feeling of it, but that was only the surface.

He was the first to break the trance between us when he scooped me up out of the helicopter and walked holding me bridal style across a large landing port. Lots of people turned their direction to us, but I didn't care. I felt unusually safe and warm in his arms. I snuggled deeper into his embrace while he tightened his grip on me. The faces around me lost and afraid. Some huddled in groups, while others had grey wool blankets draped across their shoulders.

He entered a large tent where lots of cots were being set up. Many other soldiers turned toward us, they more looked at the man carrying me. With looks of disappointment and frustration. I closed my eyes inhaling his scent. I let it wrap around me and overwhelm me. He entered a small room with a cot. He laid me on the cot and brushed a stray hair from my face. I felt his hand linger on my cheek.

I felt a blush creep up onto my face. I felt his thumb brush across my cheek feeling the warmth of my blush. He took his hand off my cheek when another man came into the private room.

"So… this is the girl you were looking for," I didn't like his displeased tone. I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes. Scared of the look his face held. I just continued to listen to their conversation.

"I…I…I just wanted to know she was okay, she lost her entire family," I heard his concern for me and my wellbeing. I could feel his eyes direct toward me. Burning into my soul. " I couldn't stop thinking about her till, I knew she was safe."

" Well, now you know. Your duty isn't to just protect her, there are other people out there who need your help," I didn't like this man. He had no sympathy or concern. I wanted him to leave. At that moment I felt myself tense under the touch of the man who comforted me.

"Just give me a minuet," I felt his warm touch on my face. Then I heard the other man walk out and the door shut behind him.

Why did this man touch me this way? And why did I let him? The weird thing was that I didn't mind, I didn't just mind but I liked it. The soothing way his touch warmed me and sent shivers down my spine. We sat this way for several moments. Him rubbing my face and me sitting in silence. I wanted to break the silence. I wanted to see his eyes before he left again.

I let my eyes flutter open. He seemed surprised and yet relieved that I was officially awake. I brought my hand to his on my face and grasped it.

" Please, don't leave me." He was the only person left in my life. And I didn't want to loose him. Not even for a second. " I don't have anyone, please say you'll stay," I pleaded with all my being. It felt weird. Having no one in my life. He was all I had, and I didn't even know his name. I didn't care. I wanted him, I needed him. I felt that if he left I fall apart.

" I don't think I can, but I'll only be gone till dusk. I'll be back before dinner… I promise," I could hear the hesitation in his voice. He didn't want to promise me something he wasn't sure of. But I had no room in my life for disappointment.

" Don't promise me something you cant keep, I've had enough disappointment for a life time," I turned my back to him as I looked to the grey wall holding back tears.

I could here him sigh, and I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck. Then, I heard the door open and shut. I just let the tears fall freely down my face. I felt so utterly alone and scared. I had no strength to go on. I wrapped my arms around my knees and let grief overtake me.

Why did this happen to me? I did what I knew was right. I worked long and hard for my family. I sacrificed my adolescence so that they would have a normal life. I sacrificed everything for them. And this is how I was repaid. It felt unfair and cruel. What kind of God would do this?

At that moment I heard muffled voices. I sat up instantly at the sound of his voice. I rubbed my eyes and walked up to the door to hear. They were arguing about something. No… it was about me. I was unable to hear the exact words of the conversation. But it had something to do with me and the fact that I needed him. The other man was saying something about me being a pretty face and him needing to contribute to the other women and children and not just one.

I was shocked by his words. I never saw myself as very attractive. Then again, I never really looked in the mirror at all. I never really pictured myself as anything. I then turned around and noticed a body length mirror. I walked up closer, touching the cool surface. I looked into my own eyes and was startled by what I saw. My eyes were red and puffy but still held beauty. My long, dark brown hair cascaded down to my waist. My sleepwear did me no justice, but did not fully hide my slim figure. My face had lost most of its color due to exhaustion and grief, but I still couldn't stop looking into my eyes. They were blue and green, which made them resemble the earth . They stared intently back at me. Lost in time, I heard the doorknob jingle. I crawled into a corner away from the mirror. I didn't want to look at my reflection anymore. It hurt me to look into those eyes. And it hurt me even more to know they were mine.

4.)

I pulled my knees closer to my body. I crossed my arms and put them on top. And then I roughly let my head fall into my arms.

I finally heard the door open. I could tell that everyone that was outside had moved into the warehouse-sized tent. Noise flooded in when the door remained open for a moment. And then disappeared when the door shut. I heard him make a sigh, and then his footsteps come closer.

He kneeled down to eye level. He used his hand to lift my chin. Forcing me to look into his piercing green eyes. His eyes now held a slight trace of gold. And behind the color held relief.

"What's your name?"

I was shocked by his voice when he spoke. His velvet voice surrounded me and enveloped me. It was his thumb grazing across my chin that woke me from his spell.

" I'm… Cara… Cara Masen." I never realized how beautiful he was. He was more relaxed, more content. By the sound of my words he smiled. I savored every bit of this expression, not sure if I ever see it again.

" Well Cara, I'm Colonel Blake Collins. But you can just call me Blake." His smile never left this face. He offered his hands and I gladly excepted. He helped me stand up encouraging me to smile.

I probably haven't smiled since my parents died two years before. He brought a sudden lightness to my being. I couldn't explain the effect he had on me.

" Are… you going… to leave me," I needed to know. My smile couldn't linger forever. But his never left his lips.

" No, I have permission to watch you for the night," he seemed very happy about this. I continued to look at him the entire time he held my hands. His hair a rich auburn had flecks of gold complimenting his well chiseled face. He wore the standard camouflage uniform but could still see the indents of his toned chest.

When he finally released my hands, I felt suddenly overcome with a need for his touch. I grabbed his hand again and looked back into his eyes.

" I'm sorry, I just feel a need for human contact," at that moment he cupped his hand to my face and increased the size of his smile.

" It's okay, I don't mind," he said as he tighten his grip on my hand. His presence dazzled me to an overpowering extent. A blush covered my entire face. I could tell by the sudden warmth my face held. His smile gradually turned into a smirk when he finally released my face. "Are you hungry at all?" By his sudden words I realized that I was basically starving.

" Now that you mention it, I am hungry." I chuckled at my own stupidity for forgetting that I haven't ate in…. Wait, how long has it been. And where am I. I needed answers and I needed them now. But I was hungry, and wanted to eat more than anything.

"Okay, give me a minuet, I'll get you something to eat," He held his smile till he left the room. I suddenly let out a rush of air. His very presence left me holding my breath. He was absolutely beautiful. He was insanely alluring and I knew he couldn't help it. It made my heart race just thinking he be back in a few moments with something for me to eat.

I racked my brain for ideas, I had no idea what to say. He was so hard to talk to. Even when I knew what I was going to say, they got lost in his eyes. I finally decided I let him break the silence. Why he even find me interesting in the first place was hard to understand. The person I saw in the mirror could not be me. I looked in the mirror before and never saw anything close to what I saw today. That person was perfection in human form. I turned around to look into the mirror again, but was met with the same face. The same stunning eyes, full luxurious lips, same long dark mahogany hair. I reached up to touch my face and was not surprised when the reflection did the same. This face did not resemble the faces of my family. The sudden remembrance of my family brought tears to my eyes.

I then saw in the corner of my reflection, the most beautiful man I've ever seen. He held a tray of food and a smile that dissolved from his face. I then reached up to touch my cheek again and felt a warm tear against my finger tips. I looked at it with surprise.

He set the tray of food on a small table next to the cot. He came closer to me readying to touch my face… but then hesitation. He slightly pulled back his hand and brought it back down to his side. I looked up at him. Wondering what he was thinking.

"Are you okay?"

" Yeah, I'm fine," I lied as I pushed a stray hair behind my ear, " I'm still just shaken about this whole situation."

He didn't say anything after I spoke. He just gestured toward the food and I walked over to the little table and pulled up a fold up chair to eat. He stared intently as I ate. Watching every movement with caution. I stuck to the plan with letting him break the silence. I didn't have to wait long till he finally spoke up.

" I guess you probably hate me for what I did," I was shocked by his choice of words. I didn't think he bring up a conversation like this.

" Well, I don't blame anyone but myself. I left them alone. I should of stayed with them, or at the very least tried to get them out." I felt tears threaten to fall, but I held them back. He'd seen my enough of my tears for a lifetime. I felt him put his hand on mine and grasp it lightly.

" Don't blame yourself, I'm just glad you don't hate me," I saw a smile creep onto his face. With his sudden joy I felt a blush sneak up my face forming me my own smile. The second smile for the day.

5.)

I suddenly wondered why was I smiling on the worst day of my life. The family I lost, the expectations I had, and…

I didn't really possess a life. I had no intentions for my life. I survived by day. Only looking ahead enough so it wouldn't scare me. Because in reality, I probably be taking care of my family twenty years from now. Even if I wasn't I would ruin my own life just so they could have some chance at a normal life. It wasn't fair, but it was right.

I had no hopes or dreams. I lived for my family, and… now that they were gone I didn't know where to start living for me. Even when my parents were alive I always had to sacrifice. This was how I lived. I never looked out for just me. This was a new experience I would need to get used to. At least for a little while. The world was a wreck before the bombing and now it was even shoddier then before.

He gave my hand a tight squeeze. I knew it was to make sure I was okay. I looked up to look the uneasy look on his face. The smile that played on his lips was now gone, but I could see by the quivering corner of his mouth that he wanted it to resurface. He was unsure how to react to my silence. I could see several reactions on his face, him wondering which was best to use.

" I'm alright, really." I was scared to show any emotion. Scared it turn into guilt and cause me too cry my eyes out. " I've had a lot to think about in the past few hours, that's all." I yet again brushed a stray lock of hair behind my right ear. I looked back down at our hands, and noticed he put his other hand on top.

" I know, I…," he hesitated a moment to bring his firm yet soft hand to my chin, forcing me to look into his unfathomable eyes. " just want you to trust me, I want to make this up to you."

I was unsure by what he meant at first. What could he possibly owe me? Then it occurred to me suddenly. He blamed himself for the constant dejected look I had. What he didn't know was that I was naturally a miserable looking person. I never smiled and rarely showed emotion toward life. I needed to reassure him that I didn't blame him for any of my guilt.

" Don't blame yourself, you were just doing your job," I tore my hand from his grip and continued eating.

We sat in silence for awhile waiting for the other to say something. He was scared to say anything that might hurt me, and I just enjoyed the stillness. Hearing his slow, rhythmic breathing behind the calm of the room.

We didn't speak for several minuets. Almost an entire fifteen minuets past before we heard a knock at the door. I continued eating, pretending like I had no interest in the visitor at the door. He immediately got up from his seat to answer the door. I couldn't hear the hushed discussion going on behind the door. I wasn't very interested in the slightest. I was savoring every bite of my meal. It contained a assortment foods. Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, milk, and fruit cocktail. It wasn't anything special but I had a feeling like I haven't eaten in awhile.

I felt much less nauseous with a full stomach. But the ache was still there. The never-ending ache in the gut of my stomach. I've always gotten this feeling when something goes horribly wrong in my life. The gut wrenching feeling was becoming very familiar to me. Welcomed or unwelcome it was still there. I had the feeling it eat me away till there was nothing left, but I still kept going. But for what?

I knew I didn't have long to live in the first place. The world was falling down around me, and it was only a matter of time till my number was called.

After thinking through this it made me wonder how long I really did have to live. It didn't matter to me. The sooner I was with my family the better. I missed them so much. Just the company of them was sounded wonderful.

The slamming of the door awoke me from my daydreaming. I flinched slightly and heard him return to his seat in front of me. He placed a neatly folded change of clothes on the table beside my empty food tray. I looked up into those gorgeous eyes once again. I played with my fingers while I waited for him to say something.

" A change of clothes," he motioned to the folded clothing before me, " I thought you might want to change out of those clothes since we're going to be here awhile."

" Okay, but could I use the bathroom first." I felt grimy and dirty. I could tell by the feel of the clothes on my body that I haven't changed in awhile. And the fact that I haven't used the restroom facilities in a long time.

"Sure, its… this way."

He opened the door for me and motioned for me to walk out. I gladly obeyed and past him out into the loud and over-crowded tent. He put his hand on the small of my back after closing the door. Leading me forward past all the helpless faces. I turned my head away scared by what they would think of my face. I didn't want anyone to look at that face. It hurt me and I know it hurt them also.

He led me outside into the cool, crisp air. Suddenly realizing how hot and stuffy it was in the huge tent. It was dark outside, but I could tell it hadn't been long. The sky didn't contain all the stars it held yet. The sky still gripped a tiny bit of purple and pink.

He took me to a large metal cabin and stopped. He motioned for me to go in. I walked in and saw five stalls and a large horizontal mirror going across a wall. Five sinks lined this wall along with hand dryers. I stepped up to the sink and placed the bag of toiletries on the rim. I dreaded it, but I looked up into the mirror. Not surprised to see that gorgeous face once again stare back at me. I so desperately wanted to wash my face and hoped that the face I looked at now was gone. But that was a long shot.

I quickly brushed my teeth and grabbed a towel, along with a bar of soap and a bottle of shampoo. I silently headed for the showers in the back of the room. I removed my shoes and socks, setting them aside. The cool tiled floor felt incredible on my aching feet. I removed the rest of my clothing concealing myself with a towel. I stepped into the shower closing the glass door behind me. I hung my towel on the door and turned the water on as hot as it would go. It heat from the water relaxed my sore muscles. It radiated through my body enveloping me in a room full of steam.

I lost track of all time. Unsure how much time past. I quietly shut the water off, wrapping myself in a towel. I opened the glass door to the shower stepping into the steam filled room. I couldn't see anything, but I was confident I knew where the dressing area of the room was. In the corner of my eye I thought I seen a dark figure, but continued on to my destination.

I bumped into something hard and warm. Thinking it was just an unknown wall. I went to turn but it grabbed me by the wrists and forced me to look toward it. I saw a break in the steam realizing it was him. Blake. But… he was in the women's restroom, and I was in naught but a towel. I felt a heated blush cover my entire body. His face held anxiety. Unsure by how to react by his presence my body went limp in his arms.

He reacted and held onto me tighter. Bringing me into his embrace. I looked up into his emerald eyes again. Only to see a smirk playing on his lips.

" I came looking for you when you took so long, glad I did, looks like I came just in time," I could tell by the size of his smirk and the playfulness in his voice that he was relieved to find me. I smiled shyly and buried my face into his chest. Hearing the sound of his heartbeat. It was so relaxing. Blocking out all the worry of the day.

He stood up straight bringing me with him. He removed me from his chest and looked down at me. He went to open his mouth to speak, but I put a finger to his lips before he could speak.

"This conversation be best continued when I'm not in just a towel," I actually smiled while I said that. And in a very playful manner. I guided my hand to his cheek and remained there for a moment. He closed his eyes and let the surprised look dissolve off his face and become a gentle smile.

He took my hand and held it with both hands and looked me in the eyes.

" Okay, but don't take too long" he chuckled as he let go of my hand. He turned and left into the steam. I waited until I heard the door close before I sank to the ground.

I held my hand to my mouth thinking over and over, no, I cant be in love, I don't want to be, …but I do. I do love him.

6.)

It took me a moment to realize he was waiting for me. So I pulled myself together and walked back to my toiletry bag. I changed into a pair of jeans and a navy blue shirt. The jeans were a bit loose, and much to long, but I managed. I put a clean, fresh pair of socks along with a brand new pair of shoes. They weren't anything special, plain white and flat, but they were sturdy and would hold up well. I again looked up into the mirror and looked much more refreshed. That amazingly beautiful face looked even more amazing non tear streaked. My eyes no longer red. Hair no longer a jungle mess. It felt incredibly wonderful to be clean and in new clothes.

I grabbed a brush and worked on my glossy hair. I was getting used to the idea that this was what I always looked like, but I was just to distracted to ever really look on the surface. I gave up on my hair, settling with a low ponytail. A few stray strands of hair complimented the contours of my face.

I put the remaining items back in the bag and took one last look in the mirror. I grabbed the bag I headed to the door. I hesitated at the doorknob. I took a deep breath and opened the door. And there he was. In the flesh, the most amazing man I've ever seen. He turned around at the sound of the door opening with an amazing smile. His teeth glistened in the moonlight. His sparkling eyes looked at me with longing. I smiled at his presence and by the sudden realization of my feelings for him.

I walked up to him and he took my bag. I felt unusually comfortable with him and wanted to break the stillness.

"So, why were you in the girls bathroom," I said with a playful tone to my voice.

" Do you want to know the truth?"

I thought to myself if I truly wanted to know why he came in the women's restroom looking for me. I searched my head for several ideas surrounding around why he came to check on me. I quickly dismissed them and decided to answer him.

"Yeah…I guess…." I mused brushing a lock of hair away from my face.

It took him a moment to figure out what to say. The look on his face told me he was sure of his answer but was wondering how to tell me. He suddenly stopped walking, and I followed his sudden movement. I looked up at his brilliant face. His face deep in thought.

I tried to read his face, but discovered that my staring made him lose his concentration. He looked down at me with a god like smile. I turned my face away to hide my blush but was unsuccessful for my blush crept up to quickly for me to veil. The next thing I knew he was grabbing my face to look at his. He didn't have a smile on his gorgeous face anymore. He was saddened by something and this emotion did not go well with his face. I thought to myself why did he react to everything I did. He was such an enigma to me. Every touch, every word held an unknown meaning. I desperately wanted to know what he was thinking. It was driving me crazy. Especially since my newly discovered feelings toward him. I wanted to know everything about him. But I knew deep in my heart that he never let someone like me in.

I was doing way to much thinking for my own good. All these unanswered questions plagued my mind. Adding more to it would only make the situation worse.

I went to say something. Anything to break this silence. But he quickly put a finger to my lips very gently, not wanting to startle me. He spoke before I could even think of words.

" Why do you hide your face?" His voice held concern and longing. Wanting a truthful answer. Sparing him his feelings and being straight with him.

It only took me a moment to figure an answer, but it was the matter of finding my voice to speak with. He leaves me utterly speechless with his velvet voice. I decided to open my mouth and let whatever came to mind just come.

"Well… I guess its because I hate what I look like, afraid of what someone will think of it, afraid what… you think of it," I decided I had said enough. It was enough already said and I didn't want make it any worse than it already was.

Silence.

A prolonged silence that seemed to last forever. He continued to hold my face and look at me with that same dejected look.

I broke silence quickly avoiding getting hurt anymore.

" Listen, " I said as I removed his hand from my face. " its just how I feel and no big deal. Don't try to make me feel better about how I look," Even though I was very easily the most beautiful person on Earth. " And you never really answered my original question." I said lightly.

He pondered quietly to himself, looking to the cool , crisp sky above us. A breeze whipped through his already tousled hair. " I guess I was coming to make sure you were okay…," I could tell that wasn't the whole story. " or to make sure you were still alive," He cringed at the last word. Unsure by how I react to that. I could understand though.

I was very unhappy obviously since recent events and have gave the impression that I might be a suicide risk. Of course he came to check to make sure I haven't killed myself, even though I have considered it I would never be able to go through with it.

" I guess I can understand that, I haven't been the happiest person lately and can understand why you would come to check and make sure I was alive after so long."

I saw his face lighten a bit. I smile begging to spill over. Waiting for me to finish speaking to allow him to smile. Of course I wouldn't miss out on a chance to see him smile. " But, you don't have to worry, I have no immediate plans to end my life. Especially under your supervision." I said the last part with a silly grin. I was becoming better and better at this whole smile thing.

His smile finally spilled over his face increasing the size of mine. We sat there for a moment with large, goofy smiles on our faces, and I wondered about how silly we looked staring at each other smiling. The situation and our emotions didn't compliment each other very well. I tried to rid it of my mind but I was overwhelmed.

My family.

7.)

I immediately fell to the ground, but before I could even react I was caught. His smile gone but still slightly there at the corners. In more of a crooked smile. He looked down at me in his arms. While I tried not to fall in his eyes. His deep pools for eyes. They were not as light with a hint of gold. They were a piercing green. I blushed at his beauty, and went to turn away. But he like always grabbed my face. This time was different. It held more strength. Like he wanted me desperately to turn to his face. I complied this time and put my hand to his face, but was surprised by how close his face was to my own.

The closeness scared me. It was close for a reason but I wasn't sure why. I just rubbed my thumb across his cheek. Savoring the moment. I didn't care that he didn't feel the same way about me, I was going to stay in his arms as long as he let me. Enjoying every moment I spent with him. We sat his way for a while. I wondered why he let me stay this way.

" Why are you holding me like this?" I asked.

" Just making sure you feel the same way," and then he pulled my face to his. The moment our lips touched electricity coursed through my veins. Sending shivers up and down my spine at the same time. I grasped him tighter to me and he seemed to react to that. He smiled against my lips and began to move his lips against mine. I gladly obliged with his movements and moved along with him. I didn't know what I was doing but I was overcome with instinct. I suddenly knew what to do. My hand unconsciously grabbed a handful of hair bringing him even closer to me. He become insanely excited grabbing me closer and kissing down my neck. It gave me time to breath and think. Why was I doing this?

Sure I loved him, but was that enough. I couldn't handle anything else in my life. I wasn't sure how much I could handle. He moved back up to my face and to the hollow behind my ear.

" I love you," he whispered in my ear. My eyes bulged with his words. I couldn't breathe. I tore my face away from his. I looked at him. He seemed alarmed by my actions. He went to reach for my face but I backed away. He reached out to hold me but I refused by running away.

I didn't stop and I didn't dare look back. I only stopped when I again reached the large tent. I walked in feeling like everyone was looking at me. I went to my back room to see that it had been cleaned of my recent meal. I immediately went to the mirror and saw red swollen lips. I could see very clearly what he saw in me. I felt absolutely horrible. I had lost what little chance I had to be with him. But I was scared I was going to get hurt. That I would believe him when he said he loved me. So when he left, it make it only worse. I wanted this feeling for him to pass. I didn't want to love him. And I didn't want him to lie to me. But what if he wasn't.

What if by some small chance he loved me too. And I just pushed him away from me. He probably never wanted to see me again. I walked over to the bed and sat there. I couldn't sleep. I've slept enough for awhile. I brought my knees up to my face to rest my chin. I held myself for endless minuets. Until I heard a knock at the door.

I was sitting in the dark. I could tell that he saw me from the light when he opened the door. He closed the door behind him. I could tell it was him by his footsteps. They were cautioned against the floor. I didn't care anymore. I sat there staring into darkness. Hoping it swallow me. And send me somewhere where no one could ever hope to find me. I could tell he was standing in front of me. He sat there staring at the darkness that was me.

" I don't know why you ran from me,… I thought that you wanted me to kiss you," he waited to see if I would answer. But was answered with silence. "I waited to see if you react and you did, it seemed to be what you wanted." Again he waited to see if I decided to speak, just before I opened my mouth he spoke. "Perhaps I was mistaken," he turned to walk away, but to even my own surprise I grabbed his hand.

" Wait, I am sorry," I began to stutter as I continued to speak. " I…I didn't want to get hurt. I've never been hurt that way before and I wasn't prepared to start," my mouth was dry. I could barely speak. But it turned out I didn't need to.

" I couldn't hurt you if I wanted to," he chuckled as he spoke. " You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I love you," he laughed as he spoke like he was a nervous child. " I cant tear my eyes away from you. You… are everything to me. I know we haven't know each other long, and its hard to believe that I fell in love with you the moment I saw you," he was extremely serious as he spoke. And he spoke with such emotion. " but the moment you spoke to me I knew you were the most amazing person I've ever known."

I was amazed by his words, because I felt exactly the same way about him. I leaned forward on my knees bringing his face down to eye level. In the darkness all I saw was his eyes. Making me smile and melt away. " That's good enough for me," and I put either hand on the sides of his neck and brought his face to mine.

I poured all the passion and love into that kiss, so that he had no doubts about how I felt about him. He leaned me back onto the bed. I laughed as we gently fell onto the pillows while he smiled against my lips. He was the first to need air so I kissed down his neck till I reached his collar bone. I savored every moment. Wondering where he came from and why it took me this long to find him. But I just laughed at the thought. Just thankful that I had him now.

I playfully unbuttoned his camouflage jacket revealing a tighter much more appealing white t-shirt. He kicked off his boots and I also followed suit. We laughed at each other at our attempts to remove unnecessary clothing. I held onto his face. Never wanting to let go of him. I felt his hand descend down my waist playing with the hem of my shirt. It didn't bother me till I felt his warm skin against the flesh of my stomach. I instantly pushed him away playfully. Not wanting to scare him.

" I think that's enough for a first night," I said playfully.

" Our standards must be different then, because I was just getting started," he sounded playful but yet serious. He continued from where he was. But he wasn't going to win this.

" I think there will be plenty of time for that in the near future," I smiled evilly. He didn't seem very convinced by my words and just continued descending his hand down my waist and past my knee. When he reached there he hitched my leg around his waist. He had gone too far. I pushed at his chest till we were both sitting up. " That's enough for tonight," I said teasingly. " Its getting late."

" Yeah, your right," he said as he let go of me. He quickly grabbed his jacket and boots before speaking again. " I better head back before they come and get me," he said the last part with a teasing tone. He put his boots back on still holding his jacket.

He kissed me lightly and sweetly on the lips before he left. I had no words for how I felt at this moment. I couldn't breathe. So much happened in the last few hours. It boggled my mind with confusion. I loved him, and he loved me. And that's all that mattered. I couldn't wait till he came in the morning, I was unsure what laid ahead for me but I was ready to begin my life for me…and him.

8.)

I was positively giddy. I couldn't remember a time when I felt this way. I couldn't contain myself. I wished he burst through the door and take me into his arms, but it was late and I have taken enough of his time for today.

I removed my jeans, knowing it be uncomfortable to sleep in them and folded them and laid them on a metal fold up chair. I pulled the covers back to reveal plain, off white sheets. I climbed in and pulled the covers around me. I couldn't sleep though. All I could think about was him. He plagued my mind to no end. Every hour passed like a day. I knew sleeping would make time pass even faster but I couldn't close my eyes long enough. Too much brain activity. I was thinking too much and I couldn't wait till tomorrow when we could spend endless hours together.

The only way I could sleep was too think about something else. And behind the memory of him was my family. The family I hadn't thought about in hours. I felt so guilty that they could be pushed from my mind so easily, but I have been so happy in the past few hours. That it just slipped my mind. Along with other things I wanted to ask him.

I just let my mind wrap around memories that didn't hurt so much. Most of which have just happened recently.

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I woke early in the morning. Not sure how early, but it was completely quiet except for a few whispers outside the door. I was stiff from the many hours of sleep but still well rested. It was dark in the room for there were no windows, but I could here the birds outside the tent indicating the time of day.

I immediately got up and got dressed. I headed toward the door hesitating at the doorknob. I turned it ever so lightly and pushed it open. The surroundings were quiet except for a few soldiers who were surveying the area. I crept outside and saw a long dark hallway. Being the curious person that I am, I investigated this unknown hallway. At the end was a door with a light coming from under it, and voices. Hushed, worried voices that discussed something trivial. I turned away, afraid I hear something I wasn't meant to, but I was too late.

The door was opening. I put my back up against the wall to avoid being seen. In saw a figure turn back to the figures in the room before leaving. My breathing was irregular, my heart was beating so hard that it hurt. I was sure that the person standing only feet away from me could hear my heart about to burst. The darkness hid me from his sight but was sure he could hear me. His footsteps stopped suddenly.

Silence.

I knew those footsteps. I could recognize them anywhere.

Blake.

I instantly wrapped my arms around his waist. His hands grabbed my upper arms gently, pulling me up to his face. The next thing I knew, my face was being tilted up to his lips. He lingered there only a moment pulling me closer to his body and walking back down the dark hallway.

When we made it to the break in the darkness he began to speak.

" What were you doing down there?" he spoke gently yet fierce. " You cant wander around here, if you get caught they may want to deport you to another base."

"Wait, deport… where are we exactly?" I found now a good time as ever to get some questions answered.

" An army base in Oklahoma, but this isn't the only one," he could tell that I was going to want a lot of answers. So he continued. " There are a few bases we are using as communities, since…."

" What?… Since what?" I was angry. All this hesitation was making me frustrated.

He sighed before speaking. Hesitating a moment to collect himself. " Most of the country was hit by the attack, it started on the east coast but they came in on the other side knowing we had little population in the middle states. We saved all we could but, not many survived," he again hesitated. "There wasn't much time so we could only save a few on the coasts."

I shuddered at his words. I put my hand to my mouth in complete shock. I just stood there in a blank stare. There was nothing I could say. The reality of the situation never hit me. The fact that millions were dead and that we may be the last few. I started to feel queasy. The uneasy feeling was taking over me. Causing me to sway a little.

"Are you okay," he gently squeezed my hand to make sure I was alright before he continued. " Do you need to sit down?"

"No…I… just…," the next thing I knew my legs felt like they were being swept up from under me. The sensation that I was falling for an eternity. Until strong, warm arms caught me in midair. I wanted so desperately to reach up and touch his face, but my body went limp. And it all went black.

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When I finally reached consciousness the smell of anesthetics warped my mind. The annoying beeping sound made me want to wish I was unconscious again. My head felt like I was hit by a truck. It was freezing. Something wasn't used to. The global warming made the climate change dramatically. Hot was all I knew. The last time I saw snow was when I was nine.

One of the best memories I have. I woke in the late morning in November eight years ago. It was the first snow of the season. I didn't know it was going to be the last. Or I would of felt it one last time. I looked out my window that morning to tired to get excited over the first snow. I was mature for my age and never did enjoy such activities, but what I wouldn't give to see one more snowflake.

I watched as my brothers fussed over the snow and disappointed that they were "too small" to play in the snow. The depressed look in their faces etched into my mind. A look that would follow suit on all of our faces in the future.

By the next day the sun had melted all the snow leaving a sad reminder of what once was. The cold feeling of snow I would probably never feel again. Anyway, that was the last time I saw snow ever again. Every other day after that it never went below sixty. I never thought I miss snow as much as I do. But only a few people who went skiing saw snow, but even then it became to hot to keep even that up. So the last ski lodge closed in Pennsylvania, never to open again. Now there were a few places in the word that always had snow, but no one ever went there.

That was one of the few memories that I didn't suppress. Even though the thought of my family was there with it, it still was a good feeling.

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The next thing I knew the curtain was being drawn. A short blonde woman in a pink nurses uniform came in with a clipboard. She looked down at me surprised.

"Oh, I didn't think you were going to wake up so soon," a smile played on her lips as she spoke. "Well, I guess its to be expected, all you did was faint," she chuckled under her breath when she finished.

I looked around in uncertainty, in search of him. The nurse turned her head to the side in confusion.

" Is something wrong dear," she sounded concerned, and willing to help and all I wanted to see was Blake.

"Um… have you seen the solider that was with me," I was hesitant with my words. I mean, there were soldiers everywhere and I wasn't even sure if he was the one who brought me here. Her eyes were lit up when I spoke, obviously something I said pleased her.

" Oh, yes, the good looking one, he brought you here about," she looked at her watch before continuing, " two hours ago," " He left a minuet ago to take care of something or other, he said he back in a few minuets."

I was relieved by her words. To know he be back in few minuets. I brought butterflies to my stomach just thinking about it. I sat up in anticipation, but immediately regretted it when pain shot through my back. I winced in pain and resisted the urge to lie back down. The middle aged nurse looked at me in worry.

" Are you okay, do you need another round of medication."

" No, its nothing," she looked unconvinced for a moment but shrugged it off. She came over to me to check the array of machines that surrounded me. I guess the fainting was more serious then I thought. As she wrote some more down on her clipboard the curtain was drawn again.

It was him. Blake.

I so desperately wanted to reach out and touch him but resisted the urge. The nurse's face lit up again as she lightly flipped her hair, but was ignored as his face immediately brightened . He came toward me in a hurry and grasped my hand. The nurse's face turned down and she instantly turned her face back to her work.

His musical voice broke the silence of the room. " Are you okay, I was only gone a moment,"

I reached up and touched his face before speaking. " Yes, of course, I only just awoke when you came in," a silly smile was on our faces as we looked at each other. That goofy look people have when… they're in love.

"Well, your heart rate has slowed, and your blood pressures back to normal so you can leave whenever you like," the nurse voice broke us out of our trance.

What drew my attention away from what she was saying was a loud man outside my curtain. He sounded insanely obnoxious. He was boasting about himself to a bunch of nurses. I was glad he wasn't coming into my enclosed area. The nurse also looked toward the loud shadow outside my curtain. She let out a sigh and went back to her clipboard. I rolled my eyes with a disgusted look. Blake looked back at me and sighed.

The next thing I knew my curtain was being drawn aside and there stood very easily the most obnoxious person I would ever meet. His black hair was in a buzz cut. His rigged features were deep and hollow. He stood well above six foot and seemed to get bigger by the second. I turned my eyes around the room reading everyone else's expression. The nurses lips were pursed but she didn't look up a for a second. She seemed very annoyed at the moment.

But Blake seemed embarrassed some how. I didn't know why but he looked back at me and let go of my hand.

" Blake, dude, I told you to wait ," the large solider took a step forward increasing his height. The nurse let out a rather loud breath of air and headed for the opening in the curtain. The large soldier moved his massive boy slightly for her to leave the area.

" Yeah, well I told you I had someone to see," he affirmed looking back deeply into my eyes.

"Well…," he trailed off a moment as he looked at me. I turned my face away to hide my blush. " I see," a rather large and lecherous grin spread across his face as he looked me up and down. If that was even possible to do on a hospital bed, " aren't you going to introduce us Blake?" he seemed too happy while looking at me.

" Um… Cara, this is Eric Braxton, he's a buddy of mine." I laughed to myself at the thought of Blake having friends like Eric.

" Lieutenant Eric Braxton," he confirmed as he corrected Blake. He took another step forward grabbing my hand and kissed it ever so lightly lingering on my skin. I thought they only did that in movies, but at this point my life anything seemed possible. I was so shocked by his gesture that I didn't even blush. But Blake came to my rescue.

" I think you should try not to put a move on the patients and just stick to the nurses." I laughed at Blake's suggestion and he laughed along with me, but Eric seemed very disappointed by his words. He let go of my hand and stepped back.

" Its okay, actually," I said quickly before Eric could answer. "I'm not really a patient anymore." I sat up reading to leave but I again winced from the pain in my back. Blake pushed me back down slightly to encourage me to stay a bit longer.

" Are you sure your ready to leave, it hasn't been that long since you fainted," I let out a breath of air. I didn't want to tie him down to me.

" No, I'm okay, really, I'm getting hungry anyway," I sat up again ignoring the pain and swung my legs over the bed. I was in a hospital gown, so I looked around the room for my clothes.

Eric was the one to speak first." You could come to breakfast with the rest of us, it just started," the idea sounded pleasant enough but Blake seemed hesitant. He looked at Eric and rolled his eyes and then he looked back at me.

" You don't have to, I can have a nurse bring you some breakfast if you like." He was always so polite to me. Boys didn't act like that anymore. The ones I went to school with were much like Eric. In a less obnoxious way. They both looked at me to see which decision I would agree with. I wasn't very social, but since I was hungry and didn't need to be here anymore I decided to get out and meet some people.

" I guess going to breakfast would be okay, I don't really know any people yet," Eric's face brighten at my decision., but Blake felt differently.

" Are you sure? You can stay a few more hours," I nodded and stood up on my feet but I still felt weak so I sat back down on the bed without worrying Blake.

"Cool, I'll just go make sure there's room at our table then," and then Eric left us alone. Blake looked back down at me and all I could do was raise my eyebrows.

He smiled at the expression on my face and held my face in his soft hands and brought my face to his. The moment our lips touched I become excited. Wrapping arms around his neck and throwing myself into the kiss. He smiled against my lips and pulled back. I moaned in protest, but he just smiled wider. He put the bars down on the side of the bed and laid me down against the pillows. He followed me down with his lips on mine. I giggled against his lips as he kissed me. He kept his weight of his body from me but we still touched. I again wrapped my arms around his neck. Running my hands through his hair, with an IV still in my hand. I became out of breath so he moved down to my neck. Reaching my collarbone lingering there a moment before moving down more. I eyes shot open pushing him back harder then I meant to. He looked at me confused.

" What's wrong?" he sounded frustrated by me always pushing him away.

" I… just think we went to far, I'm not really used to this,"

" Its okay, I know what you mean," he said seductively, " I've never felt this way either," and then he crushed his lips to mine. I could here the heart monitor beeping louder and faster. Embarrassing me by how excited I got over him kissing me.

It turned out that he heard it too and laughed against my lips and I followed suit. I continued kissing him, savoring every moment. He ran his tongue against my bottom lip begging for entrance. I gladly complied opening my mouth ever so slightly. His breath mingling with my own sent electricity through my entire being. I loved every moment of it. I loved him much more than he knew. It was impossible to describe. I wanted him and he wanted me. So I let him know just how much I wanted him.

I grabbed the collar of his jacket to bring him closer to me. He gladly complied by running his hand down the light fabric of the gown. It sent shivers convulsing through my body. I put my hand to his running it down further down to the end of the gown. I let his over heated skin touch mine. Running back up my naked thigh. Over my hips and over my ribs. Letting his hand continue to the edge of my bra. I arched my back into him. But he suddenly leapt off me.

The same nurse came back in, this time with folded clothes in her hand. She smiled and set them down on a stool near the bed and left without another word. We looked at each other and started laughing.

9.)

He walked me down a hallway with his hand on the small of my back. We were headed toward the cafeteria. It was getting louder and I started to tense. He stopped and turned to me, grabbing each of my hands and looking down into my eyes.

" You don't have to do this you know, we could eat breakfast privately," he winked as he said the last part. I blushed but continued to look at his face.

" No, its about time I meet some people, especially if I'm going to be here a while," he sighed and started forward again. Still hanging onto my hand rubbing soothing circles.

We finally reached the loud and surprisingly not very crowded cafeteria. He walked me past many long tables until we reached the one in the middle. He stopped here and walked down the length of the table until he reached the middle where I saw Eric waving to us. When we reached him, Eric was pointing to the seat next to him.

" Hey Cara, come sit next to me," I thought Blake protest to it but he pulled out the chair next to him. I sat down while Blake pushed me in comfortably.

" I'm going to go get you something, is there anything in particular you want," I looked up at him and gently patted his hand on the back of my chair.

"Um… no…. I'm not picky, so anything is okay," he smiled down at me before he tore his hand and face away from me. I continued to look at him until Eric broke me out of my stupor.

"So…………," I turned to Eric still kind of lost, " what's up with you and Blake."

I laughed lightly to try to encourage him that nothing was going on. Not sure anything was really going on in the first place. We only known each other a few days and even though we felt something for each other. I wasn't about to bring it all out in the open. " What are you talking about," I again laughed lightly.

" Oh I think you know what I mean," he winked at me as the guys surrounding us sent a wave of 'ooh' through the area.

I put my hands up as if I was surrendering, " Really, nothing is going on, he's just looking out for me."

I thought I heard a mumble under his breathe, something along the lines of ' I bet he looks out for you a lot'. I ignored the comment and he did too. He started to introduce me to people at our table.

" Cara, this is Hunter," he motioned toward a tall brown -haired soldier. " that's Cole," he motioned further down the table where I saw I blonde solider waving at me, " and this is Mason and Lucas," I could very easily tell that they were twins when they flashed the same smile.

By time I was done answering questions and shaking hands, Blake was back with my breakfast. I didn't even notice because I was caught up in a conversation that Cole and Eric were discussing. I was startled when a lunch tray was placed in front of me. I looked up to see Blake staring down at me smiling. I smiled back as he sat back down and we both intently listen to their conversation about a poker game they had a few nights ago.

It was strange how they continued their regular lives. How they seemed not to have a care in the world. I could tell that I didn't look happy. I never did though. I permanent look of anguish carved onto my face. I seemed so uneasy around them. Their happy faces. It seemed like I made up the whole situation. The whole war, the millions dead, and the beautiful man that sat beside me. He was so surreal, it made me uncomfortable just thinking about how perfect he really was. He seemed to detect my distress and gently squeezed my thigh to see if I was alright. I had my hand on my neck rubbing the tense muscles when I turned to him and smiled. He leaned to me to whisper something.

"Are you okay?" he whispered into my ear, while very lightly letting his lips touch the hollow behind my ear. I turned my head away from tickling sensation he gave me. I giggled lightly and turned back to him to answer his question.

I was surprised how close his face was to mine. He smiled his gorgeous smile again before I answered. "Yes, of course, why wouldn't I be," I said the last part to reassure him.

His smile just widened. " Just checking," his perfect breath blew in my face. Wrapping around me and pulling me closer to him. I gently reached my hand up to rub the back of my hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes with that gorgeous smile still on his face.

I pulled my hand away and turned back to my food with a huge grin on my face. It was a clearing of someone's throat that I finally looked up to several mischievous smiles.

" Damn, Blake, I thought you said you didn't see anyone you liked," Eric said punching Blake in the arm playfully.

"Well you know, Cara was alone so I was giving her some company since she didn't know anyone," he said playing it cool.

"Oh don't worry, we understand," Cole said nudging his buddies in the arm. I simply just continued to eat my meal. blushing from embarrassment. I couldn't stand to look into their eyes, scared I burst out laughing by the looks in their faces.

"So…," I looked up from my meal to see Hunter looking at me. His word obviously directed toward me. "You know, my mom's name is Sarah too, you kind of remind me of her,"

" I spell Sara with a 'C'," I said matter-of-factly. They all burst out laughing from Hunter's obvious embarrassment.

" Hey my names Lucas," another solider said reaching out his hand to shake mine, " and you in no way, shape, or form remind me of my mother," he said as I shook his hand from across the table. I lightly giggled from his

" So..," Eric said, "how did you meet a guy like Blake," I looked down at me with his massive form making me feel like a child.

" While I was on duty in Pittsburgh we kind of ran into each other," Blake said surprising me by his input.

I reached over to grab Blake's hand put he pulled his hand away the moment my fingertips touched his skin. I felt rejected, but I didn't know why. It was Eric's voice that broke me out of my thoughts.

"I've never been to Pittsburgh, I grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania all my life, so I joined the army to see the world, but the first job I get I was sent to Atlanta," he seemed very disappointed by this and all I could do was encourage him.

" I've never left the state of Pennsylvania, I think you had it better than me," smiled playfully to reassure him.

" Really," said Mason, " that sucks, my parents were determined to let me see the world, I've been pretty much everywhere," they all rolled their eyes at Mason's bragging.

"Yeah, but we were home schooled all our lives, never in once place for longer than two weeks," it seemed that Lucas had a different outlook on the way him and Mason's parents raised them. I laughed on the outside but was hurting inside. I actually thought Blake liked me, but I guess I was wrong. Maybe I was an embarrassment to him.

This pain hurt more than anything, I wanted to run away and never look back, but that wouldn't solve anything. They stopped asking me questions after awhile and I was relieved cause I needed the thinking time. But the air in this large building was becoming hot and stuffy from all the bodies. I tried to eat, but it seemed impossible. Mostly I picked at it till it seemed like I ate some. The sight of food made me queasy. It seemed like the room was getting smaller and smaller. The voices around me increased in volume, preventing me from concentrating on a single thought. I had to get out of this building for some air.

So I stood up with my tray in hand. Immediately Blake stood up with me. Ready to go where I was going. I just took a deep breath and let it out.

"No, its okay, you can stay," I said with a straight faced, "I just need to get some air," and then I turned, but not before I could look at his face. The way his face looked you would of thought someone shot him with a harpoon. I took everything in me to turn away and ignore him. I began to walk away when he grabbed my wrist.

"Are you sure you'll be okay," he replied concerned and tighten his grip on my wrist. I looked around the table to see five sets of eyes as wide as dinner plates. I then looked back down into Blake's eyes.

"Yeah, of course," I said as I pried my wrist from his grip, " I'll see you later okay, don't wait up."

When I finally got out of seeing distance I quickly dumped my tray and continued down random hallways. It seemed like their were miles and miles of building that I was walking through. The large warehouse tents seemed to be connected . The endless expanse of building was making me dizzy, but then I reached a familiar part of the building. The many lines of cots were the ones I saw when I woke early this morning and the little private room was towards the back. But I was not ready to venture back by myself to that depressing room.

I walked down through the middle of the cots were there was the opening to the outside. When I opened the a sudden blinding light came I contact with me. I put my hands up as if surrendering to the light. When I finally adjusted to the light I saw a shocking sight. The hot sun I was so used to was hidden by a thick blanket of cloud.

The many smaller tents I saw the night before were all converted into one much larger tent. Soldiers were everywhere. At the entrance to every tent or building and randomly walking throughout the base. But what surprised me the most was the massive metal wall that was nearly finished that surrounded the entire encampment. The sight of it knocked the air out of me. The large sinister wall matched the grey blanket of cloud. The sight scared me.

It shook my core and sent shivers rushing up and down my spine. The thought that they were locking us up. Were they trying to keep something in… or out?

10.)

The outside air was no better than the inside. The air was dry, but dank at the same time. The air was too cold to breathe in. Every breath hurt my lungs, causing me to inhale smaller intakes of air. But I still couldn't bring myself to go back to him. The image of him was becoming less real but I resisted the urge to go back. But I still felt the pull of gravity that I was sure was him.

Though I continued to walk around the yard. The grayish brown ground almost matched the dismal shade of the sky. My shoes crunched the dry ground as I continued back farther until I saw no more people. The enclosed area seemed rather large, but yet all the same. It seemed as if no life existed in this place. But in the distance I saw an expanse of grass. I walked along the beside the wall to reached the yellowing grass. I felt my hand against the cold hard metal of the wall. Following down to where the expanse of grass reached a corner.

The coldness of the wall was a few degrees colder than the air which was decreasing by the minuet. I was not accustomed to the cold. But then I realized that I didn't have a jacket, the cold causing my skin to create goose bumps. I rubbed my arms to create friction against the cold. But then there was a camouflage jacket around shoulders. The warmth made me forget that it came out of no where. I turned around to be met with the eyes of an angel. The corners of his mouth turned up into a gorgeous smile. I wanted to reach up to touch his face, but I withdrew quickly. I turned back to the wall. My mahogany hair whipping the air as I turned.

" What are you doing here," I answered sternly. Again, like so many of conversations he didn't answer me. He just stood there, staring at my back boring holes into me. I suddenly turned around to look at him very sternly. I thought the emotion on my face get an answer out of him but his face remained unchanged.. Staring back at me, making me want to cry. The tears welled up in my eyes threatening to spill over but I didn't let them. The expression on my face eventually dissolved into a wounded look. The anger in me was the only thing that brought back my voice. " Why wont you answer me," I wanted to scream more than anything. But I couldn't find it in me it came out in more of a strangled cry. I was so mad at me, my life, and whoever did this to my life.

I was so mad at everything, but I wasn't mad at him. That's why I couldn't yell like I wanted to. I loved him, and I couldn't stand to have him look into my pained eyes. I looked to the grayish earth beneath my feet and instantly sank down to my knees. I didn't want him to look into my eyes as I cried. Everything building on me. The attack, the evacuation, and the stupid wall. The wall that was forcing me to stay here. I knew they were going to keep us here. I knew we be here a awhile but not forever. Something was going on out there, something they wanted to keep from us.

The next thing I knew, his arms were wrapped around me. In an never ending grip, sending emotions I never knew possible running through my body. I was suddenly wrapping my arms around his neck holding him as close as possible. I cried into his shoulder, never wanting this moment to end as his lips touched my hair. His shirt started to get soaked while his skin began to freeze from the cold.

We parted looking at each other. I thought breaking away looking into his eyes help ease the crying but it still continued as I looked into his green orbs. I tried to smile but the expression looked more like a grimace. He reached his hand up ever so gently to wipe my tears away. His hand lingering on the flesh of my face. I reached a hand up to grab his hand bring it to the other while I held his one hand in both my much smaller hands.

" I'm okay now, just a little breakdown," I said playfully to lighten the mood, but he didn't seem to take it lightly. He quickly reversed the position of my hands. He held both of my hands up to his lips letting the sensation linger.

" I worry about you," he said holding my hands to his cheek, " more than you'll ever know,". The only thing I could think to do was let him hold me.

I brought myself instinctively closer to him. Letting my head rest upon his chest. I listened to the sound and felt the sensation of his heart. The most calming sound I've ever heard. It slowed my own heart till we were both in unison. He again wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me in his intoxicating scent. Sending waves of relaxation through the both of us. I wanted desperately to hold him closer to me, but I turned to putty in his arms. Though I gave him the same reaction he seemed so impossibly opaque compared to me.

He regained use of his limbs first as he brought me closer to him helping me stand with him. We stood there holding each other for what seemed an eternity.

"You never answered my question," I accused as I broke away slightly looking into his eyes, but never letting go of him. I sudden wind whipped through the trees blowing my hair across my face. He very graciously slipped a bit of hair behind my ear, earning himself a light blush.

" I missed you," he admitted bring me back to his embrace once again.

I chuckled lightly, breathing in his scent. " I've only been gone a few minuets, hardly enough time to miss me," I muffled into his shoulder.

He pulled away looking into my eyes again, his arms never leaving my waist. " I beg to differ," he breathed as he pulled me to him bringing his face into the crook of my neck. He breathed in my aroma before continuing. " I missed you the moment your skin left mine," continued as he kissed lightly down my skin causing my skin to over heat. "Are you telling me that you didn't miss me?," he questioned as he ascended back up to the hollow in my throat.

I pulled away immediately holding his angelic face in my petite hands. " Of course," I began, "how could I not?," I inquired as I touched his perfect nose lightly. " It took everything I am to leave you in there." I smiled at him, but he was not amused at the slightest.

He took my hands off his face and brought them once more to his incredibly flawless lips. " Then why did you ?," he questioned closing his eyes, keeping my hands to his lips. It took me a moment to find a reasonable answer but knew I should just be honest with him.

" I had the impression that you didn't want to be seen with me, so I decided to give you some time away from me, in public anyway." his eyes opened instantly. He seemed almost angry, but he quickly calmed down kissing my wrists gently, dissolving the anger into a more serene look.

He still seemed upset but much less angry. He lightly brought my hands back down to my side before speaking. "Why would you ever think something like that?," he demanded very lightly, careful not to scare me.

" I…I just thought since you were different toward me earlier, that it had something to do with you being seen with me," I faltered very quietly to hide my nervousness. He seemed in shock by my words. It felt like at any moment his mouth would fall open. He put a hand to my cheek. I unconsciously brought my own hand to his closing my eyes to appreciate the contact, bringing his hand to my lips to kiss his palm. " I just don't want to disappoint you," I added.

He then had my face in both his hands. Trying to avoid eye contact, but it was a futile effort. "There is nothing about you that I would want to hide from the world," he admitted kissing me every so lightly. " I love everything about you," he continued against my lips. "Don't ever doubt that, I want to profess my love for you to the whole world," he explained. " At the moment, though, the world isn't ready for that just yet," he added as he descended once more down my throat earning him a moan of pleasure.

Though, the moment it all processed I broke away, but he still didn't let me go. "What exactly do you mean by that?," I asked.

He looked at me very perplexed. "I'm not sure what you mean, love," he inquired looking like a confused puppy.

" Well, what do you mean by 'the world isn't ready for that', are you saying you don't want anyone to know about us," I accused on the verge of tears. I could feel the tears threatening to fall, but I wanted his answer first.

He brought me closer, our faces almost touching. He wiped away the single tear that could not hold back any longer. " Trust me when I say this, I have no problem with public displays of affection," he admitted kissing me sweetly. " I would gladly walk around the camp with both arms wrapped around you, but were under orders to avoid any romantic relationships of any kind," he said nuzzling my neck. "But what they don't know wont hurt them," he breathed returning his lips to my own. Our lips moved with each other perfectly. Held in each other's tight embrace.

When he finally broke away it seemed like I was the only one out of breath. " I couldn't stay away from you I if I wanted to," he began while continuing to kiss me the way he wanted to. " I love you far too much," he added pulling me closer to him. Only then did I notice how cold his hand was on the back of my neck. My lips froze immediately holding his hands in my own putting them to my cheek feeling the full extent of his temperature.

I once again kissed the palm of his hand. "You must be freezing," I mentioned trying to warm his hands with my own.

" I haven't noticed, when I'm with you, I'm no longer in Earth," he affirmed bring me even closer to his icy skin. " the moment your skin touches my own, my body becomes numb and it takes all I can to not sweep you away from here," he decreed leaving me speechless. The next thing I knew I was throwing my arms around his neck with tears in my eyes.

"Oh Blake, take me away, I want to be with you always," I cried as hot tears of joy streamed down my face soaking the thin material of his white tee shirt. "Don't ever leave me," I whispered into his ear as I began to calm down. He sensed the weak feeling in my legs and helped me sit down on the cool grass as he pulled me into his lap, while my arms never left his neck.

I felt his lips touch my hair before he whispered back to me. "Only death could take me away from you." When he pulled back yet again he wiped the tears from my face. " It wont be long, till we can be together the way we want" he continued. "They plan for us to be here permanently, I don't expect the order to last long," he breathed across my face. The intoxicating scent of his breath making me dizzy. " Until then," he said lifting my chin to make my eyes focus on him. " we'll have keep this our little secret," he awaited my answer. Waiting to see if I was okay with waiting.

"Okay," I said as I reached a hand up to touch his beautiful face, "as long as we have a few moments like this," I said as I brought our lips together. Enjoying the moment while it lasted. Not sure how many more times we get like this.

11.)

The walk back to the encampment was blissful. Just like he said he would, he held me with both arms around me. But it was soon ended when people came into sight. Though we walked close to each other. Our arms touching every other moment, enticing me to close the distance between us. It was becoming difficult to restrain myself, but he seemed to be having a similar issue. His muscles tensed under his olive skin. Every tendon was standing out, almost as if begging to burst. I turned away to hide the my smile. I knew he was just as eager to get away from everyone, and into our own enclosure.

I was amused by the thought. We could hold each other as long as we needed. In the way we wanted. As soon as we were behind closed doors we would express our love for each other.

He suddenly stopped in front of a familiar building. It was the same bathroom from the night before. He turned to me with the most gorgeous smile. "You can have your moment," he said motioning to ward the door.

All I could think to do was smile back at him. It seemed kind of silly to look at each other with grins on our faces but when I looked into the incredulous color of his eyes everything seemed to make perfect sense. I smiled till I was behind the door of the restroom. The moment the door closed it was all I could do but sigh a loving sigh. With my back against the door I slid down to the floor in such awe.

Everything around me was blocked out by his face. I closed my eyes remembering the feeling of the contact between our skin. I was oblivious to the environment around me. I was too caught up in my own personal fantasy.

"Ahem," at that moment my eyes shot open. It only took me a moment to realize that the restroom was nearly full. The eyes of the women were locked on me. They seemed to have frozen in place, intently staring at me.

I scrambled as fast I could to my feet. Of course the bathroom wouldn't be empty. Last night was a one time thing. What were the odds that I be the only one in here a second time. I mentally hit myself on the head, but all I could do was turn my head away in embarrassment as a the color returned to my cheeks. I very quickly went to a sink to look into the long horizontal mirror.

I could feel the eyes still looking at me, but ignored them. I pretended to be inspecting my face. Prodding at the flawless skin of my face. Then out of no where there was a small toiletry bag. I turned my eyes to be met the most biggest blue eyes I've ever seen.

"You might want to wash up before lunch," she advised with wide and awake eyes. Eager for my response.

I reached up to take the small bag from her, still astounded by her large eyes." Um…thanks," I muttered as I turned to the mirror once again and open the toiletry bag to take out a wash cloth and facial soap.

She leaned forward to try to get another glance at my face, but I lightly shook my hair to it obscured my face. Creating a curtain from her. She seemed to understand the message returning to grooming herself. Though I tried my best not to look at her, I was betrayed by my eyes. I gazed toward her, to get another look at her. Her short black hair barely brushed her shoulders. Her bangs swung to the right side of her face hiding those gorgeous blue eyes. Though she didn't look nearly as beautiful as the person I saw in the mirror she was still breathtaking. She quickly turned her head to me to be met with my own eyes. I turned not fast enough, I knew she saw me staring.

"Have I seen you before," she directed toward me.

Being polite I stood up straight to look her in the eyes. " Um… I don't think so, I haven't been out much," I muttered returning to the mirror brushing through my impossibly thick hair.

"Oh, why's that?" she urged.

"Its a complicated two days," I answered looking to the mirror to stare at the beautiful person that stood back at me.

"Yeah, I'll say," she babbled turning back to me. "I'm Vera," she boasted holding out her hand for me to shake.

I shook her hand very quickly answering, "I'm Cara," though still turning back the mirror.

I spent a long time waiting for her to leave but she didn't. I brushed my teeth and washed my face, but she still stalled by going extra slowly. Waiting for the moment to hammer questions on me. As I went to turn away she interjected quickly.

"So, you have family here?" I winced at her words. The thought of the people I left behind in that city was something that seemed to happed in another time. As though eras had passed since. Thought still brought water to my eyes I still kept my voice from wavering. I was stopped dead in my tracks. My back to her, but was looking down at the tiles. Though I was only there a moment or two, she waited patiently for my answer.

"No," I croaked. " It's just me," I blubbered over my shoulder. Biting on my lower lip. Closing my eyes holding back the pain that washed over me, but I dared not let one tear fall.

"Oh, that must be rough, so you don't know anyone," she babbled on.

Not wanting to be rude, I turned to her to give her my full attention. "No, I've met a solider, and I met some of his friends this morning."

"So you came here all on your own," she pressed.

"No, not exactly, the solider I met was here when I came, but yes, I came without family or friends," I droned. But wondered why I was continuing the conversation. She seemed to have something say after everything I said. But something about her big blue eyes, hidden by unbelievably long, dark lashes. They were comforting in a weird way. Like I could trust her with everything I said.

`She seemed very attentive, and aware of everything I said. She wasn't just getting information from me, but she was actually concerned for me.

"Oh…," she muttered under her breath turning her head away to avoid gaze with my eyes. " I don't know what I do if I was without my cousin, it s hard enough with someone."

"Yeah, well… someone's waiting for me so I have to go, but it was good to talk to you," I began, almost losing my words, "Really, it was… interesting," I continued smiling at the last part.

"Oh, well… okay, I guess I'll see you around then," she chirped with her elfish voice.

I gave her one last smile before closing the door behind me. Though I was sad to see her go, there stood my personal god and all his godlike glory. His dark chestnut hair was in a cute disarray. His gleaming emerald eyes held the little gold specks I loved so much. But none came close to his smile. It over shined everything about him, just because I knew it was because he was happy.

I very gracefully walked down the four stairs to stand next to him. The sparkle in his eyes shone brighter than ever before. And it was all I could do but stare at his beauty. I could have stand there all day looking up into his eyes if he didn't speak.

"I've been waiting for you for awhile now," he breathed across my face, the smile never leaving his.

"I'm sorry," I said interlacing my left hand with his own. "there was a distraction."

12.)

He looked at me with that crooked smile I loved so much. He arched one perfect eyebrow looking at me suspiciously. I felt the blood rush to my already overheated face. Though, like always I turned my head to hide the heated blush.

He caught my face with one hand turning it back to face him. It was all I could do but smile at his perfection. He grinned back his smile greatly outshining me with his beauty.

"Don't you dare hide that face from me," he demanded, holding my face in both his hands now. Bringing his lips to mine very quickly after surveying the area. A quick, tender kiss that overflowed me with emotion. "I can't bare to be without it a moment longer," he continued bringing my face back for a sweet, but brief kiss.

But what he didn't know was that I had other plans. The second that the static between our lips connected, I knotted my hands in his hair. Bringing us even closer, extending the kiss. But since he was so much stronger than me, he was able to bring my arms down to my sides. Curving his lips upward, he pulled away from the kiss. Though a smile was still on his perfect lips, he seemed just as upset as I was.

"There will be plenty of time for that later. But what was this distraction that kept you from me for so long," he murmured sweeping a hair away from my face, only to return to my cheek to stroke it.

I closed my eyes, taking his palm in my hand to kiss. " Its nothing, just a minor distraction. So why don't we get out of here," I said suggestively reaching my hand for him to take. He stood there a moment and looked at the hand outstretched for him.

He let out a rush of air. Clearly frustrated. " Ah, the hell with it." He suddenly grabbed my outstretched hand, pulling me against him. He had his other hand at the small of my back. Bowing my body to his, while pressing his lips onto mine for a fierce kiss.

It was quick and unexpected. He broke away only to have me gasping for air. He smiled a very genuine smile, releasing me, but still holding my hand. I was still shocked from the sudden kiss. Feeling his phantom lips still on mine tingled. I put my hand to my lips, as if to check that they were still there. He watched me and just chuckled.

" I'm done with pent up emotions," he admitted, smiling his crooked smile, " let's just go with the natural rhythm." He gave my hands a light squeeze, bringing our interlaced fingers to his lips.

I just smiled ruefully and nodded. He started forward, me gladly following along.

It seemed so weird for me to turn a entirely wretched situation, into a blissful moment. It seemed as if I looked up all other problems for me to deal with later. Not so much pushed aside, just to deal with on a later date. That wasn't such an awful thing to do. I'd spent my entire life catering to the lives of others, so when a little bit of happiness is at reach I wasn't going to let anything ruin the perfect moment.

And it was, for the moment. Life was utterly perfect, I had the man of my dreams…, and he was all I needed. For the moment.

Walking across the encampment was surprising hard to do. Though he walked much faster than a normal pace, I was anxious to get behind closed doors to be close to him. His fingertips grazing my sensitive over-heated skin. His lips taking mine a fierce, yet passion filled kiss. Enveloped in his arms and husky warmth. The perfume that came off his skin, mingling with my own.

It seemed as if I couldn't walk fast enough. The cold air burning hot in my lungs, as I took in a deep lung full of air. The freezing air numbing the skin of my face, surly making it more red by the second. The moment the warmth of the tent air hit my face, it became burning sensation. A tingly, pin prick feeling all over the skin that was exposed to the cold. Only my left hand that was grasped into his right, remained unscathed by the air.

Every time I stepped into the tent, it was changing. As if an impossible amount of time has passed since I last been here. There weren't as many beds as before. The cots that lined up row after row has decreased. Many people were moving there few things to elsewhere. Taking what little that was left of there tattered lives to another location.

Taking in the size and resiliency of the wall, I was sure that they were being moved somewhere within the large encampment. Blake however seemed to not notice the change in scenery. He continued to lead me down the long narrow hallways to the small backroom I inhabited.

He very gently knocked on the door as if someone was in there. He waited a second to see if there was any answer. I didn't here anything, only the hushed voices of the people down the hall. He opened the door and motioned for me to enter. I walked in and stared into that hateful mirror as that beautiful person stared back at me. I heard him very quietly close the door as it clicked shut.

When I turned, he too turned. So in one instantaneous moment our arms were around each other in embrace. Our lips locked, moving in synchronization. I gripped his shoulders to me, feeling the fire and electricity coursed through my body. His hands moving gently up and down my back. The embrace was so perfect that I didn't want it to end. In so little time we built up this burning desire for each other. Hours, or days could have passed I wouldn't have noticed. It was as if the world had stopped spinning and time stopped for everything but us. There was no need for anything except for each other. All the days problems seemed to just melt away, or as if they didn't matter anymore. Because they didn't, only he mattered and this moment of love. Only now did I realize that I haven't taken a breath yet. If I was near fainting from lack of oxygen, the surely he was too.

I pulled apart, only an inch, to let us breath. He brought his head down so our foreheads leaned against each other, as we rushed to get oxygen back into our bodies. We were so close that our lips touched with every heave of our chests. We just stared into each others eyes, his were that beautiful lush green I loved. Golden flecks made them vibrant and warm, and as I fell into the endless pools I saw my own eyes. They too were warm with golden flecks that made the twinkle. Though, mine were less green, with blue, I still saw the eyes of a truly beautiful person. I just couldn't believe that person was me.

13.)

AS he stared into my eyes I couldn't help but smile. His mouth pulled at the corners as he smiled back at me. Our arms still wrapped around each other while our foreheads touched, keeping our lips from barely touching. We began a normal breathing pattern, though we neither continued or pulled away. We just stared and smiled like complete idiots. Complete idiots that were in love.

Though the pinprick sensation made it nearly impossible to speak, I still found it in me to conjure up words.

"Why do you stare at me like that?" I murmured, blushing, as I brought my left hand up to his cheek. Just to have my fingertips graze his soft olive tone skin. "You make it impossible to breathe, do you know that?"

His smile widened as he brought me closer to him, so our noses were touching. He closed his eyes and leaned his face into my palm. "Hmm," he breathed against the skin of my wrist. Bringing his hand forward to take mine so that he could kiss each of my fingertips. "I was trying to read your mind before you interrupted me," he said in an inaudible whisper against my palm. " and as for the breathing, I was trying very hard my self to breath. You very nearly leave me breathless."

I chuckled. " Then we have something in common then," I said softly.

His eyes were opened in an instant. Blake pulled away, but pulling him with me till we were on the bed. He put his hands on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eye, very seriously. His expression softened after a moment, he put his hands down and took both of mine in his. While still looking at me very seriously, but gently held my hands.

"Cara Swanson," he said looking into my eyes. His hands were very cold, like ice, even to me. My hands were freezing and his felt even colder. I rubbed hi s hands in order to create friction to warm them. He paid no notice to this as I looked at his pale hands trying to warm them. "Cara!" he said sternly to knock me out of my attempt to warm him. I pulled my head up immediately and looked into his hard, stern expression.

"Y-Yes"

" I want you to tell me everything about you," he said wit h piercing eyes. I almost laughed from his statement. He made it sound like he had something urgent to tell me, but all he really wanted was to know about me. I went to speak but he put a cool finger to my slightly parted lips. "I don't want you to leave anything out, I wan to know every detail to your life. I want to know everything about you."

"I…don't know where to start, what do you want to know?"

"Everything, there isn't a thing about you that I don't want to know."

"Well, there's not much to me, I don't even know where to start."

He chuckled lightly. "I find that very hard to believe, just… say whatever comes to mind."

"Well, I'm a Leo, I'm… five three, I'm left handed, I'm seventeen…. Is that a good start? I just said what came to mind."

" No, that's a good start. What was your life like, what are your hobbies?" I was amazed at how long he held his breath. Waiting for me to speak.

" I… uh, didn't do much. Average teenager," Except for the fact that I provided for my entire family, who was now dead. He rubbed my hands and looked deeply into my eyes. " I basically went to school, came home, slept, and then did the same thing again the next day."

He paused. A grin sneaking its way onto his face. It twisted and turned my insides in such a way. The feeling that I wasn't getting air into me fast enough. The oxygen entered but didn't t absorb into my blood. That rushing high feeling, that was such a knew experience to me.

He leaned down and kissed me. A sweet, chaste kiss, that extended and become engulfed in passion and fire. His hands that were on my shoulders now moved down to my waist. His warm, soft hands went under my shirt, feeling the flat skin of my stomach. It wasn't long till I wasn't able to breath. He let me breath, but his lips never my skin. Igniting flames as they went. His tongue swirled on my collarbone. I gasped and arched into him as I grabbed handfuls of his silky locks. I was panting by time I gained the coherency to breath.

"I thought… you wanted… to talk about me? I panted as he moved slowly up my neck tracing kisses as he went.

He chuckled. "I just cant keep my hands off you, I think the lack of oxygen made me lose my train of thought." He again conquered my mouth. His beautiful scent washed over my face . I could taste his scent in my mouth as he passionately rubbed my body.

I freed my self from his mouth, only to have him move down to my neck again. " I was under the impression that you wanted to talk."

"And I was under the impression that you wanted to continue our previous activity," He murmured into my neck.

I paused a moment and chuckled. "Your right I prefer this," and I took hold of his face and brought it back to my own. Ravaging him with my mouth.

Our lips moved in a never-ending symphony. It seemed so utterly effortless to have my lips against his. I took hold of the moment as he took hold of me and moved so that I hovered over him. Allowing me easy access to him, as I allowed him easy access into my heart.