LOVE
As corny as it sounded to me before that you'd see fireworks when you kissed someone you cared for deeply. That is exactly what happened. It was amazing. And I guess it helped that he was such a fantastic kisser.. I could barely breath when he finally pulled away. And I was surprised to see he was breathing heavier too.
His thumb traced over the seam of my bottom lip as he leaned his forehead against mine. "I'm sorry. I've been such a jerk. I thought I had a reason... I didn't want to get too close. I'm dangerous for you to be around.."
"I understand. And I don't care. I just want you to be with me. Please. I don't want to be alone again."
"I'll never leave you alone again. I promise." He said seriously, gazing deeply into my eyes.
I smiled and pressed my lips to his again. Savoring how gently he returned the kiss. I could lose myself in the warmth of it..
"Jasline, Why are you crying?" Shail asked softly, his thumb brushing the moisture from my cheek. "Did I hurt you? Are you okay? Did they-"
I pressed my fingers to his lips. Gazing into his eyes that rumbled with the confused turbulence of a hurricane. He intrigued and completed me. I had never felt like I belonged somewhere. And now I did. As frightening and dangerous as this world had begun to look, I couldn't feel anything but relief.
"I belong. You found me, and now I am whole again." I whispered, moving my fingers off his lips. "It sounds silly, I know.."
"No, it isn't silly... I understand." He said.
"I'm happy. That's all. I'm happy." I muttered, snuggling into his embrace.
He held me close for a moment, resting his chin on my head. Then his body went rigid as he said, "Your parents are home. I have to leave."
"No. Please don't go. They won't be mad. On the contrary, I'm sure they would be thrilled to know I'm making friends and being 'normal'." I pleaded, holding onto him. "Please."
"No." He said sternly, fighting with my grasp on him. His automatic refusal stung me.
"You don't want to meet my parents?..Well, it doesn't have to be like a...a boyfriend thing. Meet them as my friend?" I asked meekly, afraid at how suddenly he changed. Fearing he'd leave and not come back for some bizarre reason.
"I CAN'T! Let go of me, Jasline!" He hissed, trying to stand and tear himself away.
He ripped his arm away. The gesture like a cut to my heart."Shail!" I cried out. "I'm sorry! Please."
He stormed away from me as fast as he could, opening the window. He turned to look at me, a deep hurt on his face. "I'm sorry." He said, turning his face away and jumping onto the window sill.
But before he could jump, my bedroom door burst open, my father standing in the doorway. He'd never barged into my room before, and I don't think I've ever seen him so angry. And by the look on Shail's face, my father scared the shit out of him.
"Who the hell are you?" My father yelled, pointing a finger at Shail.
Shail didn't respond. He seemed frozen in place. Just perched there like a black bird on my sill. Staring at my father like he had a gun and was about to kill him.. This seemed to anger my father and he ran at him, faster thani had ever seen him move, and grab his collar, dragging him back into the room.
"Who is he, Jasline?" My father snarled, shaking him like a rag doll.
"Don't hurt him, Daddy!" I wailed, scrambling to my feet.
"Why is he in our house, Jasline? Do you know who he is? Did he hurt you?" I was shocked at the concern in my father's voice. He never seemed to care one way or another about me.
"He's a friend, Dad. Please, put him down." I begged.
"He is not a friend, Jasline." My mother said from the doorway, her eyes locked on Shail's obscured face.
"What? You don't even know him. Please, Daddy, put him down."
"You have no idea who he is, Jasline." My mother snapped, looking up at me.
"His name is Shail. He's just a kid from school."
My mother's eyes widened then narrowed to evil looking slits. "No, he is not just some kid. I can't believe you are so ignorant! I-" She stopped midsentence, her eyes dropping to the ground and her shoulders sagged. "That's right. I'm supposed to protect you. I didn't want you to know anything about this.." She sighed, running a hand over her face.
"What's going on? Know about what, Mom?"
She looked back up at me and approached me slowly, like I was a dangerous animal. "Now Jasline. Please don't be angry with me when I explain this. I hid it for good reason."
"Hid what?" I asked warily as she continued to approach.
"This.." She closed her eyes, then opened them. The tell-tale gleam of red passed over her eyes as the light hit them.
