Title: Different [4/10]
Author's NonTypical Notes: I'm sorry about the delay in the chapters. FanFiction wasn't working right for me to format my documents. The bad news is that indents are no longer supported. The good news is that I'm getting over my rage at the loss of indentations and posting the rest of this story, as I had planned originally, but in a slightly different format then before.
Author's Notes: This is the beginning of a break from all that angst and into, well, previously uncharted territories.
4
That was hours ago, I realize—or would it be remember?—as I feel the wind blow against me. It's dusk out, I'm lying on a bench, looking out at the beach, and I'm not home. Seconds before panicking, I see a blur to my left, and as my vision clears I realize it is Casey. Okay, so I'm somewhere, not home, with Casey the dog—I guess ruling out a kidnapping from some organization can happen now.
I try to look around me more, but my head hurts, and I am beyond groggy. My whole body is off. I'm stiff and groggy and ... just exhausted. I'll just lay my head down for a moment more, that's the plan of attack. With a few more moments of rest I'll be good to figure out where I am and why. Just a minute ... the wind's so nice ... so dark out ... just a few minutes ......
Spy reflexes barely in check: there is someone above me. Thisclose to screaming, a horribly un-powerful or fierce cry, I decide opening my eyes to see this psycho is a good idea. Colin, its Colin—breathe, its just Colin.
"Don't hurt me and, please, don't scream," he says, softly, with a smile. God, he has an incredible smile. "You were exhausted. I carried you back here—my house—after I had dead weight, suddenly, on my chest. You have any info on how that could've happened?"
Don't stutter, don't look or sound stupid, be 'together'. "Oh"
He chuckles and maybe I didn't sound too feeble. "I wasn't trying to scare you. I know you were upset, I carried you home—you slept through the entire thing, I've never met anyone that's slept so soundly!" A laugh, an appropriate nudge, and then with a sincere look at me, "I didn't think you'd enjoy waking up in my bed—some stranger's bed. While I was thinking over my plan of action, I placed you gently on my bench—hey, don't look at me like that!" He is so genuine; I can't help but just laugh and smile. With an impish look he admits more, "You looked so content when I came back, I couldn't move you."
"Thank you," I tell the grass blades blowing in the breeze.
He doesn't say anything and I start to fear this uncomfortable silence will overcome us. "Syd," he says, less confident, less jovial—with a hint of trepidation.
"Yeah?" I ask, finally lifting my head.
Looking at him, he seems more at ease again. "I'm really glad Casey found you today," he tells me, the sincerity of his words sparkling in his eyes.
"I ... I am too," I respond, almost afraid of the truth of today's happenings.
"I don't want to sound crazy," he starts, "but it seems like, after today, I've known you my whole life."
I am beyond taken aback. What he just said is the truth, I feel it too—I'm just not sure if I'll be able to express it right. "I ... god, I can't even begin to—today has just been amazing," I admit. Before finishing I take a deep breath and then look at his face, "You're amazing, Colin."
Truth list: 10. friends are good.
Our eyes lock for a moment—not intense or awkward or overly emotionally—just right. He's the one that breaks, moves his eyes off of mine to close them for a moment. A smile comes over him as his eyes just barely open. "Listen, I know it's gorgeous out, but I don't want you driving home while it's too dark outside," he murmurs.
I laugh, thinking how little he knows about what I can handle. I don't that would go over well, not just yet anyway. I don't want to go—I don't want to loose this moment—I really like this. This: the night the company, everything about this very moment. "It is nice out," I manage to say.
It hangs in the air for a moment but he doesn't seem to want to leave things as they are. "Okay, so maybe I am being a little ridiculous, but I do want you home safely. You're not done with me yet Miss Sydney," he says with a grin. I don't say anything, there might be humor there but knowing that he cares is enough to keep my quiet. "What would you think about lunch tomorrow?"
I smirk and say saucily, vaguely, "Depends."
"Depends on what, exactly?" he asks, curious and cocky.
"Depends on who I'm eating with," I say coyly. He thinks he's got it, yeah right. "Because if I have to eat with you..."
"Me!? I was talking about you taking Casey off of my hands for a few hours."
"Oh, well, then of course!" I move a little, and my hands find fur. "Hey, buddy, what do you say about it? You, me, lunch—tomorrow." When he smiles—a big doggy 'show the teeth but I'm not going to bite you' smile—I know I'd have a lunch date, one way or the other. "Thanks, Casey; I think I'm going to have the best lunch date with you tomorrow."
"Hey now, I think it's unfair for the dog to be getting all the action," Colin tries.
"Action?" I repeat, with a raised eyebrow. "Who said anyone was getting any action?"
He looks at me like a kid that had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. With a tiny pause he goes on to say, "I think I heard Casey mutter something."
"Sure, sure," I tell him, as I start to yawn and stretch. "So maybe I should start to head home," I admit, innocent guilt all over my face.
Looking at me, his eyes focus and I see something—a glimmer of something I can't discern. "Just let me see you tomorrow," he begs, with that quiet, sincere voice of his. It's suddenly serious, but I'm filled with excitement. I feel like a kid, with carefree innocence and joy. To be able to repeat this day, I just can't image anything much better—anything I'd rather do, right now. I've experienced more joy and fun today, with this amazing man, than I have in years. There's life, and there's hope—around him there is. Realizing this, I smile, and take his outstretched hand as it is offered to me.
We walk to the inside of his house, his arms around me—I am safe and comfortable, looking forward to the day that is to come, with him.
tbc