Lost
-x-
Chase gasped.
He reached out to his cheek, a pulsating pain emanated from his soon-to-be bruised skin. He stared wide eyed at the infuriated woman standing before him. Her body was trembling, fist curled and breathing heavy.
She had slapped him.
Tears began to swell up in her auburn eyes. No longer able to handle his bemused gaze, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the bar.
Chase could barely breathe. Their sharp stares pierced through his soul and suddenly, he felt lost — as if he was no longer where he was, just a young boy surrounded by strangers and all alone, again.
He grasped his apron and yanked it off. It fell to the ground just as swiftly as he shoved the bar doors open. The snow fought against his body, attempting to hold him back but he desperately forced himself along. A chill breeze shot through him and discomfort ached in his thighs. His legs begged him to stop but he refused, mentally cursing himself for choosing a day like today to wear sandals.
He could see her fleeting figure in the distance. He quickly picked up the pace and followed her passed the Fishery and to the end of the pier.
She neighbored the border, tiny droplets of warm liquid traveling down her rosy cheeks.
"Molly," he called out.
She took a step forward, her foot hovering over the water.
"Molly!"
Another step.
Chase's breath got caught in his throat and adrenaline pumped violently through his veins. He lunged forward, arms wrapping tightly around her petite waist and pulling her back. Together, they collapsed painfully against the wooden floorboards.
The tears continued to fall but they were no longer only hers.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he cried, closing the distance between their bodies. She was shaking, but so was he.
She didn't speak. Her lips trembled as she buried her face into his chest, suddenly soaking his shirt with quiet sobs.
"Molly… don't ever scare me like that again."
He hugged her closely as his tears took refugee in her soft chestnut hair.
"I would never forgive myself if I ever lost you."
The palms of her delicate hands pushed roughly against his chest, forcing him back. Distance was between them once again.
"No, Chase…" she breathed.
"You've already lost me."