Chapter 7

Requitted Love

Lillian couldn't sleep, not even a wink. She tosses and turns, her pillows thrown onto the wooden floor and her blankets a large heap against the footboard. "Stupid Kana!" She moans into her knees that are pulled up to her chin. Her eyes were puffy and irritated from her lack of rest. It's all Kana's fault. Why did he have to kiss me?

The scene of Kana kissing Lillian was on constant replay inside her head. The sky outside was gray and Lillian felt it was an appropriate match to how she felt. Grumbling to herself, she tries to look as lively as possible before heading out into the cool air. She needed to clear things with Kana.

Her feet drag as she treads her way into the village. She rubs her eyes as she nears Kana's ranch. She spots the horses grazing the yellowing grass. Gathering what energy she has left in her, she closes the gap between herself and the small enclosure. "Kana!" She calls out but hears no response. Lillian opens the gate letting herself in.

She calls out once more, this time she hears a voice respond from inside the barn. She takes in a breath before stepping inside the large building. Her eyes adjust to the darker interior and she sees Kana lifting a large hay bale off a small cart and tosses it into one of the pens.

Kana continues working, refusing to connect eyes with Lillian who stands a few feet away. She watches him as his muscles flex while lifting another bale and tossing it into a nearby pen. Her heart races and her mind is a mess. What should she say?

Kana tosses the last bale into a pen near the back of the barn. Removing some gloves and tossing them onto a small workbench, Kana hesitates before facing Lillian, still unable to look her in the eyes. She stands there, her hands lingering at her sides.

"Kana," she says quietly. "Why did you kiss me?"

Not wanting to answer the question, Kana sighs and scratches the back of his head. His brows draw together and his eyes appear darker than normal. "It didn't mean anything."

"You're lying!" Lillian says loudly. Kana's eyes widen at her denial. Their eyes finally meet and he sees tears starting to form. Her lips begin to quiver and her hands bunch up into tight fists. Lillian blinks as tears fall down her face.

Kana reaches out for her, but stops himself at the last minute. Why did I kiss her?

"What am I to you?" Lillian asks unexpectedly.

"Huh?"

"Am I just your friend or do you love me, Kana?" Lillian asks, her voice shaking.

What do I say? Kana searches his mind for an answer but comes up short. "I-" Kana stops himself.

Lillian stares at Kana, her eyes puffy and red. Lillian couldn't take the silence any longer. "I hate you!" She cries out. She swirls around, her feet hesitating to move. She could no longer face him. The tears continue to stain her cheeks and she tries to wipe them away.

"I-I kissed you because I didn't want to lose you again."

Lillian twists her head to glance over her shoulder. Kana's shoulders are tense and his face is warped with emotions. "Kana," Lillian whispers through pink lips.

"I-I love you, Lily. I have for a while. I just didn't want to say anything because I wasn't sure you felt the same."

Kana's face becomes smooth and his eyes appear lighter. Lillian takes a step closer. She doesn't speak, but instead she lifts her hand and places it against Kana's cheek. He doesn't move as she settles a few inches away.

"I know I have lost my memories, but I feel as though I loved you too."

On impulse, Kana presses his lips against Lillian's soft, pink ones. She rests on her tippy toes, wrapping her arms around his waist. Memories begin to flow through her mind and she struggles to stand. She collapses to the ground along with a concerned Kana.

"Lillian, are you alright?"

"I think I just remembered everything," she says with a shortness of breath.