Chapter 3 (Him)

“So you saw her again?” the girl changed her position, laying down on her arms. Head turned to him, her eyes begging him to continue.
The wind just cold enough for her to seek refugee in the coziness of her sweater.

He chuckled, but it was short and crisp, “Wouldn’t be much of a story if I didn’t, would it?

They said third time’s is a charm and if it comes to her, nothing could be more truthful.

The first and second time I was searching for something I never knew. The third time I got lost in her.
Lost in this unknown sensation. Flowing in a space right between reality and dream. Always hoping for one more second. Always afraid to crash down, to realize it was just my imagination. Not knowing if that would save me or destroy me even more.

It took us some weeks before we were able to see each other again, at least in person.

My father was set on me accompanying him to one of his business trips. Telling me about the importance of hands-on-work for my future. How it would change me, helping me in becoming an adult. Presenting me with his idea of a perfect life and my worst nightmare. As if living in this cold sterile world wasn’t hell enough. Killing you slowly while you could only feel how the joy of living leaves your body and mind. Bound by rules, shackling your whole being.

We were stuck with text messages and late night calls.
Sometimes the sky turned red as I listened to her words. Sharing our struggles and the weight we carried outside of this safe place called us.

I forgot about my frustrations while she laughed. Her voice luring me to sleep. Helping me to dream of better times – a life full of warmth.

Her family was similar to mine, pretentious and only caring about their reputation. Not seeing the broken human behind the mask they forced us to wear. Still poking in the cracks, delighted by our tears.
Then she called me, crying and gasping for air, I rushed there on instinct.
Seeing her in pain, crying in my arms, holding on for dear life, all I wished for was for her to smile.
I realized I started to fall for her; for her laughs, her tears, her thoughts – her whole being.

That night we set the world ablaze.
Both lost in each other to numb feelings we couldn’t bear.
It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t red roses and sparkling delight, but it was real.

And while she slept in my arms, I promised myself I would never let her go.”