“Since we are already bonded for life,” she stutters. “Do you want to leave together?”
She starts rattling, fidgeting her fingers. “Since you already want to leave, you know. It is okay if you say no, but I thought I should ask. I will meet Da later, but I thought maybe you would want to come,” she blurs out, looking down at her feet, being busy with her hands and her necklace around her neck.
I press two fingers under her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye.
“It would be my honor to leave with you.”
I would swear, her pupils widened.
“Good.” She coughs. “Great even.” Her smile widens, anxiety washing away just because of those few reassuring words. She brings her face back in form, clapping her hands clean together.
“Let’s climb this fucking mountain and end this.”
I make a gesture with my hand. “Ladies first.”
She takes the lead but lets out a laughing huff.
Our first obstacle from now on.
Crossing that big running, streaming river.
It might not become a problem for her, but it will be for me.
Eliane throws her backpack on the ground and before I can blink my eyes her shirt follows. My eyes can’t help but trace the lines of her curves as I stand frozen to the spot. My eyes go from her towards the river and back to her.
She is going through it.
She looks over her shoulder as she takes her pants off.
“What?” She smirks, one corner of her mouth lifting as she catches my surprise. “I want to have some dry clothes when I am on the other side.” My throat goes dry and I try to swallow. I step towards her. My eyes peer at the water.
She asks again. I try to dodge her gaze.
“Nothing,” I stutter, my face moveless like iron, but it feels like my knees are shaking and I am surprised she doesn’t see.
One, two, three…
I count to ten, grounding myself and I pull my shirt and pants off, stuffing them in my backpack. In her undergarments she steps into the streaming river. My eyes follow her closely. I want to study her body, count every freckle, trace every curve, but all I can focus on is the water streaming over her. The water that gushes like a hose through my ears. She tiptoes in, her slim, but toned arms lifting her backpack above her head until she is at the deepest of the river, the water just above her shoulders. My feet touch the water, and I hold my breath as I follow her lead. I move my toe, trying to ease the cold that is leaving red spots on my feet. I suck in a sharp breath and let my body sink deeper, pressing my eyes shut. I draw in my stomach as the watertouches my skin. My mind flashes back to that night, my feet rolling over the stones beneath me. I press my eyes closed firmly.
Where is Eliane?
My head feels light, and the water reaches just under my chest.
Fuck, I need to get out.
I feel warm tears roll over my cheek as I press my eyes close even harder.
A murmur fills my ears next to my own heartbeat.
“Braxton.”
A hand brushes my shoulder.
Eliane’s warm fingers touch my skin.
“What did they do to you?” she whispers, her hands covering my cheeks, brushing over stubbles. My eyes are still closed, not being able to look at her. Water rushes next to my body, as I am still holding my breath.
It is her voice that drags me out of my trans, out of the reaction my body gives to the water.
