“Yeah, I think I’ve got her soft side for some reason.” Elijah shrugs. “I’ll take it.”
“You deserve it. You work so hard.” I nod.
We arrive at what I’m guessing is the art room, and Elijah leans his back on the door.
“You’re not allowed to laugh.” He narrows his eyes at me.
“No laughing.” I agree. Even though, I’d never.
“And, you’re not allowed to say anything for the first fifty seconds. Like, really take it in. You know?” He bites his bottom lip, scanning my face.
I tilt my head, reaching out to pinch his chin softly. “E. Come on. It’sme.” I breathe softly.
“Exactly.” He gives me a soft smile and rolls his eyes, falling victim to my so-called ‘charm’. “Okay, let’s do it.” He opens the door and turns on the light.
Right away, my focus is taken by the back wall. I’m winded. Speechless. Absolutely mystified by what I’m seeing.
It’s a collage unlike I’ve ever seen before. Collected on a huge canvas, as big as the wall itself is a picture of myself. I know it’s me, because the closer I get, I can make out my blue eyes staring back at me, my hands clasped over my mouth, and my blonde hair falling over my face. From far away, it may seem like a picture, but as I walk closer and closer, I can make out the small tiny details. Smaller pictures taken that make up the different shades and colors that when put together, makes the entire portrait.
“So, it’s not done yet.” Elijah rushes out, cutting me off. “I need a few more pictures to make out here.” He points to my shoulder. “And, I’m waiting for some more trees to change so I can get more shades to put in your hair. It’s…been a process.” He bites his thumbnail, stepping back, staring at my face.
I feel overwhelmed looking at it. He has captured everything down to the little brown freckle I have under my right eye.
“It’s all nature.” I say softly, leaning in to see the pictures that make up the color of my eyes. The different shades of blue skies, water, and even butterfly wings that collect to make up my exact shade is outstanding.
“Yeah, well…it’s sort of to represent the world.My world…” He stammers.
I look over at him, feeling the weight of his words press on my chest. He created something as beautiful as this solely out ofhis love for me.
I lick my lips and try to look away before the tears drop.
“Woah, woah, hey,” Elijah rushes in, clasping my face with his hands. “It’s alright. It’s just a picture.” He laughs lightly.
I shake my head, not wanting to make a big deal out of how sweet it is. He’s so good to me…and I’ve been lying to him.
“It’s not just a picture. It’s…you just love mesowell.” I smile softly as he wipes a tear from my cheek. “I don’t deserve it,” I breathe.
Elijah’s eyebrows crease as he clenches his jaw. “Tobias, I thought we weren’t going to speak like that anymore.”
I look down at my feet, immediately regretting my choice in words. I don’t want him to worry about me.
“I know. I’m sorry…I—”
“Hey,” Elijah props my chin up with his finger, making me look into his eyes again. “You’d tell me if things getdarkagain…wouldn’t you?”
This question shocks me.
I don’t want him to know how far I’ve been slipping. I don’t want him to worry. Worry leads to questions and that just leads to a whole bunch of answers I can’t give him.
I glance back at the canvas. That beautiful piece is so full of love.
Looking back to him, I’m overwhelmed with that same fear I’ve grown to know all too well. The fear of losing that love.
No, I can’t.
So instead of words, I answer him with a deep kiss. Letting my lips answer him in the one way they know how. Deeply and all consuming.
“You know I’ll be here for you, right?” Elijah pants against my lips. “No matter what?” he says, cupping behind my neck.
