Fire And Ice

Chapter 67 - The Sanctuary

Hailey's P. O. V

By the time Kaesha and Timothy were back, I'd already finished my food, drank some water, changed into my pyjamas, and was wrapped up in my sleeping bag.

There was some chatter when they returned, but it didn't take long for everyone to retire for the night as I heard ruffles and the zip of the other tent closing. And then I was suddenly hyperaware of him, of his movements as he walked over to our tent, of the heavy sigh he gave before climbing in, of the warmth emanating from him as he climbed into his sleeping bag next to mine. I was as still as an untouched lake through it all, my back to him and my sleeping bag cocooning me.

Outside our tent, crickets and critters conversed in their nighttime sounds, but in our tent, silence reigned.

"Goodnight." He uttered, suddenly, softly, like he wasn't sure if I were still awake.

A beat passed, then I whispered back, "Goodnight."

More silence.

Try as I might, I couldn't sleep. It felt like my entire being was on high alert with him so close, coiled to pounce or retreat, I didn't know.

"I can't sleep." He said after some twenty minutes, "And your breathing hasn't changed, so I guess you can't either."

"No." I sighed.

The movement of his sleeping back ruffled and I was aware of his heat getting nearer. When he spoke again, his voice was closer.

"I don't know what Kaesha is up to, making us stay together, but why did you agree to this?"

"I figured it couldn't be worse than the last time we were left alone together." I replied without thinking.

He sucked in a breath and I sighed, then turned to face him too.

"I decided to try." I said, not meeting his gaze, "I've been avoiding you and I know it's made them uncomfortable, so I decided to try."

"Okay." He said softly, then paused, looking unsure of himself, "I'm sorry for those things I said."

I bristled, but he continued, "You had every right to avoid me, and it gave me a lot of time to think about how things went down. I was outta line and me listening to my fears since we met has been unfair to you. I just want the chance to make it up to you, if you'll let me."

I finally let my eyes meet his. They were earnest and unguarded, imploring me to accept his apology.

"You were so outta line."

He nodded.

"And rude."

He nodded again.

"And you hurt me."

He winced, then nodded once more.

"But if I have some time... I think I can forgive you."

Hope bloomed on his face and my heart squeezed at the sight, "Take all the time you need, Sunshine."

I allowed myself to smile.

Then thoughts of Kaelin invaded my mind. Sweet Kaelin, who still blushed every time I looked at him, who listened to me yammer on and on without so much as a yawn, who loved to bring me little trinkets from his dad's shop that he tried his best to bend into shapes and animals, who brought me food whenever he noticed any change in my mood.

Who had nervously asked to be my boyfriend just last week.

Who I'd said yes to.

My smile fell.