I Am Everything

Eleanor

When it's over
She turns away from him
What?
He watches her shoulders lift
Building her walls back up to protect herself from him.
What's wrong? he asks
Her neck muscles tense
She doesn't answer
Did I do something? he wonders out loud
No. she mumbles
Her hands pull into her chest
What is it? he whispers,
Admiring the moles and ink on her skin
Once you go to sleep, your mind will change. she manages while gulping down tears
No it won't. he insists
His arm rests on a crease of fat
Separating her rib cage from her waist
I want to be here. he tells her
His arm slides across her stomach,
Pulling her towards his chest
With you. he says while passing her ear.
He can feel her heartbeat through her back.
He pulls her hair away from her pillow and face.
This wasn't a mistake I'll regret in the morning.
He presses his lips into her shoulder
And goosebumps cross her skin.
I like you a lot.
His lips dance across her neck
And he sees her eyes close.
Do you like me?
She turns her head to look at him
Yes I do.
I have a confession to make then.
The corners of his mouth lift when she stares at him,
Hoping his next words are nothing less than sweet.
I lied to you.
Her eyes flicker.
What was your lie? she coughs up the words.
I don't like you. he whispers into her cheek.
Her fears flutter back to her chest and
She closes her eyes again.
I love you, Eleanor.
He presses his mouth against her tired lips
Her lashes lift, like it's all a dream.
So why don't you love yourself?
And her eyes close once more.