Shattered My Night Sky: Melinda (7 of 7)

It has been two weeks after that day at the cliff. Since then Bryant has kept his word, though I won't say that
I'm completely cured. When I felt the need to cry over the loss over my parents at night, I would pedal my bike to
his house. I tapped on his bedroom window, and he would let me in. he held me in his arms, told me soothing
words to comfort me, and let me stay the night.

When I go to him for a problem, he would never pushed me away or told me he's too busy; he always made
time for me. And he buys me gifts. When he brought me my latest gift, I said, "You don't have to buy me anything."

He asked, "Why? I like buying you things, it shows you my affection."

"Because you already gave me the greatest gift of all: you loving me."

Bryant and I are in a field tonight. The crickets sing their songs and the fireflies light up the sky. Show offs.

We're lying on top of a blanket. One of Bryant's hands is holding mine, our fingers entwined; his other
hand is place on my side. He's looking at me.

I, however, am looking at the sky, counting the stars...twenty-two...twenty-three...twenty-four. I feel his
hand rubbing up and down my side then steadily moves up to cup my face. His touch makes me lose count.

"My Melinda, look at me," Bryant says.

How his touch felt and the way his voice sounds like an act of an incantation, and I fall under his spell
and look at him. I see into his fervent-filled eyes, and his smile seems to stretch from ear to ear.

For a while he just stares, savoring our moment. The moonlight makes his skin glow. He tucks my
hair behind my ear. He moves his arms around to hold me.

Finally he asks, "Are you happy?"

I chuckle. "I'm ecstatic, Bryant."

He brushes my cheek. "Tell me what makes you happy."

"Kiss me and you got a deal."

Bryant laughs and seals our wager.

I love to hear him laugh; it's another reminder that he saved me. Sometimes I wonder what would
be the expression on his face if he has not saved me.

I say, "I don't cry as much for my parents. And"

"Wait," he interrupts, "you still weep for them? I thought I helped you with that."

"You did. I don't, because I mourn them, I just miss them."

"Oh," he says, slightly embarrasses but pleased, "What else?"

"Besides the fact you fill my heart with joy?" I say jokingly but with truth. I hear him
chuckle as I continue, "Since I spend all of my time with you, I feel more noticed
and loved. And you just sort of...healed me."

"Healed you how?" he asks intrigue.

I pause for a moment, thinking of the words to say. "...For years my world had an
eternal night sky. When you came into my life, your light shone through and shattered my night sky."

He smiles and runs his fingers through my hair.

"In a way, you kinda healed me, too."

"Tell me," I say.

"Give me a kiss since I gave you one."

I giggle and kiss his lips.

"What? Is that the best you got? I know you can do better than that."

"Think you can handle it?"

"Yes, without a doubt."

I cup his face and let our lips collide. Our kiss is soft at first but grows fiercer with each passing
second. My hands are behind his head, bringing him in closer, as he holds me tighter.

When we part, we beg for air to fill our lungs. Bryant, on the other hand, looks like he needs an
oxygen tank. He lies perfectly still on his back and his eyes are closed. I touch his chest, his back arches and moans.

"Are you alright?" I ask.

"Yes," he says, barely audible.

I love it when I pour my love for him in my kisses and the way they affect him. It makes me feel
worthy of still living and gives me purpose.

When he feels he's back in control, he says, "When I was with my friends, I felt I had to be a different
person; but when I'm with you, I know you accept me for who I am." He pauses. "I watched you. You
were so lonely. I saw you at the lunch table crying. I wanted to comfort you, but I felt weighted down...I
didn't help you then, and I hated myself for it. That's what you do; help the ones you love. I didn't do that, and I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Yes, it would be nice if you helped before; but you have now, and in the end, that's all that matters.
So you can stop feeling sorry for yourself. I forgive you."

"You're right. And it makes me feel better, relieving your pain. It makes me feel that I'm making up for what I
should have done. Plus, I just like spending time with you. I like showing you me affections. I hated
keeping it bottled up inside, you know?"

I nod.

Silence fills the air as we look at each other again. After a moment, Bryant say, "Promise me something."

"Like what?"

"...If you died, I would have never felt the need to be with someone else, that's how much I love you. You know that,
I tell you that enough. I want to be your only: boyfriend, fiancé, and husband. I want you to promise me that I'll be your only one, too."

"I promise because that's how much I love you."

He smiles, kisses me, embraces me.

Through this tough journey I have been on, I have an award of happiness. Though I am not sure I deserve this
gift of ecstasy, one thing is for certain: we are meant to be each others, one and only.