23 Gladiolus & Walnuts_CH23
<< Anah's POV >>
The next few hour went by in a gist as I accidentally fell asleep, it was a satisfactory nap. I wake up to feel a hand on my shoulder and warmth underneath my head.
'I am on Quillion's lap, for how long!?' panic take over my tiny head. I turn around to get up, trying not to make too much noisy, I discovery a sleeping Quillion above me. My hand still intertwined in his as if he were holding for his dear life. Although his head is dangling in an uncomfortable way, he looks serene, like it is his first sleep in days.
'Surprisingly, he has long eyelashes and thick eyebrows. This is the first. I have never been this close enough to notice his features,' brushing my free hand on the tip of his eyelashes and down his nose, very softly. I play my hand down his fine sharp jawline and I am about to cup his cold cheek, so he doesn't catch a cold, I notice his eyes staring at me.
"Checking me out, are we?" he says as a smirk forms on his not-so-sleepy face. My face was now warm from the embarrassment of the moment, caught red-handed by no other than the biggest bully.
"HAWW! I wasn't! Anyways!" I rush to get out of his lap only to fall back down, we bought share a look and start laughing hysterically. My stomach started hurting but I couldn't stop laughing at my stupidity and my failed attempt at trying not to obvious.
"You are one silly little lady," he catches his breathe, one moment he has the widest smile, the next it suddenly disappears.
"What's wrong?" I watch him, placing my hand on top of his freezing hand. I give Quillion space, waiting for him to gather his thoughts.
"Gladiolus, you remind me of that flower. It was my mother's favorite," his eyes becoming a little teary as he stares into the be wilderness.
"What does it mean?" I softly caress his hand, watching his shoulders relax at my touch gives me an ineffable satisfaction.
"Strength and integrity – it come from the Latin word 'Gladius' meaning sword. During bedtime, her stories would revolve around flowers and the gift behind their meanings. Once she told me how I was her gladiolus. The following week, I went around the house with a wooden sword, pretending to my mother's knight," he looks down at my hand and gives a 'thank you for this' smile and in response, I lightly squeeze his hand.
"Well that's sweet of you but I am not Gladiolus. I am not brave enough for such a prestige title, oh magnificent night!" I exaggerate my expression to get him out of his trance. Quillion's mother sounds like a sweet person and she deserves to be remembered with happiness and joy in heart and mind.
"Well you remind of a walnut! A firm shell on the outside, but soft on the inside," I giggle at his express of utter shock. Followed by another episode of laughter.
"You really are something else, Anah," he looks as me one last time, before standing up. He lends me a hand and we both brush off any dirt on our clothes.
"I am indeed one of a kind," completely full of myself also, an attempt to remind myself that I am indeed good enough.
"Now, lets take you home?" he hesitantly watches for my reaction.
"I am fine, now. Yeah, I should go home if I don't want things to get worse," I nod, not overjoyed about leaving but I have no choice.
"Hey," Quillion nudges my shoulder.
"If you ever feel like disappearing ever, call me. I'll work some sense into you," his bully stance on except it doesn't scare me, only makes me feel more reassured. I go in for a hug, one last time before this destructive yet healing night disappears.
"I am not going to disappear, Anah," its like an unspoken promise he just made between us. Here I am trying to hold back these rising forbidden feelings for this bully and here he is melting away the wall with his warmth.
"Let's go," I say as I take my place on his bike. He gets on and drives off towards my neighbor's place. When we reach, I get off, quickly wish him good night and start sneaking up the pipes to the rooftop. Once, I reach the rooftop to my room window, I look back to find Quillion still there, watching me. I motion him to leave, but instead that silly little gangster asks me to go in. Inside, I turn around and watch as Quillion salutes goodbye and drives off and disappears at the corner of our lane.
Leaving my bag on the floor, I head to the bathroom to wash up and change into my Khamis and I don't bother go down to have dinner. I grab my phone from my bag; on low volume, I play 'Say You Won't Let Go' and start changing my bedding with some new vibrant ones. After that was all done, I lay down on my bed facing my glowing ceiling, knee up and unlock my phone. Lost in thought, I glance at Quillion's profile, opening his DMs, I contemplate whether to text him or not.
A- Hey? Asleep?
Q- Nope. Everything okay?
A- Yeah, just wanted to check on you.
A- Good Night, Walnut. :P
Q- Good Night
Q- Gladiolus :))
"It's a good night indeed," I turn around, placing my phone on my nightstand, I grab my sweet little Cider, hugging him a little too tightly before slowly drifting into a pleasant, content sleep.
