▫️ Sixteen

Ginelle's pov

It was comforting.

The soft massaging of my scalp as someone ran their fingers through my hair. I was awake but my eyes remained shut as I let the great feeling take over me.

I smiled into the soft and wood scented fabric remaining still to enjoy the moment for as long as possible but I accidentally let out a soft moan when they got to my tender spot.

The person doing so stopped and I frowned, opening my eyes. Dark grey eyes stared down at me unblinking that I saw my image in them with my head halfway braided.

"Sweetheart?" Grey cupped my face shaking me out of the daze I seemed to have fallen to. I blinked twice then jerked my head up when I realized I had been hugging his torso.

Sweetheart

My memory seemed to get back to me because I remembered doing shopping on a mall downtown. Then there was an accident I didn't seem to remember but I remember people running all over.

"You're okay," Grey turned to me, his face reassuring as he took my hand. I involuntarily shivered and he took a shawl from the coach and covered my upper body.

"Thank you for-" I had barely finished my statement when I choked and began to cough continuously. My chest constricted painfully as I curled my knees sideways.

"Sorry tulip, you must take this medicine," Grey took out four tablets of different colours each the size of a bottle top on his palm. There was a glass of water in his other hand and I closed my eyes in displeasure.

I hated taking medicine especially pills because I could barely swallow them. I usually drank all the water but the pills still remained in my mouth not to mention the terrible taste left on my tongue if they were bitter.

"My friend prescribed these," he began to explain but I shook my head to tell him that I trusted him. He didn't have to explain though I wondered how long I had been passed out.

"Do you have something sweet?" I didn't want to start demanding for things at his place but there was no way I could swallow those pills unless they were crushed into powder.

"Like ice cream?" Grey's eyes perked in anticipation but I shook my head. I needed a drink to take the medicine. An orange juice could suffice.

"You have ice cream?" I sat straighter with my legs dangling over the sofa as I asked. Even while seated, I hardly touched the floor.

"Y-yes," his face was downcast as he replied with his thumb moving around his chin. The back of his neck turned pink as he cleared his throat shifting beside me.

My cheeks turned up as I smiled and then I nodded at him that ice cream was fine. He almost grinned when he rose up and tucked his hands into his jean pockets.

I stared at how well they framed his legs and the black shirt that left his arms on display. He looked like every girl's dream, not to add how considerate and sweet he was with his actions.

Maybe his girlfriend would find me here at his house then beat me to the pulp and pull out my hair. I shuddered at my thoughts as I bit my lower lip. He didn't have one or did he?

"Tulip," I had zoned out again though my eyes brightened at the chocolate flavored ice he had at his hand. It was similar to the one we'd tried last week.

I happily took it from his grasp together with a spoon and began gobbling it down. Did he buy this for Mayella or was it mine? Sometimes my brain got stuck, just like now. What was I even thinking?

"Remember to -" Grey tapped my forehead to get my head out of the jar that was quarter way over. He took the previous pills and dropped them in as I watched them sink into the now melting ice cream.

They were bitter, the pills. The brown colour of the ice cream paled a bit and I felt my mouth go sour. I should have just taken them with water as usual. My ice cream was now ruined.

"C-can," Grey cleared his throat as I stared at the slowly changing solution. He bit his lip as his eyes met mine. Enchanting was what he was because how could I find it attractive? Him just seating at his house looking at me.

"Can I feed you?" My eyes twitched as I placed both of my hands on the sofa as I leaned back. His gaze that was more intense never wavered and I gulped, almost choking.

He took my silence as a go ahead and my heart beat erratically when he sat beside me with our legs touching. It was warm, his side, his arms, his house, basically everything about him.

I slowly opened my mouth as he fed me the surprisingly sweet solution. His eyes were concentrated on my mouth each time and I stared back at his, I don't think he noticed.

His lips were pink and full, reminding me of strawberries that I hadn't eaten for a while now. I bet they were just as delicious-

Was I always this perverted!

I let my eyes rest on his nose instead where I noticed a small mole towards his left cheek. It was dark brown and I wonder why I had never seen it before. It was prominent now as I leaned closer.

My thumb traced over the spot as I smiled to myself. How pretty, his skin was smooth too and I was slightly jealous at that. Why is it that good looking people have all the nice features?

A pretty smile, dimples, freckles, perfect teeth, smooth skin, a nice voice. It wasn't fair to me.

His jaw twitched as I continued to trace the spot and a small hole popped on his cheek. His dimple. I poked my thumb to feel how deep it was as I looked up at him.

He was close, his face was hardly ten centimeters away and my eyes widened. I didn't realize I had moved that close to him. Feeling shy, I averted his eyes but ended up bumping my nose on his.

I giggled as I now smiled and he too grinned. Without any control, I lifted the corners of his mouth slightly upwards with my thumb that he appeared to be smiling.

"You should smile," I knew he had a pretty smile and I wanted to see it. I wanted him to be free when he was with me just as I was with him.

"Smile," I was confused when he stroked my jaw and leaned closer as he whispered the words. He expectantly looked at my mouth and I pressed my lips together when he spoke again.

"It's the only way I can smile." My lips tugged on their own as I smiled and when I looked back at him, he was smiling. His lips were parted and I saw his upper two front teeth with a small gap in between.

He was pretty. No, attractive, handsome even. All the best names fit him that I couldn't tell them all though I felt a yearn grow from my heart. A longing that I couldn't quite comprehend but it revolved around him.

"Let me finish braiding your hair?" He asked dropping his hand and I sighed at the loss of contact as I nodded eagerly. He smiled as he rose up.

The house was large as I looked around following him. Most items were grey or black though there were few white ones. It was also clean, like exceptionally, not a speck of dust to be seen.

I walked towards the large windows where I could see the night sky through. He had the perfect view of the sky, especially the stars. They were numerous and bright, filling the vast sky.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I liked watching the stars, comparing which ones were brighter and those that were huddled in groups. I liked to think of them as friends who were always in each other's company.

Grey didn't say anything and I had to tear my eyes from the sight. Nobody couldn't find the night sky pleasant, right?

"Always," I smiled when he finally responded although I had expected to find him looking outside. He was right beside me, staring at the right side of my face smiling.

I couldn't get used to his smile.

He sat down on a chair he had brought to where I was standing and I dropped myself on the warm carpet as he began to comb my hair. I leaned back into him, between his legs as I stared at the sky.

"The stars are never lonely," I spoke into our silence and I heard Grey hum. Sometimes I wondered how I would have felt if I didn't have friends. If I hadn't met Lora, Dalton, Louis, Jordan, Leila, Mayella, Reece and now Grey.

"I'm never lonely with you," something compelled me to say the words and I felt Grey stiffen behind me. He was quiet that a pin drop silence filled the house.

I turned to say something less weighty, like a joke though he surprised me by taking my hands and saying, "I always want to be with you." I had to refrain myself from jumping into his arms.

"I didn't send you the pictures!" I exclaimed when I remembered I had not send him what I would shop as promised. There was a blue shirt I had meant to buy him.

"Did you pay for the shirt?" He pointed at the couch we'd previously been seated on. There was a blue shirt there. I don't remember paying for it.

"I found you holding the shirt when I came for you," I blushed when he said so, dropping my gaze to the ground as I traced the patterns on his brown carpet.

"It's for you," I shyly peeked at him feeling stupid for a minute. Who bought their friend a shirt? Especially in a color they didn't like.

"Yes, you usually wear black, brown or grey but I think you would look good in blue too because I like the colour and it would suit you better, not that the other colours aren't good on you but this one-" I took in a deep breath.

"Tulip," I covered my mouth before I continued though he lowered my hand as he shook his head. "Thank you, sweetheart." I didn't need a mirror to know how red I'd become.

Tulip, sweetheart. My heart couldn't stay calm at these words.

"I'm not sure if it fits but I could order a new one-" I wasn't intending on keeping my mouth shut tonight. I was concerned because the extra large t-shirt I'd bought for myself didn't fit him either.

"I love it, it's perfect." He stretched the shirt on his chest to show that it was okay. The shade matched his eyes and I felt proud for choosing well.

"Thank you for taking care of me," I didn't know what could have happened if it wasn't for him. Lora had taken Dalton to her maternal home whereas Leila and Louis were on vacation.

Did I mention that Leila and Louis were finally dating? After months of denial she had accepted his feelings for her and I was the happiest for them. Louis had surprised her with a trip on an island she'd dreamt of going and I gushed at their fondness.

How I wished I could have what they had. Was it really bad to hope for something that seemed out of the world? I had never even dated once, sigh.

"I'll be there for you," the strings of my frail heart pulled at his words and I wrapped my arms around him as my cheek rested on his chest. I had him, it was okay.

I almost pulled back when he didn't hug me back but he slowly patted my head back to his chest as his other hand draped over my waist. I relaxed into him when I heard him take a sharp inhale and he hugged me tighter.

We reluctantly pulled out of each other's embrace and I knew one hug wouldn't be enough. I wanted to keep hugging him, he was what I craved.

"Um, I should probably head back?" Deep down I knew I didn't want to leave but wouldn't I appear clingy if I remained? I had stayed for over three hours.

"No." I had never heard Grey protest that strongly but I smiled nonetheless. I was glad to know he too wanted us together. For the company, I reminded my brain.

"You're sleepy?" I had openly yawned but shook my head though he disbelievingly gave me a 'liar' look. I smiled sheepishly as he guided me back to the sofa.

"I'll read you a story, okay?" I nodded enthusiastically as I remembered of his captivating voice the night he'd first read me. I had slept peacefully with his voice at the back of my head lulling me to dreamland.

He came out with another shawl, a thicker one draped over his shoulder and a book in his right hand. From the cover, I could tell that I had never read that before.

The excitement that came with beginning a new book seemed to take over.

"Are you comfortable?" He asked after wrapping the shawl round my body only leaving my neck and head open. Every other part of me was wrapped, just like a baby.

Grey sat beside me and I waited for him to begin reading. Surely I don't think I would be falling asleep anytime soon. He flipped through the first page and after briefly glancing at me, he began.

Dedicated to those who have never loved but crave to be loved though they are scared of letting themselves go.

He paused to look at me and I pursed my lips together as I swallowed nervously. The story hadn't began yet but that dedication had cut through me. I think that line was meant for me.

I listened to the introduction, losing my focus when his voice deepened in a manner that had me shaking, taking my mind to crazy places. Was there any imperfection in him?

I wish I'd be like that too.

"Grey?" I interrupted before he went to the next page. So concentrated on myself, I had left him shivering in the cold when he was in his house.

"Come closer," I moved slightly since I was being hindered by the shawl then motioned him to bridge the remaining gap. He was hesitant at first but I slowly pulled him closer by his arm.

"Warm now?" I had unwrapped my right side and covered his left with our bodies flushed against each other. I subconsciously nuzzled to his side, curling into his warmth.

He pulled away and I tried to show indifference though my heart clenched painfully. I almost leaned back but his arm came over my shoulder, burying my head into his chest and he hummed.

Warmer now.

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Hello my dear readers! I'm so sorry to disappoint but lately I've been so busy that I think I'll go back to updating once a week. I will try as much as I can so that you won't feel left out for long.

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