I stood outside in front of our house and just stared. I can’t force her to see things my way and I know this. And I would never force her to do anything or be in a relationship. My father and grandfather raised me better and taught me to respect women. The only woman I can’t stand really is Chelsea, but I still don’t disrespect her. Amy just infuriates me so much! I wish she would just give us a chance. Any time with her is better than being tortured with this longing. I understand her hesitance, I really do. But I want more than what she’s giving me. I want to hold her, dance with her… kiss her. I sighed and ran my hands through my hair.

Lena looked back at me and stepped outside to talk. “What happened, Kyle? She seems to be so troubled and it seems to be directed at you.”

“Granpa started talking about how we are connected, which she already knew that part. What she didn’t know was what I had tried to keep from her; that the connection goes deeper than just friendship. I didn’t want that weighing on her, so I just kept that from her.” I looked up towards her room. “And we almost kissed… twice.”

Lena’s mouth dropped open and she looked from me up to where Amy’s room was. “What stopped you from kissing?”

“Both times it was granpa.” I sighed and smiled. “The first time was purely accidental; he was walking down his lane and ran into us. He was coming to visit. The second time was because he ended up having one of his small coughing spells. His lungs aren’t getting worse, but they aren’t getting any better. Lena, he was singing the lover’s song. Amy and I danced to it and that was when we almost kissed.”

Lena looked quickly at my face and said, “Granpa knows, then. Your feelings aren’t love, not quite yet. But the connection is there and it’s growing stronger. Is this why she is upset?”

“Can you really blame her? She’s conflicted because she can’t leave her friends from her world because they are like family. And she doesn’t want me to leave my world because I have you and granpa. I can understand why she is conflicted, but it doesn’t make things any easier or better.” I turned from Lena and began to pace back and forth. “She doesn’t want to become too attached because once she wakes up, she’s gone.”

“But, she would still have the dreams and meet you in the field.” Lena pointed out the obvious.

I sighed and stopped pacing, looking up into the trees. “Lena, I wouldn’t return to the field. I couldn’t let her hang on like that and suffer more. I can’t suffer more. If she leaves then it’s over. This is why, though, I want to just have the time we are given. Any time with her is worth it. I just wish she could see that.”

Lena was quiet for a few minutes before she began. “Kyle, I know what you’re saying, I really do. But think long and hard about that. The time you are given with her will never be enough. Look at granpa. He still says to this day that 80 years with gran was not nearly enough.”

“I know. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting whatever time we are granted.”

I walked away from Lena. I had to go think for a while. And the only place I wanted to be at that moment in time, was up in the very tops of the trees. Away from every thing down below.

***

By the time I finally decided to go back down to the house, it was dark and the stars were out. I’m sure Lena and Amy had already ate and that Amy was probably sleeping comfortably with fresh bandages. I climbed down to her balcony just to make sure she was all right. I was not expecting her to be sitting in a rocking chair out on the balcony.

“I was wondering when you would stop your pouting and come down.” She smiled up at my and hugged the blanket wrapped around her even tighter.

“I was not pouting.” I answered back, looking away for a moment. “You really should be in bed asleep, little flame. It’s a little chilly our here for you.”

She rose out of the rocking chair and walked towards the railing. “That’s why I brought out a blanket and wrapped up.” She turned her back to the railing and leaned against it. “What were you doing up there all evening?”

I looked over at her and smiled a little. “Thinking.”

She shook her head and smiled back. “I know. I was thinking as well. It’s been quite the exhausting day, both physically and mentally. What were you thinking?”

I hesitated, trying to decide if I should tell her. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“All right,” I sighed. “I was thinking about us.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.”

The silence stretched on and I waited for her to either let it drop or ask more. She chose for more. “What about us? Did you reach a conclusion?”

“Well, you know my thoughts on the matter and I will say to you what I said to Lena. Any time I get with you is worth it. No, it will never be enough. My granpa and gran were together for 80 years and he still says that wasn’t enough. But he doesn’t regret any of that time, because he cherishes all of it.” I looked over at her and found she was staring at me. “And when the time came for you to go, I would let you go and live your life. Whether it would be with me or not. I’m not going to make you chose. I just want time.”

She looked away from me and out into the trees. I could tell she was weighing the options and I let her think. This was something you just couldn’t rush. I would wait patiently and accept whatever answer she gave me, even if it was less than desirable.

“I just don’t know, Kyle.” She sighed heavily and continued to stare at the trees.

I sighed as well and stepped closer to her. I put my fingers under her chin and gently turned her face towards mine. “I know. And that’s why I respect you decision. I won’t keep pestering you over this. I just wanted you to know my feelings on the matter. And know that I’m here for you, no matter what. I just wanted you to know, Amy.”

The unexpected use of her name made her eyes widen in surprise. “What?”

“I said I just wanted you to know, Amy.”

She looked into my eyes and I felt the air change between us. “This won’t end well for either of us.”

At those words she dropped her blanket and put her arms around my neck. She closed her eyes. I wrapped my arms around her, tangling my fingers in her hair and pressed her mouth to mine. It was as if a fire had broke out within us and we were burning together. We continued the kiss until when we finally broke apart, we were both breathing heavily. She smiled at me and I smiled back. She was giving me time.

“Thank you, little flame.” I began and she covered my mouth.

“Shut up.” She came in close again and we continued kissing. We continued for a long time, with short breaks in between embraces. I don’t know how long we stood on the balcony, just enjoying the burn of our kisses and the feeling of finally being free to do so. Eventually we did go in and lay down together. We kissed some more and then, when I could tell she was exhausted, I pulled her head to my chest and just relaxed with her in bed. We did nothing else. She fell asleep on my chest almost instantly and the last thing she did was breathe a deep sigh of relief. I smiled up at the ceiling. I felt as though I could climb to the sky and never come down. She was mine, and I was hers.

For now.