Abstinence

ELSIDA

I pay the driver and then make my way out of the taxi car towards the lake. My skin is sticky from perspiration but I don’t let it deter me as I make my way two steps at a time.

My breath gets caught in my throat when I spot the black roses and dandelions lining the entrance to the lake. “What the…”

The flowers intertwine together in a beautiful cacophony and I stare mesmerized. My words manage to fail me.

What is Julien doing? As though he is summoned by my thoughts, I see Julien’s back hunched and his gaze on the white sand.

“Julien?” I murmur tentatively.

The moment he registers my voice, his head swerves in my direction and he faces me with the brightest green hues.

“El you came” he rasps and His eyebrows Inch upwards As he regards me.

“What’s going on Julien?” I rasp as my gaze drifts to the flowers once again.

Julien doesn’t answer me. Instead, he closes the gap between us and cradles my face in his hands.

“I love you El,” he murmurs, his minty breath fanning my face.

My