Chapter Three
Shyla woke to the sun shining directly into her eyes. How strange... she thought. The window isn't anywhere near my bed. Shyla opened her eyes in a panic. She cussed under her breath, and quickly tried to scramble up, but stopped when she realized Taylor's pretective arm was wrapped around her waste. She leaned back down on the hard floor, and rubbed her eyes. She didn't care whether her father found her home or not. Being in Taylor's safe embrace was all she needed to feel content with everything.
"Taylor," Shyla said quietly, shaking his arm. "Taylor, wake up."
Taylor's eyes fluttered opened, and he smiled at Shyla. It was so genuine, and friendly, Shyla thought she would melt. She would be nothing without Taylor. He made her strong. He helped her stay alive; he helped her fight her emotions.
Shyla managed a weak smile back. "Taylor..."
"Hmmm?" Taylor mumbled, still half asleep.
"I...I don't want to go home," Shyla admitted.
Taylor nodded, and hugged Shyla quickly, but gently. "I knew you wouldn't... stay here; with me. You can stay for as long as you like. We have a spare room you can use, and everything."
Shyla felt uncomfortable. "I don't know... won't your mother ask why I'm staying? I mean...I am of the oposite sex; she might wonder --- worry."
"Don't worry, Shyla. Anything is better than going back to that place you call home, right?"
Shyla nodded. "Of course."
Taylor leaned forward, and softly kissed Shyla's lips. What was intended to be a small peck on the lips as a show of friendship turned into something much bigger; much more meaningful. Shyla couldn't express the way she felt at that moment. So many thought's raced through her mind, but she didn't understand any of them. It was exactly what Shyla wanted, but it couldn't happen. If Shyla lost Taylor's friendship, she wouldn't be able to survive; and for what - a kiss? Shyla wanted so badly to feel safe forever, but it couldn't happen; no matter how badly she wanted it to. She gently pulled away, but the moment she did, she regretted it.
Taylor's face flushed a deep red. "Sorry."
Shyla placed her hand on Taylor's lips. "Shhh...it's okay," she said, smiling gently.
Taylor nodded, and bit his lip. He had yearned to do that for so long, but was too afraid of her reaction; But seeing the hurt - the pain in her eyes, he felt as though he could kiss it all away.
"How about we go in?" He suggested.
Shyla shook her head. "Not yet." She took his hand. "I like being out here. It makes me feel...safe...completely safe."
"Well, then, we'll stay out here as long as you want."
Shyla smiled, her heart pounding feircely. "Thank-you."
Chapter Four
